Central Coast Mariners have defeated the Newcastle Jets 2-1 in Tamworth on Saturday afternoon thanks to a brilliant Connor Pain strike.
Despite trailing 1-0, the Mariners struck either side of the break to snatch a timely win.
The Jets took the lead through Devante Clut, with the new signing getting on the end of a precision cross and flicking it in from close range.
Newcastle’s lead lasted just three minutes as a Mariners new boy found the net again.
Roy O’Donovan’s shot that looked destined for goal but what followed was a goal-mouth scramble, with Blake Powell getting enough on the ball to poke it over the line.
Pain then struck what proved to be the winner five minutes after the break, a superb side-foot effort from just outside the box proving too much for Jets gloveman Jack Duncan to keep out.
The Jets pushed hard in the final moments with Andy Brennan almost snatching a draw with a headed chance but the Mariners held on for an important win for the squad’s morale.
Western Sydney Wanderers will warm up for their round of 16 FFA Cup clash against Edgeworth with a friendly in Canberra this week.
Tony Popovic’s side takes on Canberra FC at Deakin Stadium on Wednesday night, with kick off at 7pm.
The Wanderers clash with Edgeworth in the FFA Cup is the Fox Sports TV match on Tuesday, August 30.
Meanwhile, Melbourne Victory has cancelled their planned friendly with PS4 NPL Victoria club Hume City on Tuesday night, with the two sides paired together in the Westfield FFA Cup.
Both sides agreed to abandon the fixture after they were drawn to play in the round of 16 on Wednesday, August 24.
It will be the second straight year the two clubs have played in the Cup after Victory eliminated Hume in last year’s semi-final.Â
