It was a case of déjà vu for the Newcastle Jets in the round of 16 Australia Cup clash with the Macarthur Bulls at the Maitland Regional Sportsground at the weekend.
Rob Stanton’s men led 2-0 and again 3-2 but dropped the fixture 4-3 to bow out of the knockout tournament.
Like much of last season, Newcastle must find a way to manage games better.
And, importantly, close them out.
On numerous occasions in 2023/24, in the A-League Men’s (ALM) competition, the Jets looked in control of matches, only to see their rivals snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
And, the same thing happened in front of a good crowd at Maitland on Sunday 25 August.
To be fair, Macarthur enjoyed 60% possession, however Newcastle needs to learn from its lessons – and quickly, otherwise it’s going to be a long 2024/25.
The Jets cracked the Bulls when official Ben Abraham deemed Mark Jurman fouled Alex Susnjar in the box. Kosta Grozos stepped up for the penalty shot and sent keeper Filip Kurto the wrong way for a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute.
Almost immediately, Newcastle defender Mark Natta found himself in space, following a quick transition, and belted the ball into the back of the net to extend the margin to 2-0.
Macarthur then lifted the intensity.
In the 36th minute, attacker Jed Drew forced Jets goalie Ryan Scott to make a brilliant save.
The Newcastle No.1 was called into action again, this time tipping Luke Brattan’s strike over the crossbar.
Despite those chances late in the half, the hosts maintained their 2-0 advantage at the break.
Callum Timmins went close from the restart in a positive sign for the Jets.
However, disaster struck in the 49th minute when Valere Germain tipped in to make it 2-1.
The same attacker soon levelled up at 2-all.
But, the Jets refused to surrender and Eli Adams, with his first touch, found Thomas Aquilina, who slotted the side’s third of the afternoon for 3-2.
Their joy was short-lived.
In the 71st minute, Marin Jakolis landed an absolute belter to even the ledger at 3-all.
His second delivered a crushing blow, enabling the visitors to leave the Hunter 4-3 victors.
While Newcastle will rue a couple of missed opportunities, it’ll now turn its attention to the ALM opener with Melbourne City at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday 19 October.
For more sports stories:
- Newcastle High on the ball in Bill Turner Cup
- It’s important to preserve local league history, says Buderus
- Future tennis stars ace Newcastle Todd Woodbridge Cup Gala Day
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