In only their second trial game of the pre-season, the Newcastle Jets have defeated the highly fancied Brisbane Roar 2-1 at Ballymore Stadium.
In only their second trial game of the pre-season, the Newcastle Jets have defeated the highly fancied Brisbane Roar 2-1 at Ballymore Stadium.
An early goal from young striker Jason Hoffman, and a second half penalty to the experienced Ljubo Milicevic was enough to see the Jets claim the victory away from home.
In just the 8th minute, Newcastle got in behind the Roar-s defensive line through triallist Peter Haynes. The former Broadmeadow Magic striker-s shot was blocked by custodian Liam Reddy, but Hoffman pounced on the loose ball and calmly slotted home from close range to give the visitors the early advantage.
On the stroke of halftime, the Roar restored parity through a marvellous strike by Dutchman Sergio van Dijk. Collecting the ball and turning on the edge of the 18-yard box, van Dijk hit a sweet left-footed drive into the top corner of the net to give Ben Kennedy no chance in the Jets- goal.
The scores would not remain level for long, however, as the Roar-s Robbie Kruse was adjudged to have handled the ball on the line in an attempt to stop a Sasho Petrovski shot, and was consequently shown a red card, with the Jets awarded a penalty in the 58th minute.
Milicevic duly converted the spot kick to give Newcastle a lead that they would maintain for the remainder of the match.
The Jets will now continue their pre-season preparations over the coming week with three trial matches in Sydney:
Wednesday, 22 July: vs Sydney Tigers (Kick-off: 7pm) at Lambert Park
Sunday, 26 July: vs Sydney FC (Kick-off: 2pm) at Sydney Football Stadium
Wednesday, 29 July: vs Bankstown City (Kick-off: 7pm) at Jensen Park
