Returning striker Roy O’Donovan hailed Newcastle Jets’ grit and determination for their come-from-behind win over Perth Glory which has kept them within reach of the Hyundai A-League summit.
Despite being second best for much of the clash at nib Stadium, two goals in the last six minutes handed the Jets a 2-1 win.
“We were poor by our own standards but the really positive thing is we attacked to the very end and we showed a lot of character,” O’Donovan, who returned from injury off the bench for the visitors, told Fox Sports.
“It was great win for us and keeps us in the title race.
“[We showed] a lot of grit, a lot of determination and it was worth it in the end.
“It’s a very handy three points for us on the road. To be fair to Perth they played a very good game, their approach was terrific but we just edged it.”
Glory looked on course for the three points after Joe Knowles first-half goal had them in control for much of the contest.
But substitute Johnny Koutroumbis equalised two minutes from time before a Jeremy Walker own goal in stoppage-time handed the visitors all three points.
It was heart-breaking for the undermanned Glory, who weren’t helped by suffering further injuries to key stars Alex Grant and Xavi Torres.
“It’s not good enough. Injuries cost us again. I don’t know what it is, a lack of pre-season for everyone?,” a shattered Mitch Nichols told Fox Sports.
“We’re in a bad spot at the moment we just have to keep working hard.
“We’re working hard for 90 minutes but a lack of concentration hurt us. We’re letting our fans down.”
The result sees Newcastle remain in second spot, five points behind Sydney FC ahead of their clash with Adelaide United next weekend.
Glory – who have dropped to eighth spot – host Wellington Phoenix in Round 11.
