Another stunning free kick from Eli Adams has helped Newcastle to third on the table, the Jets running out 2-1 winners over Western Sydney Wanderers at Commbank Stadium.
The Jets’ Irish centre back had earlier Joe Shaughnessy scored his first Isuzu UTE A-League goal, with James Delianov’s performance also pivotal in Newcastle taking all three points from a venue they’ve never won at before.
The three points was hard won for the Jets, who gave as good as they got and could have easily had at least a share of the spoils based on how they played.
Shaughnessy’s goals was set up by Adams inside the first 15 minutes; he eased past Alex Gersbach and pinpointed a ball for Shaughnessy to climb over Jarrod Carluccio and head home for a rare goal.
Adams then banged in his searing free kick in the 39th minute after Ruon Tongyik had taken down Will Dobson, who touched the ball for the Jets mid to crash the ball past a motionless Lawrence Thomas on his left foot.
The goal was just about Adams’ last moment in the game however; he was subbed off at half time and was seen on the bench later with an iced up left hamstring.
The Wanderers forced the Jets’ hearts into their mouths in the 83rd minute when substitute Awan Lual scored his first Isuzu UTE A-League goal at the near post from a brilliant Anthony Pantazopoulos cross.
Western Sydney poured the pressure on in the last 10 minutes of the match, but the Jets’ defence stood tall amid an onslaught largely directed by Pantazopoulos.
Delianov underscored his enormous game in front of the Newcastle net with an 89th minute save off Lual – the best of his four of the day – that ended up a decisive moment in the game.
Max Burgess was also instrumental for the Jets playing a deeper lying role in front of the back four, allowing him more time and space on the ball to set up the play.
The Wanderers’ new Japanese marksman Hiroshi Ibusuki came on at half time for Alou Kuol, while Newcastle bringing on Lucas Scicluna in the 72nd minute meant that he shared the field with brother Dylan for the first time.
Newcastle – who have five wins in their last six games – will be looking to frank their form further when they host Wellington next Friday night.
Meanwhile the Wanderers – a point above CCM in last place – will be looking to get their sputtering season on track against Perth at Commbank Stadium next Saturday.
ALEX TOBIN MEDAL VOTES:
3. Max Burgess
2. James Delianov
1. Eli Adams
