Newcastle Jets have moved into the Hyundai A-League top six after recording a stunning last-gasp 2-1 win over Adelaide United at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night.
The Jets looked on track for three points after Andrew Nabbout’s first-half strike before a howler from goalkeeper Jack Duncan appeared to have rescued a point for the visitors.
But with time almost up, substitute Morten Nordstrand found space in behind and stole all three points with a well-taken finish.
In an open affair, Adelaide started the brighter and were unfortunate not to take the lead after striking the post twice in the first 20 minutes.
The Reds were punished for their wastefulness with Nabbout firing the Jets ahead midway through the opening stanza after a quick-fire counter-attack.
Adelaide fought their way back into the contest in the second half and their persistence was rewarded with just over 20 minutes remaining after Duncan parried an Isaias free kick into his own net.
But after squandering two chances in stoppage time, Newcastle weren’t to be denied with Nordstrand popping up to seal the hosts’ second straight victory.
GOALS
1-0 Newcastle Jets: Andrew Nabbout, 29’
Wayne Brown pounced on a loose ball inside the Jets half before playing a delightful through ball which put Devante Clut through on goal. The playmaker then showed great composure to tee up Nabbout who took a touch before calmly stroking the ball past the stranded Eugene Galekovic.
1-1 Adelaide United: Jack Duncan (OG), 68
Reds midfielder Isaias whipped in a dangerous free kick from a tight angle which Duncan opted to punch but badly miscued his clearance into his own net.
2-1 Newcastle Jets: Morten Nordstrand, 90’+3
With virtually the last kick of the game, substitute Ma Leilei played Nordstrand in behind with the Dane showing his class with an assured finish past Galekovic.
KEY MOMENT
In a blistering start, Adelaide came within inches of opening the scoring after Sergio Cirio was brilliantly thwarted by Jets keeper Jack Duncan. Cirio showed great feet to beat three Jets defenders before firing a strike on goal which Duncan somehow managed to parry onto the post and away from danger.
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