Newcastle Jets’ standout player Natasha Prior is optimistic that her team could be the one to finally break Melbourne City’s impressive unbeaten streak in the Ninja A-League.
Prior made her impact felt after coming off the bench in the 70th minute, marking her seventh appearance for Australia on a historic evening for the CommBank Matildas in Newcastle on Monday.
In front of a record crowd of 28,019 at McDonald Jones Stadium, Manchester City midfielder Mary Fowler put the home side ahead just before half-time with a composed finish.
With the Matildas dominating play, they sealed their victory in the 63rd minute when former Melbourne City defender Kaitlyn Torpey struck home a second goal, thanks to a fortunate deflection, completing a back-to-back win over the Korea Republic within four days.
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As they gear up for their next challenge in the Ninja A-League, Prior and her Newcastle Jets are set to travel to AAMI Park on Friday night to take on league leaders Melbourne City—a clash that could be pivotal in the race for this season’s Premiers Plate.
Currently sitting atop the table, Melbourne City remains unbeaten after 21 matches and holds a two-point advantage over their rivals Melbourne Victory with just two games remaining. Conversely, the Jets find themselves at the second-to-last position, well out of finals contention.
Despite their current standing, Prior insists her side will head to Melbourne brimming with confidence, and she firmly believes they can hand the home team their first defeat of the season.
“I have a strong feeling,” Prior remarked while speaking with reporters following the match in Newcastle.
“I don’t know if it will come to pass, but I have a very good feeling.
Tash Prior on Newcastle Jets’ upcoming encounter with Melbourne City.
She also mentioned, “I’ve been chatting with Holly Mac (McNamara) in the dressing room, so it’s game on!”
The Jets will head into the match following a 2-0 loss to Western United at home in Round 21.
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If the Jets manage to pull off a victory and end Melbourne City’s unbeaten run on Friday night, it would undoubtedly rank among the biggest upsets of the Ninja A-League season, especially considering Newcastle’s struggle against City, having never defeated them in 18 attempts.
For Melbourne City, a win against the Jets would secure them a second consecutive Ninja A-League Premiership, provided Melbourne Victory does not overcome Central Coast Mariners in the other Friday night fixture at Industree Group Stadium.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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