Newcastle Jets went one goal down, and one player down – but managed to overcome reigning Ninja A-League champions Sydney FC in a Saturday-night thriller at Allianz Stadium.
The Jets lost goalkeeper Danielle Kryzaniak in the 12th minute after the Canadian collected her second red card of the season for a foul on Princess Ibini – but that didn’t impact Newcastle’s confidence in sealing a result against the Sky Blues.
Neither did an opening goal scored by Indiana Dos Santos; the 17-year-old’s top-corner finish but Sydney one goal ahead and on course to victory but, having kept the score at 1-0 until the 86th minute, 10-player Newcastle launched a late barrage of pressure that led to two goals and a shock win.
Deven Jackson brought Newcastle level with less than five minutes of regular time to play, arriving in the six-yard box to finish off from close range after a cross off the left wing.
At 1-1 Newcastle had the momentum and found the unlikeliest of winning goals through veteran forward Lauren Allan – and her volleyed finish from a free-kick routine was a moment of quality to savour.
Newcastle’s celebrations were wild as Allan’s volley hit the back of the net; assisted by freshly-capped CommBank Matilda Natasha Prior, the winning goal sent Newcastle up to sixth on the Ninja A-League table and left the Sky Blues sat precariously in 10th spot after six rounds.
Sydney, the reigning champions, could drop to as low as 11th on the table if Perth Glory get a point or more against Adelaide United on Sunday night.
MATCH RESCHEDULED: Brisbane Roar v Central Coast Mariners in Ninja A-League rescheduled for Sunday, December 15
SAVESKA HAT-TRICK: Watch all the goals – including an Olimpico!
