The Newcastle Jets suffered a cruel 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Wellington Phoenix this afternoon in front of over 5,200 fans at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The visitors got off to the perfect start when Jets defender Mark Natta fouled David Ball just inside the box to give Wellington a penalty.
Phoenix captain Alex Rufer stepped up to convert and make it 1-0 inside four minutes.
The Jets almost replied instantly when midfielder Kosta Grozos had his well hit volley cleared off the line.
Grozos was in the thick of the chances throughout the first half and he went close to equalising in the 37th minute when he fired another shot from outside the box that was tipped aside by Wellington goalkeeper Alex Paulsen.
The Jets made their intentions clear at the start of the second half. Controlling the majority of possession and keeping Wellington on the back foot.
The visitors had two rare chances to extend their lead when Ryan Scott was called into action, saving a shot that was goalbound by Ben Old.
The Jets managed to find an equaliser in the 79th minute and it was no surprise that Kosta Grozos was involved when the midfielder’s shot caught a deflection from substitute Trent Buhagiar to make it 1-1.
With Rob Stanton’s side pushing for a late winner the Jets were dealt a cruel blow in the 87th minute when Wellington substitute Oskar Zawada finished off a quick counterattack to make it 2-1.
The Jets next find themselves in action this Saturday evening when they take on the undefeated Melbourne Victory at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday, 3rd February at 6 pm.
