The Newcastle Jets have fallen short of a tenth-straight win, being halted in a 0-0 draw by a determined Central Coast Mariners side at Polytec Stadium.
Newcastle were denied an opening goal in the 21st minute, as Will Dobson was deemed to have impacted the play in an offside position, disallowing Eli Adams’ perfectly placed strike.
The Jets continued to look the better side in the opening half hour, coming close to finding the back of the net twice through Lachlan Rose.
The breakout star had his first chance sensationally blocked off the line, before smashing the crossbar moments later from the following corner.
It was a rather uncharacteristic second half of action for both teams, with crucial mistakes in the final third costing either side an opening goal.
The bitter rivals traded blows in periods of attacking dominance, however it was the defences that continued to come out on top.
Lucas Mauragis looked the most likely to break the deadlock as his long-range effort whistled over the bar, whilst for the visitors, Kota Mizunuma’s effort rifled into the side netting with minutes remaining.
As the full-time whistle blew, there seemed to be a sense of disappointment from both sides as a crucial chance for three points slipped away in a rather uneventful outing.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT THEY SAID
Hear what Central Coast Mariners’ coach Warren Moon had to say after the 0-0 draw.
Newcastle Jets’ coach Mark Milligan chatted after his side fell one game short of making it ten-straight wins.
