In a scintillating F3 derby, a Roy O’Donovan first half hat-trick helped Newcastle Jets to a stunning 5-1 win over their rivals Central Coast Mariners on Saturday afternoon in Gosford.
Judging by this game, the rivalry is well and truly back after a 90+ minutes chock full of desperation, goals and end-to-end action.
This was one of the best F3 derbies in recent memory with Roy O’Donovan writing his own headlines after a stunning hat-trick and two assists.
STORY OF THE GAME
- It was fast and feisty from the first whistle, with tackles flying in and end to end action thrilling the large crowd.
- After conceding an early goal, Jets stormed back with Roy O’Donovan smashing a first-half hat-trick to cap an incredible return to his former club. He was man of the match.
- O’Donovan’s fellow forwards Andrew Nabbout and Dimi Petratos also impressed.
- Mariners’ Danny De Silva, Tom Hiariej in midfield and Spanish striker Asdrubal caught the eye for the hosts who played well with the result not a true indication of this highly entertaining clash.
GOALS
Asdrubal, Central Coast Mariners 4’: 1-0
What a start! Tom Hiariej curled a corner into the mixer, it wasn’t dealt with and the Spanish striker found the ball in the six-yard box and directed it with his thigh past Jack Duncan.
Roy O’Donovan, Newcastle Jets 9’: 1-1
Baro and O’Donovan tussled and the Irishman moved into the box he went down. A penalty was awarded and the Jets forward coolly slotted it past Tom Glover.
Roy O’Donovan, Newcastle Jets 27’: 1-2
A cross into the box didn’t find O’Donovan, but it found Andrew Nabbout who cut the ball back for his strike partner to guide home.
Roy O’Donovan, Newcastle Jets 37’: 1-3
A brilliant goal – Nabbout was set free wide down the left and his superb cross found an unmarked O’Donovan in the box and he headed home with ease. A first half hat-trick inside 40 minutes!
Joe Champness, Newcastle Jets 80’: 1-4
O’Donovan scored a hat trick but he also assisted brilliantly, pinging a super long ball through to the youngster Champness, who rode his luck, got past the defensive line and slotted a nice left footer past Tom Glover.
Dimi Petratos, Newcastle Jets 89’: 1-5
Arguably the goal of the game. Roy O assisted again finding Petratos who moved into the box, stood up the Mariners defence before making space to shoot and it flew past Glover.
