Newcastle Jets have picked up their first win of the 2024-25 Ninja A-League season after a wonder strike from captain Cassidy Davis helped them defeat Wellington Phoenix.
Despite dominating the contest on home soil the Jets struggled to find a way past Wellington goalkeeper Carolina Vilao until Davis produced a strike from the very top drawer.
With the contest deadlocked as the clock ticked into the 70th minute, Davis took matters into her own hands, unleashing a stunning effort from wide on the left which flew past the keeper and into the net.
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In what was largely a one-sided contest the Jets had further chances to double their lead but couldn’t add a second to truly kill off their opponents.
However the home side saw off any late pressure from visitors to seal their first win of the campaign to leave Wellington sat bottom of the table having lost all three of their matches this season.
Despite dominating the first half at Maitland Sportsground the Jets just couldn’t find a way past Phoenix keeper Vilao.
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Ratcheting up the pressure before the break, Deven Jackson sent a blistering effort towards goal which was tipped over the bar in the 40th minute before the Portuguese shotstopper then had her palms stung by a fierce shot from Sheridan Gallagher.
In a frantic period just before the break, cross-code star Gallagher then saw a glorious chance go begging as she flicked a header narrowly wide of the far post after being left unmarked inside the area.
It looked as though the Jets were going to need to produce something special to get past Vilao in the Wellington goal and they duly did in the 70th minute.
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Collecting the ball from a Newcastle throw-in down the left, Davis lifted her head up and took a touch towards the Phoenix box before unleashing an unstoppable effort which sailed over the head of Vilao and into the net.
Giavanna Vicari then missed a guilt-edged chance soon after which would have put the game to bed however the home side held on for their first win of the season.
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