Lauren Allan has given Jets coach Ash Wilson something to think about as she mulls over a starting side for Newcastle's first home game against Wellington at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday.
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The lightning-quick striker gave Newcastle the injection they needed when she came off the bench in the 62nd minute with the Jets trailing Sydney 2-0 at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Saturday and had almost immediate impact.
Allan put the visitors back in the game by scoring from close range in the 67th through a show of sheer desperation.
The one-goal gap was short-lived - the Sky Blues found a third goal through a corner two minutes later to seal a 3-1 victory - but Allan's effort from the bench is sure to have her in the frame for the starting 11 against Phoenix.
The match is the first of a Jets double-header with Wellington. The only other club double-header this season will be on January 30.
The goal was Allan's fifth in 23 appearances and the radiography student is keen to keep having impact in her third national league season.
"It was pretty surreal to be honest, just watching it go into the back of the net," Allan said.
"I always want to be scoring goals, and especially coming off the bench and doing it, that was even better."
The 25-year-old also wants to break into the starting side and establish herself there.
"I've struggled a bit coming off the bench, so it was good for me to score off the bench and be that impact player that Ash has been asking for," Allan said.
"So, if that's the case, keep coming off the bench doing well but hopefully earn that starting spot and keep scoring goals."
Wilson has a range of options for the final third with speed and skill in equal measure. The Jets showed plenty of promising signs as they pushed forward against the Sky Blues but will need to capitalise on that against newcomers Wellington, who had a 0-0 draw with Western Sydney in round one.
"I really don't know much about them - they just look a lot of young girls," Allan said
"I've played against a few of them but it's pretty unpredictable, so they've got that going for them as well."
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Renee Valentine
Renee Valentine is a sports journalist with more than 20 years of experience in Newcastle. She is passionate about increasing the visibility of sportswomen in the media. Got a sports story, email Renee at r.valentine@newcastleherald.com.au
Renee Valentine is a sports journalist with more than 20 years of experience in Newcastle. She is passionate about increasing the visibility of sportswomen in the media. Got a sports story, email Renee at r.valentine@newcastleherald.com.au
