Football
AAP 8y

Ugarkovic urges Newcastle to keep focus despite early A-League promise

Newcastle Jets midfielder Steven Ugarkovic says his team are determined to keep a lid on expectations after some promising early form that has thrust them to third spot on the A-League table.

The Jets have earned four points from their opening two games, including a shock 4-0 wipeout of the Brisbane Roar in front of their home fans last round.

Not since last November have the Jets flown alongside the competition elite, winning three of their opening four games before spiralling to a disappointing eighth-placed finish.

Ugarkovic, who scored against the Roar, remained wary of getting caught up in his team's strong start ahead of Sunday's clash with perennial heavyweights the Western Sydney Wanderers.

"As a team we've got four points in two games, which is good," he told reporters on Wednesday.

"We're just keeping our heads on. We're not going to get carried away with anything. Still got a very tough game this weekend. We're just looking forward to that."

Against the Roar the former Olyroos representative enjoyed arguably his best game since moving to Newcastle back in January, doubling his goal tally to two.

After playing 11 games last year, he said he is now relishing life under new coach Mark Jones.

"Now I know players who I'm playing against which is good. It helped a lot," he said.

"Obviously it comes with different coaches as well. A little bit of freedom, or different tactics which allows certain midfielders to go forward. I'm just trying to focus on getting the best I can for the team."

^ Back to Top ^