Encouragement rather than chastisement will be Ernie Merrick's policy as his Newcastle A-League side seeks to rediscover their missing touch in the final third.
The free-scoring Jets averaged over just over two goals a game through their 2017-18 minor premiership campaign, finishing second on the ladder.
But they have scored just two goals in their first three games of the new season.
They are winless and bottom of the ladder with one point.
On Saturday they took eleven more shots than Melbourne Victory but lost 1-0 in the grand final rematch in their first home game of the campaign.
Newcastle will be without suspended poacher Roy O' Donovan for several more weeks.
While frustrated by the Jets' poor early season conversion rate coach Merrick stressed he intends on praising rather than criticising players.
"I was really impressed with our boys right from the start, we attacked but we just need to score goals," Merrick said after the match.
"I think if we play like that over the next few weeks, we'll get three points. It was a commanding performance without the goals."
The Jets fixture list doesn't get any easier in coming weeks.
Newcastle's only other home game in the first six rounds is next Saturday against pacesetters Sydney, followed by matches at Western Sydney and Melbourne City.
"I think it's important to start picking up points, Sydney is a great opportunity," Merrick said..
One player pushing for a return to the starting lineup for the Sydney game is holding midfielder Ben Kantarovski, who was a late substitute on Saturday.
"Our midfield dominated most of the game, but Ben (Kantarovksi) is pushing for a start," Merrick said.
"His passes through the middle were first class... he's a real force in the midfield."
Australian Associated Press
