Newcastle promise a show for Coffs Harbour’s first professional match

Newcastle captain Nigel Boogaard has promised A-League entertainment at its finest in Coffs Harbour today.

Newcastle captain Nigel Boogaard says the Coffs Harbour pitch for the match against Melbourne City looks ‘immaculate’.

Newcastle Jets captain Nigel ­Boogaard has promised A-League entertainment at its finest when Coffs Harbour, on the NSW north coast, hosts its first professional game today.

The eighth-placed Jets host star-studded Melbourne City at C.ex Coffs International Stadium needing a win to stay in touch with the top six.

They are one point behind sixth-placed Wellington after a 2-0 flop against Western Sydney last week ended a run of just one loss in six weeks.

Boogaard and his teammates took to the NSW north coast field for the first time yesterday, and later predicted a free-flowing show for the locals.

“Obviously, Melbourne City are a great side and they’re in some form at the moment, so for us it’s key for us to get three points,” ­Boogaard said.

“After training on the surface today, it’s immaculate.

“I think it’ll definitely play into the hands of both teams and it should be an entertaining match.”

Coach Mark Jones was also complimentary of the venue, which has so far attracted about 4500 in tickets sales for the 20,000-­capacity venue.

The venue’s record crowd was 10,838 for an NRL pre-season game in 2013.

“It’s not the first time I’ve been here. I’ve been here with the ­nationals juniors a number of years ago and it’s a lovely facility,” he said.

“It’s a lovely place and town. Hopefully it brings us luck.”

The Jets head into the fixture as underdogs but they have been boosted by the return of key ­attacking pair Andrew Hoole and Morten Nordstrand.

But Jones confirmed midfield cog Wayne Brown was still bothered by a hip issue and will miss his third straight match.

“Early on in the week we knew we’d play without Brown, but we’ve got two of the three who were out last week, so I’m happy with that,” he said.

Third-placed City, who are 14 points adrift of ladder leaders Sydney, are likely to take an ­unchanged line-up from the one that toppled Central Coast last week.

Meanwhile, Western Sydney player Kearyn Baccus has been charged with punching a man in the chest over a car space in Sydney.

​Baccus, 25, was charged yesterday with common assault following the altercation with a 49-year-old man in Arncliffe, in the city’s south, early this year.

​It’s understood the incident took place in a quiet suburban street close to the airport.

“Police will allege the younger man has punched the older man in the chest,” a NSW police spokeswoman said.

“The 25-year-old attended Kogarah police station at 2pm yesterday afternoon. He has been charged with one count of common assault.”

​The Wanderers confirmed they have spoken to Baccus about the incident and that he remained available for selection for ­Saturday’s match with Brisbane Roar.

Baccus was bailed to appear in Sutherland Local Court on February 28.

Baccus has not been stood down by Western Sydney and he trained with the club as normal this morning.

AAP, RAY GATT