The Newcastle Jets have recorded a 4-1 win over Western United to progress to the Round of 32 in the Australia Cup.
After a cautious start from both teams the Jets took the lead in the 15th minute when a trademark run from midfield by Clayton Taylor resulted in the ball being forced into his own net by Western United defender Ben Garuccio.
The Jets were forced into an early substitution when Phillip Čančar succumbed to injury in the 22nd minute. Nathan Grimaldi took his place in the side.
Rob Stanton’s side continued to settle into the contest and doubled their lead when Daniel Wilmering’s cross into the box was met on the volley by Thomas Aquilina to make it 2-0 inside the first half hour.
Newcastle continued to penetrate Western United’s goal and after a scramble in the box the ball was smashed home by Grimaldi to make it 3-0 at half-time.
The second half started in similar fashion to the first with both sides finding their feet in the opening 15 minutes. Aleksandar Šušnjar and Eli Adams came on for their Jets’ debuts while Thomas Aquilina bagged his second goal of the night. Finishing from close range after a ball across goal from Clayton Taylor.
Rob Stanton handed debuts to Academy graduates Alex Nunes and Christian Bracco in the 71st minute before Western United pulled a goal back through Riku Danzaki to make it 4-1.
The Jets will now face Rockdale City Suns next Wednesday night in the Round of 32.
