The Newcastle Jets ran out 2-0 winners over the Brisbane Roar at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday night, securing an important three points to finish Round 7 of the Hyundai A-League.
The win takes the Jets back into the competition’s top 6.
W-League: Slick City get the result
Y-League: Western Sydney too strong in Blacktown
Jason Hoffman was a game day scratching due to a back complaint and his replacement, Kaine Sheppard would open the scoring on the stroke of half time to score a crucial goal for Ernie Merrick’s men.
It capped off a period of dominance for the Jets, who had a string of chances late in the first half as Dimi Petratos, Ronald Vargas and Jair ran riot in the front third.
Things could have been very different for the home side, had it not been for a fingertip save from Glen Moss in the 18th minute to deny Eric Bautheac.
The Jets built themselves into the game, and began to dominate when Sheppard scored his maiden Hyundai A-League goal.
Daniel Georgievski whipped in a beautiful low cross to Sheppard after being released by Petratos, the former-Avondale striker then poked home sharply with his left foot to give the Jets the advantage.
After the break the Jets continued their dominance, and Brazilian import, Jair found his way onto the scoresheet for the first time this season.
After receiving a square ball on the break from Petratos, he buried a strike past Young – enjoying every moment of his first goal at McDonald Jones Stadium.
He almost had a second, courtesy of a cross from Vujica, who was enterprising in attack and defence throughout the afternoon.
Brisbane did their best to bridge the deficit, bringing on strike weapon Adam Taggart and pouring numbers forward, but the Jets defence was resolute.
Matt Ridenton went close in injury time, but the second half substitute lost his feet while bearing down on goal as the match finished 2-0.
