After 74 minutes without scoring, two ex-Newcastle players pulled out stunning displays to overcome their former club.
Canberra United’s 5-0 thumping of Newcastle Jets on Saturday sent a clear message to the Westfield W-League field, but it wasn’t the simplest day out for the visitors. After 74 minutes without scoring, two ex-Newcastle players pulled out stunning displays to overcome their former club.
Aside from the massive scoreline, coach Jitka Klimkova will surely be pleased that her team has kept another clean sheet and extended its unbeaten run, which stretches back to last season.
And supporters will be thankful that one of their goal-scorers made the move south this season, with former Newcastle Jets talisman Ariane Hingst grabbing the visitors’ third goal of the match. The German international had previously been with the Jets since 2011 before signing with Canberra United in September this year.
Not one to single out players, Klimkova made special mention of another ex-Newcastle player in the form of Samantha Wood, praising her as the spark that turned the game in Canberra’s favour. After being introduced in the 73rd minute, with the score still deadlocked at 0-0, Wood helped set up the first goal with her first touch and had a wonderful game as her side stormed to a massive victory.
That seemingly brilliant substitution and subsequent goal from Hayley Raso seemed to ignite Canberra’s desire for more, and Newcastle simply capitulated. An incredible 10-minute spell saw another four goals hit the back of the Jets’ net as the girls in green dominated.
After their scoreless draw against Brisbane Roar last weekend, Canberra United could have been forgiven for relying on two-time golden boot-winner Michelle Heyman to grab the points. And while the prolific striker did manage to get her name on the scoresheet with her team’s second goal, the reigning champions ended up smashing in five goals from five different players.
It would be foolish to say Canberra United is in the box seat for back-to-back titles this early in the season, especially with Perth Glory currently topping the Westfield W-League table with two victories at home so far. But it’s clear the defending champions have more than enough talent in their squad to score plenty of goals without relying solely on Heyman.
For the ex-Newcastle players, it was a happy homecoming. But the Jets will certainly be keen for revenge when they head to the capital in round eight.
