Newcastle Jets punched their ticket to the Australia Cup Round of 32 in incredibly dramatic circumstances, beating the Melbourne Victory 4-2 on penalties after the two sides were locked at 2-2 following 120 minutes of action in Darwin.
It looked like the Jets would cruise through after an early opener from Trent Buhagiar and a 70th minute strike from 18-year-old substitute Archie Goodwin secured a two-goal buffer.
That is, until absolute mayhem in stoppage time saw the Victory come from nowhere to level the scores thanks to goals in the 92nd and 97th minutes.
Olyroos forward Nishan Velupillay gave Tony Popovic’s side a glimmer of hope, before a late penalty was dispatched by William Wilson to send the game into extra time – and, ultimately, a penalty shootout.
Both sides had young goalkeepers in between the sticks eager to make themselves a hero, with Ryan Scott and Ahmad Taleb each making a save and coming close to another, before young Victory defender Jordi Valadon stepped up to the spot and sent his effort over the bar.
That allowed Phillip Cancar to coolly slot past Taleb to send his side to the Round of 32.
“The Jets had to win it twice, but they do win it,” Network 10 commentator Teo Pellizzeri said.
“… Both keepers made a save during the shootout but ultimately it is the Jets who hold their nerve. Rob Stanton starts with a win, Tony Popovic is still all smiles at full-time.
“You wouldn’t know who won the game surveying that scene!
“There will be three ties in the Round of 32 in Newcastle; maybe it is their year after all. They get over the line in a penalty shootout.
“Consolation for Jordi Valadon, who ran himself into the ground over 120 minutes. You hope he doesn’t beat himself up too much for the spot kick at the end.”
Indeed, it is a wild way for incoming Jets boss Rob Stanton – taking on his first senior head coaching role at A-Leagues level after plenty of success as an assistant at Sydney FC – to secure his first win in what was his first match in charge of the club.
Newcastle had 22 shots to seven across the 120 minutes but needed penalties to secure safe passage after those five minutes of madness.
Meanwhile, Victory will not be adding to their two previous Australia Cup triumphs this season, although Popovic may have learned a thing or two about who he can trust for the upcoming campaign having started such a young XI here.
Captain Stefan Nigro and midfielder Nathan Konstandopoulos were the elder statesmen in a starting XI that featured several teenagers, including Jordan Bos’ brother Kasey.
The Jets have earned a Round of 32 match-up against Brisbane Roar, scheduled to take place in mid-August. Tomorrow night, Perth Glory take on Macarthur FC in Darwin with the final spot in the next round of the Australia Cup on the line.
