The A-League Men’s side were 3-0 victors over Northern NSW NPL Leaders Edgeworth in what Head Coach Mark Milligan described as “A very good test.”
The Jets had a quick start to the game, with Youth team striker Xavier Bertoncello striking the outside of the post inside the first five minutes. Oliver Cockle, also of the Youth team, had a chance to open the scoring at the back post early in the first half. Thomas Aquilina flashed a low cross across the 6-yard box, which was just out of reach for Bertoncello. Cockle came sliding in at the back post, but was unable to direct his stretched effort goalwards.
Ultimately, Edgeworth defended very well in the first half, showing why they’re leading the Northern NSW NPL table, whilst also conceding the least amount of goals with just 12 conceded in 19 games in the competition.
Several changes were made at halftime, with two of the substitutes combining to open the scoring just minutes after the break. A low shot was fired towards the Edgeworth keeper, who couldn’t hold on to the powerful effort. Ben Gibson got onto the loose ball first, before laying the ball off to Kota who smashed home into the empty net.
Daniel Wilmering doubled the Jets lead in the 55th minute. He received a ball on the edge of the box before firing towards goal, leaving the keeper rooted to the spot as it nestled into the side of the net.
Kota grabbed his second of the night, and third for the team towards the end of the game. Mizunuma fired a stinging shot directly at the Edgeworth keeper, who could only parry the strike straight back at him. Kota managed to head the rebound back over the keeper to secure the 3-0 win for the team.
Head Coach Mark Milligan had this to say after the game,
“It was a very good test. They were very, very disciplined. First and foremost, we are very appreciative of them for having us. It probably means more to us than them at the moment. They are still in season. It was a good hit out. First half we had some challenges that we haven’t explored as a team. It is important they feel that and try to find solutions here in the way that we do things. So again, good response in the second half from everyone that came on.”
The Newcastle Jets are back in action on Wednesday, 30th July at Maitland Sports Ground against Adelaide United in the Australia Cup. Tickets are available here! https://bit.ly/JetsAdelaide
