Thurgate’s deft opener earns Newcastle first win despite United’s late rally

Newcastle Jets survived a late barrage to beat Western United 1-0 on Saturday evening and secure their first win of the Hyundai A-League season.

Teenage attacker Angus Thurgate, leading the line in place of Panamanian international Abdiel Arroyo, gave the Jets a deserved lead on 36 minutes with a nerveless finish past United ‘keeper Filip Kurto.

Ernie Merrick’s side threatened to double their advantage before the interval but were unable to get past Kurto again.

The hosts threw everything at Newcastle in search of an equaliser and they had one through Josh Risdon only for the goal to be ruled out following consultation with Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Alessandro Diamanti threatened to beat Newcastle shot-stopper Glen Moss from range, and the Jets number one was required to make outstanding stops from Connor Pain and Besart Berisha as the visiting Hunter Valley outfit held on.

Key moments

Kurto takes centre stage

Filip Kurto was certainly the busier of the two goalkeepers during the first half in Melbourne and the Polish shot stopper demonstrated his quality with a strong stop here.

Angus Thurgate’s drive took a deflection off Nick Fitzgerald en route to goal, forcing the reigning Goalkeeper of the Year to readjust quickly and parry the ball away.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6104829035001

Thurgate strikes for Newcastle

Ernie Merrick’s side played some enthralling football in the first half and deservedly took the lead through Thurgate on 36 minutes.

It was a move in which the teenager played a starring role and finished after racing onto Dimitri Petratos’ perfectly weighted pass and steering a confident finish past Kurto.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6104829046001