A fantastic display has seen the Newcastle Jets defeat league leaders Western United 2-0 at Morshead Park in Ballarat.
After a very tense opening 20 minutes, the Jets began to settle into the contest and were unlucky to not take the lead when Western United goalkeeper Hillary Beall tried to intercept a ball inside the box, the ball fell to Lara Gooch on the edge of the box who saw her shot blocked and then cleared.
Newcastle then had an even bigger chance to take the lead when a mix up at the back saw Ash Brodigan get a slight glimpse of an empty net however the striker couldn’t guide her shot on goal.
The Jets continued to press Western United and Lara Gooch who was causing the United defence all sorts of headaches was unlucky to not find the back of the net after her cross rolled across the crossbar and out for a corner.
Newcastle took a deserved lead in the 38th minute when Murphy Agnew’s corner evaded everyone to find an unmarked Taren King at the back post to give Gary van Egmond’s side a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
The Jets started the second half where they left off and doubled their lead when Ash Brodigan’s volley from inside the box struck the post to find the back of the net and put Newcastle 2-0 up.
Brodigan had a great chance to extend the Jets lead when she was played clean through on goal but her shot was well saved by Beall.
As the match progressed the home side begin to have chances on goal but the Jets defence managed to hold firm.
The win is the Jets third this season and Gary van Egmond’s first as A-League Women’s coach.
The Jets now head west to take on Perth Glory at Macedonia Park on Saturday February 12. Kick-off for the match is at 7.00pm local time (10pm AEDT).
