The Newcastle Jets’ NYL side has defeated Perth Glory 2-1 with an injury time winner.
A goal in injury time from striker Gavin Forbes has sealed a dramatic come-from-behind victory for the Jets- National Youth League side at 6PR Stadium in Perth on Saturday evening.
The winner came after 91 minutes, following on from substitute Patrick Brown-s equaliser in the 68th minute. Brown-s strike cancelled out a cracking long-range goal by the Glory-s Ryan Pearson just after the halftime interval.
But the night would be remembered for Forbes- heroics, as he netted just his second goal of the campaign. The goal was set-up by a pinpoint cross from Abe Wheelhouse, younger brother of Hyundai A-League team member, Jobe.
It was a thrilling second-half of football that followed an often cagey and cautious opening period.
Goalscoring chances were at a premium early on, until Pearson kicked the game into gear by launching not one but two thunderbolts from distance. After having his initial free-kick from 30-yards blocked, the ball sat invitingly for Pearson to try his luck again, and the defender-s second shot arrowed into the top corner of the Jets- goal, giving goalkeeper Neil Young no chance.
But Young would keep his side in the contest in the latter stages with fine saves when faced with strikes from Nicholas Ambrogio and Slobodan Vulin.
The saves would prove vital as the visitors restored parity just after the hour mark. A long Daniel Laiman free-kick ended up at the feet of Brown, and the striker made no mistake when presented with the gilt-edged opportunity.
With the game in the balance, the match became an end-to-end affair as both sides sought out a winner.
Then, in the first minute of injury time, the Jets would make the killer blow.
After picking up a deep Glory clearance near the halfway line, Wheelhouse lobbed a delightful ball into the penalty area, and into the path of Forbes, who used his big frame to head home the decisive goal.
The spirited win lifts the Jets into seventh place on the National Youth League ladder, and in touch with the all-important top-four with two matches remaining this season.
Perth Glory: 1 (Pearson 47-)
Newcastle Jets: 2 (Brown 68-, Forbes 90+1-)
