A stunning volley from Newcastle Jets captain Cassidy Davis saw her emerge as the hero on her milestone night, helping her side come from behind to seal a 1-1 draw against Western Sydney Wanderers in the Hunter on Sunday night.
Davis, who surpassed Tara Andrews to become the most capped female in Jets history, found the net in the 92nd minute to cancel out an opener from Wanderers skipper Vicky Bruce in the Liberty A-League.
A match that looked destined to be distinctly unmemorable exploded to life in the final stages, with those two goals and a slice of A-Leagues history as the Wanderers broke the record for the youngest player in competition history for the second match running.
The added-time introduction of Ischia Brooking saw her break teammate Talia Younis’ record – which she took off Matildas superstar Sam Kerr only a fortnight ago – making her debut aged 14 years and 347 days old.
In the absence of star recruit Melina Ayres, who was left off the team sheet entirely, the Jets failed to produce a shot in the opening 64 minutes, before Mindy Barbieri saw a shot on target saved, leaving plenty wondering where a goal would come from.
Meanwhile, the highly-anticipated debut of striker Milly Clegg did not provide an immediate spark for the Wanderers.
Now eligible to play for her new side after celebrating her 18th birthday during the week, Clegg started up front alongside Maliah Morris, but could not convert any of her three shots before being withdrawn clutching the back of her left leg on 55 minutes.
However, both sides had late moments to celebrate as their respective captains stepped up to ensure this clash would live long in the memory.
“It was meant to be!” said 10 Play commentator Campbell Johnson after Davis found the equaliser. “It was written by the football gods.”
The Talking Point: Wanderers break all-time record AGAIN
It was only a couple of weeks ago that Wanderers young gun Talia Younis broke Sam Kerr’s record to become the youngest player in A-Leagues history at just 14 years of age.
The Matildas superstar held the record for nearly 15 years – but Younis ultimately held it for little more than 15 days!
Wanderers boss Robbie Hooker made more history in this match, introducing Ischia Brooking – who is 13 days younger than Younis was when she made her debut in Round 2 – late in this match.
When the 14-year-old joined the Wanderers, she was labelled “one of Australia’s brightest talents” by then-Wanderers boss Kat Smith, who has since departed the club.
The Star: A fitting moment for Cassidy Davis
On the night she became the most capped female in Newcastle Jets history, it was only fitting that captain Cass Davis produced a magical moment.
It was only last season that the centre-back scored her first A-Leagues goal – but this was a strike any number nine would be proud of, nailing a pinpoint perfect volley from the edge of the area to save a point for her team.
One she’ll never forget.
What it means
At the end of Round 3 of the Liberty A-League, Newcastle Jets sit fifth with one win, one draw and one loss to their names.
This match suggested they may have an issue with depth when Ayres isn’t available, but it was also a display that showed immense character as their captain led from the front and refused to be beaten.
Their next match is away to Melbourne Victory next Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Wanderers have their first goal and their first point of the campaign, showing signs of life in a season that has started slowly for them.
They face another tough test next time out against second-placed Melbourne City.
