Newcastle have gone one step closer to claiming the Premiers Plate after earning a point with a late equaliser against Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.
Eli Adams and Charles Nduka both scored doubles in a tense match that saw momentum swing wildly a number of times throughout.
Newcastle weathered an early storm of Victory chances in the first 15 minutes, before hitting the front through Adams’ finish from outside the box on the counter.
Some patience from Jordi Valadon and Josh Rawlins in the second phase of play from a corner saw the ball find Nduka in behind the defence to tap-in the equaliser on the half-hour mark.
Nduka grabbed his second just three minutes later to give Victory the lead when he volleyed home Franco Lino’s perfectly weighted cross in from the left.
Victory started the second half with the same intent they finished the first, but Newcastle’s defence was able to see off the threats.
The rain arrived around the hour mark and with it came sloppiness on the park, the wet conditions causing both sides trouble; the weather cleared as quickly as it soured, but it was the Jets who emerged with the momentum.
Adams scored the equaliser in the last minute of regular-time from the spot after Lachlan Bayliss was judged to have been fouled in the area by Sebastian Esposito.
Xavier Bertoncello struck the crossbar with the best chance the Jets had at a winner, ensuring the match finished 2-2.
Newcastle move four points ahead of second-placed Auckland; meaning if Auckland lose to the Mariners on Sunday, Newcastle will be premiers. But if Auckland win or draw, we’ll be in for an enthralling final round.
Victory head up to Parramatta next weekend to take on Western Sydney in the final round of the season, while Newcastle host the F3 derby against Central Coast.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Newcastle Jets goal: Adams 19′
Melbourne Victory goal: Nduka 31′
Melbourne Victory goal: Nduka 34
Newcastle Jets goal: Adams 89′
