The Newcastle Jets have recorded their first win of the Foxtel Youth League 2018/19 season, downing the Central Coast Mariners 3-1.
An early kick off at the Centre of Excellence didn’t phase the Jets, who welcomed Nick Cowburn, Angus Thurgate, Pat Langlois, Mitch Austin and Lewis Italiano from the Club’s Hyundai A-League squad.
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The Mariners also made the most of the international break with Peter Kekeris, Jordan Murray starting, while former Jets Andrew Hoole and Mario Shabow also featured for the hosts.
The opening exchanges were tense, as both sides looked to gain ascendancy without a great deal of success – with possession and territory evenly shared.
The Mariners enjoyed the best of the early chances, with Shabow and Murray bringing Lewis Italiano into the game.
The Jets would have the best chance of the half through Mitch Austin, only to be denied by a save from close quarters from Adam Pearce.
A struggle ensued in the second stanza, before Peter Kekeris broke the deadlock with a mazy run and a classy finish to beat Italiano – giving the hosts a 1-0 advantage.
Cai Tipaldo entered the fray midway through the second half and his impact was immediate, as the Jets pressed to return to parity. An energetic run to pressure Pearce at the back saw a charge down deflect off the lanky attacker and find its way to goal!
Just minutes later Nick Cowburn would add another, with a curling free kick that completely wrong-footed Pearce – giving the Jets a 2-1 lead.
Italiano continued to repel the Mariners efforts for an equaliser, denying Nisbet late to ensure the Jets would head back up the M1 with three points.
However, they weren’t done yet. Cai Tipaldo netted a brace just before the close of play to make it a 3-1 victory.
The Jets now enjoy a week off before facing Canberra United at home on Saturday 1 December.
Central Coast Mariners 1 (Kekeris 61’) def. by Newcastle Jets 3 (Tipaldo 71′, 90’ Cowburn 75′)
Saturday 17 November, 10:30am at Central Coast Mariners Centre of Excellence
