Jeremy Brockie scored his first goal for new club Newcastle Jets, but a late Ben Kantarovski own goal saw the Jets share the points with Melbourne Heart. Cutting back in off the right wing, Brockie's well weighted first touch set up a left foot finish past Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton (highlights here). Back in the starting line up after recovering from a calf injury, its a great start to the season for the All Whites winger. I am a big fan of Brockie. He is one of New Zealand's best technical footballers. But his tendency to drift in and out of matches and in and out of form can be frustrating. Let's hope with injury behind him he can kick on and have the big year his talent warrants.
Brockie's was the third Kiwi goal of the night, with Shane Smeltz grabbing two against his old club in Wellington. A powerful first half header was followed by a more regulation six yard finish mid way through the second half (and could have had a third if not for the inside of the post). His two goals helped Gold Coast grab their first point off the Phoenix, recovering from a two goal deficit to earn a well warranted 3 all draw. So its back to business for the prolific Smeltz, who got plenty of stick from the local crowd but took it all in good nature. Highlights and goals here.
Sam, agree on Brockie. He's also been able to score goals from midfield which few other Kiwis have managed regularly. I think he needs to stay in one place for a while and get some decent coaching. He needs someone to tell him what to do, and Branko, who is an excellent coach, could be that guy.
ReplyDeleteNewcastle match highlights here
ReplyDeletehttp://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/video/299627/Newcastle-Jets-v-Melbourne-Heart
Indeed, let's hope he keeps his form up! First touch was class, shot was well placed and with a big dollop of luck on it :P
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