Defender Harrison Delbridge says Melbourne City need to stop taking their foot off the throttle if they are to be a Hyundai A-League force.
City produced a professional performance to overcome a plucky Newcastle Jets 2-0 on Saturday night to consolidate second place on the table.
Craig Noone scored inside eight minutes as City dominated the first half before relying on a Jamie Maclaren penalty after the break to make the result safe.
While City always seemed in control, they did let the Jets back into the contest in the second half and gave up a host of opportunities which the visitors couldn’t take.
And Delbridge, who was impressive on his return from suspension, admits it’s a lesson his side must learn from heading into a tricky period of matches.
“It’s one of those things we want to get out of our system a little bit, sitting back and taking on pressure,” Delbridge told Fox Sports.
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“We look better when we come out and press teams like we did in the first half and turn the ball over in their half and create opportunities.
“It’s something we have to continually work on and the more we can do that the better we’ll look going forward.”
The win closes the gap between City and league-leaders Sydney FC to eight points with the Sky Blues having a bye in Round 15.
But City’s next challenge is a home clash with in-form premiers Perth Glory at AAMI Park next Saturday night.
Glory have won five games in a row ahead of their clash with Western Sydney on Sunday, a run which started with a 3-0 drubbing of City at AAMI Park in December.
“It’s a big game for us and one we want to show up for and get the result,” Delbridge admitted.
“We weren’t happy with how it turned out last time so it’s one we want to come out and make a statement that’s for sure.”
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Delbridge was one of City’s best against the Jets, along with English winger Noone who curled in a sublime opener from the edge of the box.
“As soon as I took a touch inside I was always aiming for that far post and luckily it just curled in at the last minute,” Noone said.
“We were dominant, it could have been more. We can be a bit more ruthless and we’ll work hard to do that.
“I had a good start [to life in Australia] in the FFA Cup and I tried to make it continue in the league and it wasn’t working.
“I was doing other things for the team, it wasn’t just about scoring and assisting, I was trying to work hard for the team and I’m hoping to see the rewards for that now.”
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Round 16
Melbourne City v Perth Glory
Saturday, 25 January 2020
AAMI Park
Kick off: 7.30pm AEDT
