Newcastle Jets coach demands return to winning ways - Herald Sun

Newcastle Jets manager Gary Van Egmond pleased with his teams resolution despite losing a five-goal thriller to Melbourne Victory.

Newcastle Jets coach Gary van Egmond says his side were unlucky to have a penalty given against them after his goalkeeper Mark Birighitti was fouled.

Newcastle Jets coach Gary Van Egmond has called on his players to step up to the plate in a push for finals football. Source: Getty Images

BRUISED by a run of just four points from eight games, Newcastle Jets coach Gary van Egmond will demand his players prepare to fight their way back into finals contention - starting with a showdown with Adelaide tomorrow.

Admitting his side desperately needs a win to reignite their season, van Egmond included every available player to face John Kosmina's side with captain Jobe Wheelhouse back from injury.

After double defeats in Melbourne over the past two rounds, Newcastle have slipped to eighth, albeit only a point outside the top six.

"We have to ensure we win the battles that then earn us the right to play," he said. "We've been doing quite well at that in patches during the season, but it's something we will re-emphasise.

"It's about being up for the game - we can get carried away as coaches about this style or that, but if you don't win the duels and the second balls, you won't be able to dictate the game.

"If there's one thing we could be critical of in the Heart game (last weekend), it was that we didn't do that enough, especially in the first half. We allowed Heart to control the game, and that makes it very difficult for any team.

"We have to ensure we're ready for Adelaide - they're doing well, have some very good imports and the table doesn't lie, so there's a tough game ahead."

Wheelhouse's return adds steel to the Jets midfield, and van Egmond said he would have no qualms about utilising his entire squad in the search for a winning combination.

"We definitely have an emphasis on giving young players experience, the sort that will stand them and us in good stead down the line, but we also have an obligation to our supporters and members to be as competitive as possible," van Egmond said. "We know we need three points to get our season back on track."

Van Egmond admitted he had to tread a fine line between rapid-fire tuition for his youngsters and nursing their confidence through a morale-sapping run.