Newcastle have created history at AAMI Park, recording their their first ever win against Melbourne City with a 3-1 victory over the reigning premiers.
Kelli Brown, Libby Copus-Brown and Charlotte Lancaster scored the goals for the Jets, with a Holly McNamara penalty not long before half time City’s only entry on the scoresheet.
Two of the goals were characterised by ugly defensive errors from City, but the Jets were the better side for the entire game.
Copus-Brown gave City an early warning of Newcastle’s intent when she prodded an effort wide of the post from inside the penalty area before two minutes had been played, and Lancaster also fired a shot across City’s bows with the score at 0-0.
Brown then opened the scoring just after the half hour after Alexis Collins pounced on some ponderous defending from the City centre backs, with her tackle on Taylor Otto setting up a move that ended with the Kiwi punching home a rebound from Collins’ blocked shot.
Normal service looked a chance of resuming five minutes before half time when referee Page Malau-Aduli pointed to the spot following Aideen Keane’s shot hit the arm of Natasha Prior.
Holly McNamara was never likely to miss the opportunity to join Annalise Rasmussen at the top of the golden boot table with her eighth of the season, and duly dispatched the spot kick.
Newcastle weren’t to be denied, however, and when Copus-Brown pounced on Malena Mieres’ 66th minute attempt to play out to Karly Roestbakken and restored the Jets’ lead it was highly deserved.
Lancaster then made sure of the points in the 71st minute with the best goal of the afternoon, with Sophie Hoban’s pace and poise setting up Melina Ayres to play a delightful backheel to set up the Kiwi to score her second goal in as many games.
Lancaster could have made the margin even greater in stoppage time, but her effort crashed off the bar.
The win puts the Jets up to fifth on the table, just three points behind City who sit top of a very tight competition.
Newcastle’s next game is against Wellington Phoenix at home at No 2. Sportsground on February 1, while Melbourne City are away to Perth Glory next Saturday night.
