Jets held at home by United
Newcastle Jets wasted a chance to close the gap on the A-League top six as they were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Adelaide United.
The Jets would have moved within three points of Wellington Phoenix, who occupy the bottom spot in the Finals Series places, if they had overcome the Reds.
But they couldn't find a way past keeper Paul Izzo at the McDonald Jones Stadium, as they played out their first scoreless draw since Ernie Merrick took over as coach at the start of last season.
Newcastle, playing their fourth game in 12 days, needed some luck to secure a point.
Craig Goodwin broke into the penalty area just before half-time and fired in a shot that thumped against the crossbar.
The home side came under early pressure as Adelaide, with a strong wind at their back, earned five corners inside 10 minutes.
At the other end, Irish striker Roy O'Donovan failed to get on the end of an Ivan Vujica cross from the left that also eluded Kaine Sheppard.
Merrick sent on Steven Ugarkovic just after the hour mark, having left him out of the starting side for just the second time in two seasons.
And when he introduced Joey Champness moments later the switch almost reaped an immediate reward. Champness latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the area and saw his shot hit a defender and loop towards the top of the net before Izzo tipped it over.
Jair provided Newcastle's chief threat, though he failed to produce a powerful enough shot when he was released down the left 18 minutes from time.
The home side had a late chance when substitute Lachy Jackson sent a cross into the box which O'Donovan looked set to reach but wasn't able to make contact with his head.
The Jets are 12/5 to win their next game against Melbourne Victory, who are 11/10, with the draw 12/5.
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Newcastle Jets wasted a chance to close the gap on the A-League top six as they were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Adelaide United.
The Jets would have moved within three points of Wellington Phoenix, who occupy the bottom spot in the Finals Series places, if they had overcome the Reds.
But they couldn't find a way past keeper Paul Izzo at the McDonald Jones Stadium, as they played out their first scoreless draw since Ernie Merrick took over as coach at the start of last season.
Newcastle, playing their fourth game in 12 days, needed some luck to secure a point.
Craig Goodwin broke into the penalty area just before half-time and fired in a shot that thumped against the crossbar.
The home side came under early pressure as Adelaide, with a strong wind at their back, earned five corners inside 10 minutes.
At the other end, Irish striker Roy O'Donovan failed to get on the end of an Ivan Vujica cross from the left that also eluded Kaine Sheppard.
Merrick sent on Steven Ugarkovic just after the hour mark, having left him out of the starting side for just the second time in two seasons.
And when he introduced Joey Champness moments later the switch almost reaped an immediate reward. Champness latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the area and saw his shot hit a defender and loop towards the top of the net before Izzo tipped it over.
Jair provided Newcastle's chief threat, though he failed to produce a powerful enough shot when he was released down the left 18 minutes from time.
The home side had a late chance when substitute Lachy Jackson sent a cross into the box which O'Donovan looked set to reach but wasn't able to make contact with his head.
The Jets are 12/5 to win their next game against Melbourne Victory, who are 11/10, with the draw 12/5.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com
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