Newcastle Jets have kicked off their Westfield W-League season with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday afternoon.
In hot conditions which resulted in drinks breaks for the players, American Katie Stengel’s tap in on the quarter hour mark gave the hosts the advantage at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
But the Wanderers hit back with a brilliant equaliser with 15 mins to go, Erica Halloway finishing off with her head some super lead up play from Lo’eau La Bonta and Marlous Pieeta.
However, within a minute a blunder by WSW keeper Trudy Burke – who came out for a floated free kick but missed her punch – gave Jenna Kingsley the easiest of headers to regain the lead for Newcastle.
Jets’ captain Emily Van Egmond was in imperious form for the hosts who also saw local favourite Tara Andrews as a late sub.
La Bonta was excellent for the visitors.
