Jets set out to avoid unwanted A-League goal record against Phoenix

IT is the goal-scoring entry in the record books the Newcastle Jets are desperately trying to avoid against the Wellington Phoenix this afternoon.

IT is the goal-scoring entry in the record books the Newcastle Jets are desperately trying to avoid.

And coach Scott Miller is ready to ditch his side’s conservative mindset today at Hunter Stadium against Wellington Phoenix in a bid to ensure it doesn’t happen.

Goalless in their past six games, the Jets have not found the back of the net since Ben Kantarovski found an equaliser in the 71st minute against Brisbane on November 28 last year.

That equates to a staggering 559 minutes since the Jets have found any joy in front of goal.

Aside from ensuring they have gone 10 games without a win, it has also put them just 47 minutes shy of the A-League record set by the defunct New Zealand Knights, who went 606 minutes without a goal back in the 2006-2007 season.

The suggestion is the club’s huge focus on shoring up a defence that leaked like a sieve last season has come at the expense of their effectiveness at the other end of the park despite an encouraging start to the season.

The Jets will be out to avoid an A-League unwanted record against the Phoenix

Just nine goals in 14 games tells the story. The Jets are last in the A-League for shots and last for shots on target.

Miller says his players don’t need reminding about their lack of goals but claims they can use the pressure in a positive way to turn things around against a Phoenix defensive line that is hardly rock solid having conceded 22 goals already this season.

“I think it can motivate players,’’ Miller said.

“It’s a catch 22. You keep alluding to it and it can compound it or you can actually work on the solution. We’ve shown we can do it. But it’s just that final execution.

Asked about the 559 minute drought, Miller said:

“It’s certainly not a record we want. We need to be more adventurous.

“We definitely need, and I am demanding, a lot more conviction in the final third.

“It’s down to individual responsibility and who wants to take the glory. Who wants to score that elusive goal?’’

While central defender Daniel Mullen suggested during the week “we’ve got our game plan and we are not going to shy away from that”, it is hardly surprising Miller is toying with a change of formation in a bid to revive his side’s ailing play-off hopes.

It is expected the club’s most effective player this season, veteran David Carney will move up front alongside Milos Trifunovic against the Phoenix to give the Jets a two-pronged strike force and more options and creativity in the front third.

Much will hinge on the fitness of Brazilian midfielder Leonardo, whose stop-start season with injury has not aided the Jets cause. He is expected to play against Wellington.

Jets captain Nigel Boogaard believes the finger should not be pointed at individuals for the dearth of goals, claiming the entire side has to take responsibility.

Originally published as Jets set out to avoid unwanted A-League goal record against Phoenix