IT WAS about time we saw some decent derby-esque qualities resonate between Newcastle and Central Coast again, wasn’t it?

Without doubting the passion of either set of players - they are obviously ultra committed individuals - for mine, ever since the final of February 2008, F3 Derby duels have failed to live up to their billing.

Even then, the intense circumstances of finals football certainly led to increased fanaticism both on the field and in the stands.

Again, the crowd number was a massive letdown in Newcastle (perhaps the lightning around 6pm put some punters off - I'm ever the optimist), but the ones that did brave the ominous looking elements made a hearty atmosphere.

And it's a thought that the match perhaps maintained more mongrel due to the sheer number of Brits on the pitch.

The UK is home to many of the greatest derbies in World football, including the Old Firm, last week's Lancashire spar and this morning's Liverpool versus Manchester United match up, to name but a few.

So, did the presence of five Britons - Michael Bridges, Michael McGlinchey*, Matthew Crowell, Nicky Travis and Chris Doig - perhaps have some influence on the spirit of how the game was played?

Obviously there are other nations in the World that also have heated exchanges - we could do with persuasion from others areas too - but the Brits do put on a great show when rivals meet.

And, it was many of the players of UK ilk that led by example on Friday night.

Bridges and McGlinchey were definitely amongst the most impressive on the evening.

Maybe it was their recognition of the importance of a derby extending out of their upbringing that ignited their efforts, subsequent contributions, and their influence on the rest of their sides endeavour to play at an entertaining, intense, combative and finally, derby-like pace and manner.

The crowd reacted, making a good atmosphere despite the stadium being sparsely populated, and for the first time in a long time fans experienced something a little closer to what's continually promised, but rarely delivered.

More of the same - or better - next time, please.

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Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the idea for the Newcastle Jets team in the hypothetical FFA Cup.

The main arguments came for the inclusions somewhere of Adam Griffiths, James Holland and Jin-Hyung Song.

Taking that feedback into account, out goes the currently brilliant Labi Haliti for Song at left midfield, while Holland takes his place on the bench. Vaughan Coveny also gets demoted with A. Griffiths promoted to the pine, while the decision to omit Ned Zelic and Ljubo Milicevic completely will earn the ire of some Jets fans.

As such, the final Jets team of seasons one to five looks a little something like this:

1. Ante COVIC, 2. Tarek ELRICH, 3. Andrew DURANTE, 4. Paul OKON, 5. Jade NORTH, 6. Stuart MUSIALIK, 7. Jin-Hyung SONG, 8. Matt THOMPSON, 9. Joel GRIFFITHS, 10. Nick CARLE, 11. Milton RODRIEGUEZ

Bench: 12. Mark BRIDGE, 13. James HOLLAND, 14. Adam GRIFFITHS, 20. Ben KENNEDY

Coach: Gary VAN EGMOND

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