The Newcastle Jets are back in the hunt for A-League Women’s (ALW) glory following a stunning late victory over Sydney FC on Tuesday night.
Thanks to substitute Charlotte Lancaster’s long-range thunderbolt in added time, the Hunter club snared a 2-1 win to move into seventh spot on the ladder.
With the scores level 1-all, the New Zealander came off the bench in the 81st minute at Leichhardt Oval.
She then scored the match-winner from outside the box.
The result was a sucker-punch for Sydney FC, who had ended a five-game goal drought through Amelia Cassar’s opener.
Their lead didn’t last long, with Newcastle’s Melina Ayres’ 29th minute shot going in off the post.
Lancaster’s effort keeps the Jets’ finals hopes alive, with the visitors just six points behind leaders Melbourne City.
Only goal difference ranks them below sixth-placed Brisbane Roar.
While Newcastle snapped a four-game losing streak, coach Stephen Hoyle will be without regular centre-back Claudia Cicco against Melbourne City on Friday 16 January.
That fixture’s scheduled for AAMI Park from 4.50pm.
Cicco must serve a one-match suspension after earning her fifth yellow card of the season for fouling Hana Lowry in the 86th minute.
“I’m asking the players at the moment to be braver and show more courage when they play the game,” Hoyle said.
“It’s also my responsibility to be brave and on the front foot.
“So, we will have a real good go at Melbourne City.”
Sydney FC – five-time champions and premiers – languish in 10th (2-4-4) after extending their winless streak to six games.
Ante Juric’s side has now lost its past three games to the Jets, last winning on 21 January 2024.
Newcastle’s Josie Allan – on return to the starting line-up – opened the door for Sydney after giving up possession to Cassar in the hosts’ attacking half.
With goalkeeper Anna Leat scrambling to return to her line, Cassar ran down the right wing unchallenged and launched from well outside the box to score in spectacular fashion.
The Jets responded via Ayres.
While Haley Johnson’s header fell short, she managed to thread the ball past three Sydney FC defenders to level the scores.
Newcastle was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty when rival winger Riley Tanner was taken down in the box by India Breier in the 82nd minute.
But, the youngster was only shown the yellow card after being adjudged to have fouled Tanner just outside the penalty area.
- With AAP
For more sports stories:
- We’re far from the finished product, says Jets boss Milligan
- Upper Hunter hosting first ‘bucks’ for 2026 PBR season
- Holbrook still mulling about Knights’ halves puzzle
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
