Johnny Warren Medalist Milos Ninkovic conceded Sydney FC were below their best but admitted Newcastle deserved a point in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Allianz Stadium on Wednesday night.
In an entertaining top of the table clash, Newcastle twice grabbed the lead and looked like causing a huge upset as they clung to a 2-1 lead heading into the final stages.
But a sublime ball from Adrian Mierzejewski teed-up Bobo with three minutes left to rescue a hard-earned point for Graham Arnold’s side.
“We started really sloppy. Especially first half, we didn’t play like we want,” Ninkovic told Fox Sports.
“But we need to give credit to Newcastle as well. They play very good football in the first half and I think they deserve one point.
“Newcastle is a very good team. They prove [that] week in, week out. They play very good football. Like I said, they deserve one point tonight. They played very well.
WRAP: @SydneyFC fightback earns thrilling draw with @NewcastleJetsFC https://t.co/POct4DhrW9 #SYDvNEW pic.twitter.com/D2dEDE7F31
— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) January 3, 2018
After falling behind early courtesy of an Andrew Nabbout header, Ninkovic produced an incredible piece of individual skill to draw Sydney FC level just five minutes later.
The Serbian linked up with Bobo before weaving his way through a host of Jets defenders, showing sublime footwork as he dinked a composed finish over the onrushing Glen Moss.
“It was a very nice goal. Maybe the best goal I’ve ever scored. It was a nice assist from Bobo,” Ninkovic said.
“I am happy I scored, especially after I’ve been injured for nearly a month. I need games.”
Sydney next travel to Brisbane to tackle the struggling Roar on Monday night, with Ninkovic stressing his side need to learn from their slow start against the Jets.
“We have a very, very good team. And a lot of quality in this team,” he said.
“We need to play our football from the first minute and to play all 90 minutes.
“Sometimes, especially in the first half, it was too much running without the ball.
“When your running without the ball it’s difficult to play football.”
Leaving it late!
Adrian ➡ Bobo = a very valuable point for @SydneyFC.
📺 @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/fv0fliPL9c
— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) January 3, 2018
