A Cortnee Vine super strike on the stroke of half time proved the difference as the Jets downed Canberra United in Round 3 of the Westfield W-League.
An interrupted start to the season was long forgotten after the Jets secured their first win of their 2018/19 campaign – without internationals Emily van Egmond and Larissa Crummer.
Y-LEAGUE: Jets down Mariners
GALLERY: W-League Round 3
Craig Deans was also without experienced attacker Tara Andrews, who has been ruled out for at least a month with a fractured ankle.
It was a scrappy start at McDonald Jones Stadium – with the game moved from No.2 Sportsground – as both teams looked to find their rhythm.
The Jets had the best of the opening exchanges, as a ball across the face of goal from Gema Simon went agonisingly close to finding Katie Stengel or Teigan Collister in the area.
Hannah Brewer partnered Cass Davis in the centre of defence and the pair went through much of the first half untroubled, cutting off the visitors final pass and making a couple of crucial blocks.
Katie Stengel was menacing at the point of attack, holding up the ball and showcasing some exceptional footwork to break down Canberra’s defence.
The American striker soon turned provider for Cortnee Vine, who netted an early contender for Goal of the Season.
The Young Matilda made a sweeping run to the corner of the penalty area, before hitting a strike with the outside of her right foot and bending the ball around a helpless Shamiran Khamis.
The second half continued much like the first, as the Jets looked comfortable with possession and in defence – with the new midfield combination of Clare Wheeler and Libby Copus-Brown proving difficult to beat in the middle of the pitch.
Taylor Smith was again impressive for the Jets, with pace to rival well-known speedster Ellie Carpenter – the American was a danger in attack, playing a number of crucial passes that created quality chances on goal.
As the match progressed, Canberra began pushing for an equaliser as they poured numbers forward, but the Jets scrapped and scrambled to ensure they got the result.
The Jets will now focus their attention the Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 4.
Newcastle Jets 1 (Vine 45’+2’) def. Canberra United 0
Saturday 17 November, 7:30pm at McDonald Jones Stadium
