A last-gasp winner from Central Coast Mariners substitute Nicholas Duarte sealed the points for the home side in Round One of the 2025/26 Isuzu Ute A-League season.
The Jets got off to the perfect start when midfielder Alex Badolato fired in a spectacular effort on the 14th minute mark which has been marked as an early contender for goal of the season, to put Newcastle up 1-0.
Warren Moon’s side settled into the contest and found a way back when they were awarded a spot-kick in the 28th minute which was converted by Alfie McCalmont.
Miguel Di Pizio put the Mariners in front when he pounced on a ball to coolly tuck past Jets goalkeeper James Delianov.
Mark Milligan made a number of substitutes in the second half and striker Lachlan Rose was injected into the match and soon found an equaliser for the Jets to make it 2-2.
There was late drama however to be had when the Mariners conceded a penalty in the 95th minute for a foul on Newcastle Jets Captain Thomas Aquilina.
Eli Adams stepped up, only to have his kick saved by Mariners goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne.
The home side went on the counterattack and were rewarded when Nicolas Duarte pounced on a loose ball to give his side all three points.
The Newcastle Jets next face Melbourne Victory at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday, the 24th October.
