3 minute read
Western United are keen to respond against Newcastle in Ballarat after moving on from their 4-0 loss to A-League Men leaders Melbourne City.
Western United have licked their wounds after their humbling loss to Melbourne City and are eyeing a response against Newcastle.
The A-League Men champions copped a 4-0 hiding from the current league leaders, including shipping a couple of horror goals.
Coach John Aloisi said 11th-placed United had quickly moved on ahead of facing the Jets at Ballarat's Mars Stadium on Sunday.
"It's always disappointing to lose but you have to put that past you and then focus on the game ahead and the boys have done that, they've worked really well this week.
"We still take confidence out of the three games before the City loss.
"It's always important to remain level and not to get too carried away with big results, and also results that don't go your way."
United are without left-back Ben Garuccio, who is sidelined for six weeks after injuring his calf against City.
"We're confident whoever plays will perform," Aloisi said.
The Jets sit 10th and are coming off two losses on the bounce but Aloisi is wary.
"They play some good football that can actually open you up pretty quick," he said.
"So we have to make sure that we're well organised defensively, and with the ball that we move the ball well and we try and open them up.
"But they're going to be a tough team to play against."
The game will also mark stalwart Neil Kilkenny's 150th ALM appearance.
The midfielder had stints at City and Perth but has been a crucial cog at United.
"He's had a great career, Neil," Aloisi said.
"He's been in successful teams, he helped us with the success that we ended up achieving last year.
"He's a great leader on and off the field and he's a quality player
"He should be happy and pleased and also feel proud about what he's been able to achieve in the game.
"But knowing Neil, he won't even focus on that, he'll want to win the game. He's a winner and he wants to win every game."
