All eyes were on Newcastle Jets – and former Central Coast Mariners – striker Roy O’Donovan in the opening round F3 Derby to start the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 Season.
The Irishman controversially moved up the M1 in the off-season and the Gosford crowd wanted some revenge on a sunny October Saturday afternoon.
But it was O’Donovan who had the last laugh, scoring a first-half hat-trick as the Jets ran riot at Central Coast Stadium.
Despite going behind early on, the Jets were simply ruthless in front of goal with O’Donovan completing the ‘perfect hat-trick’ – one with his right foot, one with his left and one with his head.
It was 3-1 at the break but there was no let up from the visitors, with youngster Joe Champness grabbing a goal on debut, while a Dimitri Petratos scorcher in the final minute completed the rout.
The travelling ‘Squadron’ fans soaked it up in the corner of Central Coast Stadium as Ernie Merrick’s men made an early statement!
Re-live all the action from this pulsating F3 Derby in the player above.
