The return of inspirational skipper Cassidy Davis lifted the Newcastle Jets to a fighting 1-all draw against the Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand.
In difficult conditions at Porirua Park on 16 November, the visitors found the going tough after a round two bye.
The Stephen-Hoyle-mentored A-League Women’s (ALW) outfit’s passing game lacked sharpness, often missing the mark, while the hosts also enjoyed double the amount of shots on goal.
A big positive for Newcastle, however, is the fact the side remains unbeaten in 2025/26.
Wellington took lead in the opening five minutes, with Brooke Nunn beating goalkeeper Anna Leat from inside the penalty area.
The Jets then levelled it up, 1-all, against the run of play.
In the 22nd minute, Lauren Allan was deliberately taken out by the Phoenix defence and referee Anna-Marie Keighley pointed to the spot.
Melina Ayres then calmly slotted home the penalty.
Grace Jale had a brilliant opportunity to restore parity for the New Zealanders soon after but totally shanked the shot, much to Newcastle’s relief.
Both teams lifted the intensity in the remaining 25 minutes, especially the Jets, however they went to the break locked at 1-all.
Almost immediately from the resumption, Newcastle’s Emma Dundas and Wellington’s Nunn both fired wayward to kick-start the second half.
The Phoenix went close again in the 56th minute, but Jets’ shot-stopper Leat denied her with a brilliant one-handed save.
Newcastle replacement Kelli Brown kept Wellington on its toes, although one of her chances went begging in the dying stages.
A terrific non-stop effort from Claudia Cicco then prevented the Phoenix from hitting the front.
The Jets went on the hunt to secure all three competition points, but Brown sent the ball over the top in stoppage time.
Newcastle returns home for a showdown with the Western Sydney Wanderers at No. 2 Sportsground on Sunday 22 November.
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