Nikolai Topor-Stanley hailed the influence of Newcastle Jets boss Carl Robinson as the Hunter Valley club kept their slim Finals Series chances alive with a drought-breaking win over Perth Glory on Saturday night.
A wonder-goal from the veteran defender and Roy Donovan’s strike either side of Neil Kilkenny’s penalty helped the Jets beat Perth on their home turf for the first time in over eight years and move eight points of sixth-placed Brisbane Roar, who play Melbourne City on Sunday.
The 2-1 win is the first of Robinson’s reign following draws with Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory and Topor-Stanley believes the former Wales international has rebuilt the club’s confidence after a difficult campaign so far.
“He’s brought a different structure,” Topor-Stanley told FOX Sports.
“He’s given confidence to players like Steven Ugarkovic and Angus Thurgate, two young players… he’s given them all the confidence to get out there and play.
“They’re playing free football and there is plenty left in the tank for the season.”
Newcastle boss Robinson handed a debut to former Sydney FC star Bernie Ibini, who played under him at Major League Soccer outfit Vancouver Whitecaps in 2017, although fellow Wales international Joe Ledley missed out.
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Ibini was a match-changing double substitution alongside star man Wes Hoolahan from Robinson that tilted the balance of the match Newcastle’s way in the second half and ended with O’Donovan finishing off Bobby Burns’ cross at the back post.
Irishman O’Donovan believes the win keeps the Jets alive in the hunt for a Finals Series spot.
“We’ve given ourselves a glimmer of hope,” he said.
“We have to go on a run the way we’re playing and give ourselves half a chance.
“We’re playing great – people are really excited to watch us play at the moment.
“The biggest positive is the energy and hard work and we look like a team with a lot of unity.”
Newcastle have the bye next weekend before travelling to Adelaide United on March 15.
Round 22
Perth Glory v Melbourne City
Sunday, 8 March 2020
Venue: HBF Park
Kick-off: 3.00pm local, 6.00pm AEDT
Newcastle Jets have a bye
