The first of a number of behind-closed-doors matches for the Newcastle Jets, a side who went into Friday night’s clash on a streak of six games unbeaten.
Up against a Brisbane Roar side who have demonstrated their ability to stay tight in the face of pressure, it was always going to be a difficult task.
It was a largely even first half, with only a moment of quality from Brisbane proving the difference at the break.
Scott McDonald, Brisbane’s newest striker, opened the scoring in the 16th minute with an effort which left Lewis Italiano wrong-footed and put Brisbane into the lead.
A handful of half-chances presented for Newcastle, who were unable to capitalise before the half-time whistle.
After said whistle, Brisbane proved resolute in sitting numbers behind the ball and playing purely on the counter.
A block of 11 before them, the Jets worked hard in their efforts to break down the home side with Wes Hoolahan and Abdiel Arroyo going close with efforts on goal.
Ultimately however, the structured home side proved too tight to break down and Scott McDonald’s early goal proved the difference in a tight game on the Gold Coast.
