Newcastle Jets fans… it’s time to get excited.
After 13 rounds of the 2025/26 competition, the A-League Men’s (ALM) side sits in third spot on the ladder following another brilliant win, this time at the expense of the Western Sydney Wanderers.
And, in the process, Mark Milligan’s troops broke a long-standing hoodoo, securing their maiden victory at CommBank Stadium. In miserable conditions on Saturday 17 January, Newcastle prevailed 2-1 to register its seventh triumph of the season.
Inspired by a sensational opening half showing from Eli Adams, Milligan’s outfit sent a clear message to its rivals.
The Jets haven’t played finals in seven seasons.
But, they look increasingly on track to crack that drought under the guidance of the former Socceroos defender.
Newcastle got its breakthrough after 15 minutes when Adams picked up the ball on the right flank and cut inside to cross off his left foot.
The 23-year-old found Joe Shaughnessy with pinpoint precision.
The Jets defender towered above Jarrod Carluccio and glanced his header past Lawrence Thomas for a 1-0 lead.
Adams continued to threaten in open play.
However, he grabbed his goal from a set-piece after Will Dobson was felled on the edge of the Wanderers’ box by Ruon Tongyik in the 38th minute.
Dobson faked to take the free-kick before Adams stepped up and drilled a bullet beyond Thomas’ reach for Newcastle’s second.
But, the young gun failed to return in the second period due to a hamstring issue.
Despite that blow, the Jets kept the Wanderers at bay.
Kosta Barbarouses missed a golden chance when one-on-one with Newcastle goalkeeper James Delianov, who also turned in a terrific effort.
Strangely, it was noticeable how much more threatening Western Sydney was with the Kiwi international, Alou Kuol and Socceroos striker Brandon Borrello off the field.
The Jets finally succumbed in the dying stages.
Awan Lual pulled one back for the Wanderers in the 83rd minute for his first goal at this level.
Newcastle, on the back of three consecutive wins, will now expect to see a big crowd at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday 23 January for its showdown with Wellington Phoenix.
For more sports stories:
- Full circle for Knights greats as experience fuels NEWRL
- Jet-propelled upset ALW win helps Newcastle climb to fifth
- Once a Knight Old Boys land NRL heavyweights for major Newcastle fundraiser
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