The Newcastle Jets returned to the A-League Women’s (ALW) winner’s circle in style by upstaging the Brisbane Roar 3-0 at the weekend.
After suffering a shock 4-1 loss to the Central Coast Mariners in a postponed fixture last Sunday, Stephen Hoyle’s troops appeared a totally different outfit at No. 2 Sportsground on Saturday 13 December.
Even without the services of Josie Wilson, Lauren Allan and 2024/25 Player of the Year Sophie Hoban, the Hunter-based team never gave the visitors any respite.
“It was such a good bounce back from the girls,” goalscorer Melina Ayres said.
“That really hurt last week… going down in a derby feels pretty bad.
“So, we knew we wanted to respond [in the best fashion] in front of our home crowd.
“To get such a great result, I’m really proud of everyone.”
Ayres praised Hoyle for his role in turning the Jets’ fortunes around.
“His mantra this week was ‘just be where your feet are’,” she said.
“Obviously, last week was not what we wanted, however the preceding few games were.
“Being present and focusing on each moment was the key.
“And, I think we did that today.
“Stephen has a different approach to our previous coaches.
“He kind of strips things back and focuses on simple things.
“I feel it’s really working for us.
“We won more of the little moments today.
“That’s something Stephen’s really drilled into us.”
Although Brisbane looked sharp early, given the side enjoyed a 6-1 triumph against the same opponent 12 months ago, defenders Tash Prior, Olivia Paige, Cicco, Emma Bates and shot-stopper Anna Leat held them at bay.
Newcastle then hit the front, 1-0, when Ayres scored the 38th goal of her career in the 32nd minute.
The classy striker bamboozled the defence before firing past rival keeper Chloe Lincoln.
That seemed to spur the Jets on.
Soon after, on the stroke of half-time, ever-present Emma Dundas played the ball forward to Kelli Brown.
The New Zealand international was fouled but calmly iced the penalty to snare her first major for her new club.
That enabled Newcastle to enjoy a 2-0 advantage at the break, much to the delight of the hometown fans.
The Roar had plenty of opportunities to post points in the second half but failed to capitalise on their chances.
In the 49th minute, Brown missed a brace when she toe-poked the ball over the crossbar.
Then, young gun India Breier wrapped up the all-important victory.
With 20 minutes remaining, she let rip an absolute stinger, which slammed through Lincoln’s fingers and into the back of the net for 3-0.
The high-flying Jets now tackle the Melbourne Victory, at the same venue, on Friday 19 December from 7pm.
For more sports stories:
- WSL Challenger Series charging on in Newcastle
- Hunter Thoroughbreds ‘bash’ Black Roses in competition opener
- Academy prodigy Oli Cockle in line for Jets’ debut
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