Melbourne Heart''s Josip Tadic celebrates his first-half goal. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Getty Images
WILDLY inconsistent all season, it was perhaps no surprise that Melbourne Heart should produce one of its better displays after last week's debacle at Wellington Phoenix.
Heart's two top scorers, Golgol Mebrahtu and Josip Tadic, netted again to clinch a crucial 2-1 win against Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park yesterday.
All three goals were scored in the first half-hour.
While the game ground to a halt in the second, Heart managed to hold on to its advantage -- something it has done all too rarely this season.
The win lifts Heart off the bottom and within touching distance of the top six -- and also a point behind the Jets.
Coach John Aloisi gambled by making the gutsy decision to axe veteran goalkeeper Clint Bolton and it paid off, with 23-year-old Andrew Redmayne looking assured in his first start for Heart.
Melbourne Heart goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne stretches to make a save. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun
The return of Jonatan Germano gave Heart greater control and his midfield teammate Matt Thompson was impressive.
Fred's engines get better each week and the Heart skipper produced a wily and energetic performance.
The Jets had Emile Heskey's close pal, West Indian great Viv Richards, address the team before the game but it failed to inspire the Jets, who have now shipped a worrying 28 goals in 14 games.
Newcastle's defensive frailties were on display yet again with a sixth-minute turnover leading to Heart's opener.
Thompson was gifted the ball in midfield and he offloaded to Tadic, who released Mebrahtu for his second goal in as many weeks.
Redmayne withstood everything the Jets threw at him -- until he upended James Virgili to concede a penalty and earn himself a deserved booking.
Ryan Griffiths stepped up to slot home the 18th-minute penalty.
Tadic looked dangerous all afternoon and he restored Heart's lead from the penalty spot in the 26th minute.
Melbourne Heart's Aziz Behich is brought down by Newcastle's Craig Goodwin. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun
Mark Birighitti dropped the ball after a challenge from Patrick Gerhardt and the Jets keeper then fouled Germano.
Starting on the right, former Heart youngster Craig Goodwin was beaten in an enthralling duel with the excellent Aziz Behich. Goodwin got some joy when he cut inside and almost equalised with a curling long-range shot in first-half stoppage time that was tipped over by Redmayne.
The game's other gripping duel involved Heskey and Patrick Gerhardt and though supply was limited the burly Englishman was fantastic throughout. He worked tirelessly and forced a good save from Redmayne just after the restart and again late in the match as the Jets searched for an equaliser.
Heskey's 87th minute yellow card for dissent summed up the Jets' frustration, with coach Gary van Egmond remonstrating with officials throughout the game.
But in the end the result was justified.
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