Defensive leader Nigel Boogaard’s return to shackle the sensational City attack was one of the keys in Newcastle’s stunning 2-1 win on Sunday, said Jets’ defender Jason Hoffman.
A second-half double to Newcastle striker Milos Trifunovic laid the platform for the stunning win at Hunter Stadium.
And even though Fornaroli was able to pull one back late in the game, it was one of the few good moments for the Uruguayan.
He was denied space and time by a brilliant Jets rearguard, who stood up after a 6-1 loss in their last home game and a 4-0 thumping at the same venue against City in December.
A-League boilover: Jets shock 10-man Melbourne City
“It was just a better performance that I’m happy with right now,” Jets fullback Jason Hoffman told Fox Sports after the game.
“It’s disappointing to cop a goal – we wanted a clean sheet. Especially against 10 men and they came at us… but three points is three points.
“And Nigel [Boogaard] coming back in he made a huge difference. He leads from the back, is very organised and we tried to keep the game compact.”
Boogaard missed last week’s loss in Adelaide after a red card the week before in the loss to Glory.
In a bright first half, the Jets carved out a few excellent openings for Trifunovic, Alivodic and Cooper.
And despite a penalty shout for City – correctly waved away by the referee late in the first half – it was the home that shaded the contest going into the break 0-0.
But the game soon sparked into life in spectacular fashion, the Jets picking up the tempo to shock City taking the lead with a penalty.
And with Jacob Melling’s red card just after the hour, the Jets sensed it might be their day.
It was with a second goal coming shortly after despite a Fornaroli goal with 11 minutes to go which made the final few minutes a gripping contest on a warm afternoon at Hunter Stadium.
“To hold them to one after copping four games last time we played we’re pretty happy,” added Hoffman.
He added if it remains mathematically possible to make the six, then the team will continue to work towards that goal.
“Of course it’s realistic but we’re taking it week by week,” he said of the Jets’ finals hopes.
The Jets are now eighth on the ladder with 19 points, eight points short of the six.
Hoffman added: “The performance was good today and if need to build on that away to a very good Brisbane team [next Friday night].”
