The Newcastle Jets’ incredible winning streak extended to eight games on Sunday evening as they defeated Macarthur Bulls 1-0 at a packed McDonald Jones stadium.
Clear-cut chances were few and far between in what was a cagey first half at McDonald Jones Stadium but the deadlock was broken less than 10 minutes after the restart.
With the ball pinging around the Macarthur box both Clayton Taylor and Lachie Bayliss had shots blocked but Bayliss reacted quickly to his initial effort being thwarted and lashed a left-footed effort across the keeper and into the far corner.
With five goals in his last five matches Bayliss then had his sights set on a sixth as took aim from distance and almost caught Bulls keeper Alexander Robinson off his line.
With Socceroo Mitch Duke now on the pitch alongside towering striker Harrison Sawyer the Bulls went for a more direct approach and it nearly worked in the 59th minute as Sawyer headed back across the face of goal for Duke to tap home but he couldn’t supply the finish.
The Bulls strike duo then combined again, this time in the 71st minute as Sawyer’s deft touch fell perfectly for Duke, however the forward dragged his shot wide of the near post.
Macarthur pushed for a late equaliser but couldn’t find a way past a resolute Jets defence as the home side sent their fans home happy.
The result sees Mark Milligan’s high-flying Jets go four points clear of Auckland FC at the top of the Isuzu UTE A-League after their eighth-straight win.
Defeat for Macarthur means they remain in sixth spot in the table, albeit just three points clear of the Mariners in seventh spot.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT THEY SAID
Hear from Newcastle Jets captain Max Burgess after they extended their lead at the top of the league to four points.
Macarthur Bulls’ four game unbeaten run in the Isuzu UTE A-League came to an end at the hands of the Jets on Sunday evening. Midfielder Anthony Caceres spoke to Paramount+ after the game.
