W-League: Jets break losing streak against champions

The Newcastle Jets have started the season strong with a 1-0 win over reigning champions Melbourne Victory at Magic Park, already recording more points than the previous season.

A few mistakes in the backline left the Newcastle defenders wide as Melbourne had its own chances, with Lisa De Vanna’s shooting prowess showing as the game settled.

Regaining the front foot, the Jets found a weakness in the reigning champions’ defence as Rhali Dobson and Tara Andrews joined Van Egmond and Rutter in the attack.

Unable to find the killer instinct needed to finish the chances, the half time closed with a 0-0 score-line.

Returning from half time, the Victory looked like they were sure to put themselves one up but couldn’t find the back of the net.

Opportunity struck for the Newcastle forwards in the 48th minute as Tara Andrews found herself facing down Brianna Davey in goals, but a failed chance was converted moments later by Angela Salem to put the Jets in the lead only minutes into the second half.

Desperate not to stay behind, Lisa De Vanna and impact sub Christine Nairn both led pressing attacks on Coelho’s goal but didn’t manage to finish their attempts.

The chances weren’t enough however, and Newcastle focused their entire game plan on defense, keeping the champions out to retain their 1-0 lead and close out the game.

The win for Newcastle marks only the second time in W-League history that a wooden spooner has defeated the reigning champions in a season, the first being in the 10/11 season when Newcastle defeated Sydney FC with a strike from halfway from Tara Andrews that sealed the match.

This game also marks the first time in the W-League history that the Jets have ever beaten Victory, with the closest they’ve ever previously come being a 1-1 draw to both take one point.

Starting strong in the season with the win, the Newcastle Jets now look to carry their form into the second round of the competition, while the Melbourne Victory will struggle to find their feet after a shocking upset so early.



Newcastle Jets Squad: 20. Claire COELHO (GK), 2. Georgia YEOMAN-DALE, 3. Hayley CRAWFORD, 4. Ashley SPINA, 5. Katherine REYNOLDS, 6. Angela SALEM, 7. Victoria HUSTER, 8. Amber NEILSON, 9. Tara ANDREW, 10. Emily VAN EGMOND (c), 11. Rhali DOBSON

Subs: 15. Elizabeth COPUS-BROWN, 16. Cassidy DAVIS, 17. Grace MACINTYRE, 21. Rene RUDDER (GK)


Melbourne Victory Squad: 1. Brianna DAVEY (GK), 2. Hannah BREWER, 6. Gemma SIMMONS, 7. Stephanie CATLEY (c), 8. Amy JACKSON, 9. Racheal QUIGLEY, 11. Lisa DE VANNA, 12. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 15. Emma CHECKER, 16. Beatrice GOAD, 19. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY

Subs: 10. Christine NAIRN, 14. Tiffany ELIADIS, 17. Gulcan KOCA, 20. Cassandra DIMOVSKI (GK)