The Jets youth team were defeated 3-2 by Broadmeadow Magic in the NBN State League semi-final at Wanderers Oval on Sunday.
The Newcastle Jets youth team were defeated 3-2 by Broadmeadow magic in a highly entertaining NBN State League semi-final at Wanderers Oval on Sunday afternoon.
With both teams playing for the right to take on Hamilton Olympic in next week-s grand final qualifier, it was the Jets who got off to the stronger start with James Virgili and Abe Wheelhouse both unable to convert early chances.
However, it wasn-t long before the Jets hit the front courtesy of Dino Fajkovic. Fajkovic worked his way into the box from the left wing before Kale Bradbery had his shot blocked by the Magic defence. The ball found its way back to Fajkovic who made the most of the second chance to put the Jets 1-0 up.
The Jets looked to be in control of the match until goalkeeper Jack Duncan was sent off midway through the first half for handling the ball outside the box.
With James Fogarty out with a finger injury, Sam Gallaway was forced to pull the gloves on.
Unfortunately for the Jets, there was little Gallaway could do when Chris Berlin dipped the ensuing free-kick over the wall and into the back of the net to level the scores.
The Jets appeared not to let the set back effect them and were still creating chances, despite being a man down.
Fajkovic and Bradbery were both denied by sharp reflex saves by the Magic goalkeeper, while James Virgili hit the post with a stinging low drive.
After the half-time break, the Magic capitalised on the one-man advantage with Luke Virgili volleying the ball home at the back post to put Broadmeadow 2-1 up.
A short time later, the Jets had the chance to draw level when they were awarded a penalty after a Broadmeadow defender was ruled to have handballed a Fajkovic cross.
Kale Bradbery stepped up to the spot and sent the Magic goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 2-2.
However, with time running out the Magic were able to find the winner when the Jets were caught short at the back and Peter Haynes tapped-in from close range.
The Jets youth will now play against Edgeworth in an elimination final next Saturday.
Broadmeadow Magic 3 (Berlin, Virgili, Haynes)
Newcastle Jets 2 (Fajkovic, Bradbery)
