Jets' defence to tighten: Griffiths

SPORTAL.COM.AU

BY: Steve Orme
Newcastle Jets defender Adam Griffiths admits his side can ill-afford momentary lapses of concentration when they clash with bitter rivals the Central Coast Mariners in the Hyundai A-League Grand Final on Sunday.

The Jets were guilty of some defensive errors early on in their victory over the Queensland Roar in last week's Preliminary Final.

But, while they escaped punishment to eventually prevail in extra-time, Griffiths knows the Mariners have the ability to pounce on the slightest slip-up.


"We want to try to tighten it (our defence) up a little bit because obviously Central Coast have a lethal strike-force in John Aloisi and Sasho Petrovski," Griffiths explained.

But, while the Jets have addressed ways to contain their opponents, the 28-year-old said the Novocastrians would not shy away from their own attacking style of play.

"So definitely we want to tighten that (defence) up but also we don't want to stop ourselves from playing the football that we want to play and to create chances at the other end as well," he said.

Griffiths may be doubting his own backline's effectiveness but Mariners' danger-man John Aloisi still believes its one of the best defences in the competition.

"I think that Newcastle usually defend really well, they've got the best defence in the league along with Queensland this year," Aloisi said.

"So it's going to be hard to break them down and we'll just have to watch them when they go on the break because they've got players that are quick on the break."

Asked to predict the nature of the contest Griffiths quipped: "Hopefully high-scoring with not many goals going in the back of our net."

After consecutive extra-time hit-outs in as many weeks, Jets coach Gary Van Egmond has looked to lighten the load leaving the players in high spirits, and confident that the Hyundai A-League Champions Trophy is on its way to Newcastle.

"We've had a real light week and it's been an enjoyable week so far," Griffiths said.

"It's going to be a real test of character but I think we've got the boys to do it and we're really excited about the Grand Final."

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Article source: http://sportal.com.au/football-news-display/jets-defence-to-tighten-griffiths-43694