City end five-game losing streak with 1-0 win over Jets

Melbourne City made a long-awaited return to winning ways in Round 12, beating Newcastle Jets 2-1 at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex on Sunday afternoon.

Chinatsu Kira’s first-half goal separated the two sides at full time as the reigning Champions snapped a five-game losing streak which began on January 21.

Tori Tumeth assisted City’s maiden goal in the contest between two sides out of reach of the Finals Series places. Her cross from wide on the right flank found Kira at the back post, who netted her first Westfield W-League goal with an inventive touch which sent the ball creeping over the line.

City took their advantage to the break and emerged for the second half intent to cling onto their lead. Melissa Barbieri saved all four of her shots faced as the hosts dug deep to keep Newcastle off the scoresheet and clinch their second win of the 2020/21 campaign.

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Key moments

City had just three days to prepare for their clash with Newcastle after losing 4-0 to Western Sydney Wanderers on Thursday night, but the Champions signalled their intent to bounce back from the outset.

Jenna McCormick ventured forwards on six minutes for a corner and found herself unmarked at the front post to meet the ball with a header which flashed just wide of the mark.

The Westfield Matildas defender put her head in her hands after missing the gilt-edged chance.

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Tumeth’s encouraging play down the right flank caused problems for Newcastle in the first half.

The wing-back went close to assisting Kira in the 41st minute with an attempt from distance which just evaded the Japanese international at the back post.

But a minute later the pair were looking to link up once more, this time working to greater effect as Kinga sent Tumeth’s invading ball to the back post over the line with an unconventional finish.

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City came out of the sheds looking for a second goal which would have helped seal victory for the struggling side.

But Claire Coelho stood firm in goal to deny City a second and keep the Jets in it. Tyla-Jay Vlanjic tested the Newcastle stopper with a shot from the left-hand side of the box which Coelho parried into the path of Rhali Dobson waiting to score on the rebound.

Taren King’s fluffed attempt at a clearance allowed Dobson to shoot on goal but Coelho saved again to deny City twice in quick succession.

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The Jets pushed late in search of an equaliser and received the perfect opportunity to restore parity from a set play which left Hannah Brewer the chance to tie things up.

The defender benefited from a series of contests between Jets and City players in the box, finding the ball suddenly in her path without a player between her and Barbieri in goal for City.

But the resulting first-time shot lacked conviction, as Barbieri gathered one of her four saves throughout the game to keep a clean sheet and wrap up the 1-0 win.

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