Newcastle Jets have come from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Wellington Phoenix in an entertaining Boxing Day clash at McDonald Jones Stadium.
An end-to-end first half went Phoenix’s way as Kosta Barbarouses scored his first goal of the season to send the visitors to the break leading 1-0.
The Jets equalised within three minutes of the resumption through Andrew Hoole only for Wellington to retake the lead almost immediately via Gui Finkler.
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But a stunning solo run and strike from Andrew Nabbout just after the hour mark drew the Jets level again, with the sides forced to share the spoils.
GOALS
0-1 Phoenix: Kosta Barbarouses 35’
Roy Krishna found Barbarouses inside the box, with the winger turning one defender before dribbling past another and slotting it wide of keeper Jack Duncan.
1-1 Jets: Andrew Hoole 48’
Excellent work from Morten Nordstrand down the right to beat his man and find Hoole in the box, and he dispatched the cross with a sweetly-timed low shot into the far corner.
1-2 Phoenix: Gui Finkler 50’
Krishna was again involved, found in acres of space down the right before picking out an unmarked Finkler just a few yards from goal for a simple tap in.
2-2 Jets: Andrew Nabbout 62’
From a throw-in Nabbout was given too much space to run at Andrew Nabbout, turning the defender inside and out before producing a clinical finish, curling it around Glen Moss and in off the far post.
OPTA DATA
*Newcastle had the better of the chances, having 18 shots at goal to Wellington’s 12.
*The draw means Wellington is now unbeaten in their last five away games against New South Wales opposition.
KEY MOMENT
Glen Moss’ superb save at full-stretch to keep out Andrew Hoole’s goal-bound effort midway through the second half preserved a point for the visitors.
CROWD
8451 @ McDonald Jones Stadium
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