Keeper Mark Birighitti backed his skipper Nigel Boogaard after the Jets defender was red carded for a second week in a row in Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Brisbane Roar.
The 24-year-old Jets keeper, who had an eye-catching game between the sticks, conceded the send off in the 66th minute changed the game at Suncorp.
MATCH REPORT: Broich winner boosts Roar’s Premiership hopes
Roar equalised from the spot following Boogaard’s foul on Henrique and with the man advantage Brisbane powered home to win.
“It was a solid performance. I thought we were in it for most of the game,” a disappointed Birighitti told Fox Sports.
“The red card hurt us. But we support ‘Boogs” decision there.”
Birighitti had a fabulous game for Scott Miller’s side, who sit in eighth spot and will miss the finals for the sixth season in a row.
But for the most part of this clash, Newcastle looked like they could’ve gotten something out of the game.
It was to a degree a reflection of their topsy-turvy season, as Birighitti noted.
“It’s frustrating as the boys put in a good performance. I’m sure we’re all disappointed we couldn’t come away with the result.
“We’ve been in most of the games this year. And a little lapse in concentration can kill us sometimes. But it is what it is.”
The Jets now have a final chance to salvage some pride with an F3 derby this weekend in Gosford.
“We now have Central Coast next week so let’s hope we can finish off the season on a high,” added the Perth-born keeper.
