The Newcastle Jets have settled for a 1-1 draw against the Western Sydney Wanderers in an entertaining match this afternoon at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The game began with both sides creating attacking chances. The Wanderers’ forced Jack Duncan to make a great save in the first minutes of the game.
The attacking opportunities continued for the two sides, with the Jets on a counter-attacking run that resulted in a foul on Jaushua Sotirio, halting his run down the line. Yeni N’Gbakoto received a yellow card for the foul.
The Jets took advantage of their attacking opportunities and found the back of the net in the 37th minute. Dane Ingham whipped the ball across the goal to find Angus Thurgate who knocked it on his head, past Wanderers goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas who was helpless.
The home side held out to lead 1-0 at halftime.
Newcastle began the second half with two substitutions, bringing Jason Hoffman and Reno Piscopo to the field.
The game continued with the two sides both having urgency towards the goals, with the Jets having more chances as they dominated the attack.
The Wanderers were awarded a penalty in the 62nd minute after a foul on Yeni N’Gbakoto. Oliver Bozanic went on to convert the penalty and take the score line to 1-1.
Newcastle continued to fight back with a high-quality chance in the 69th minute that saw Trent Buhagiar’s shot force a save out of Thomas. The scramble continued in front of the goals where Newcastle was trying to find a goal.
The Jets had another chance at goal with a free kick just outside of the box in the 86th minute that bounced off Lawrence’s hands, however, the Jets were unable to pounce on it.
Newcastle had the majority of the chances in the second half, with the Wanderers’ defence strong enough to keep the Jets from scoring another.
The match ended level with both sides taking a point away from today.
Arthur Papas’ side have a quick turn around with next week’s game on Friday the 27th of January at home against Brisbane Roar.
By Daniella Flamiatos.
