Points shared in F3 Derby

The Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners both left Hunter Stadium with a point each following a dour 0-0 draw on Saturday night.

Goal-line technology was again the post-match talking point after Newcastle’s Mitch Cooper’s driven shot at goal was not counted after striking the crossbar and bouncing down near the goal-line.

Replays of the incident were inconclusive but tended to favour the official’s decision much to the frustration of Jets boss Phil Stubbins.

“An inch more on the chalk and it would have been a definite goal and there’s people already saying it was a goal,” Stubbins said.

“It’s a split second decision and the linesman making it has hedged his bets and thought that it legitimately wasn’t a goal but video would have shown it either way.”

Mariners coach Phil Moss also threw his support behind the introduction of goal-line technology despite its absence possibly allowing the visitors to escape with a point.

“I’ll never understand in this day and age why we don’t have goal-line technology,” Moss said.

“I’ve suggested in the past that we many even need a video referee for anything that happens in the penalty box because they’re decision that can make or break results.

“Even the commentators couldn’t tell tonight, but we’ve had a fair bit of luck go against us this season and that was something that maybe in our favour.”

Despite the controversial call Stubbins said he was pleased with the effort shown by his young squad.

“Although it wasn’t the result that we wanted it’s been four games now that we’ve been difficult to beat,” Stubbins said.

“We probably lacked a little bit of polish but they’re young kids out there and they’re only going to improve from this point.

“But in terms of character we put in another good performance in being resolute and hard to break down and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

The match began with some cagey play from both teams and chances were at a premium until midway through the first half when Mariners keeper Liam Reddy produced a quality save to thwart

Jets front man Edson Montano.

The Jets continued to build momentum with Cooper’s strike a goal coming in the 36th minute and despite appeals from the 19-year-old the linesman and referee remained unmoved.

After the break the visitors started to take control of the match as skilful play from Nick Fitzgerald and Fabio Ferreira providing the inspiration with Jets goal keeper Ben Kennedy keeping the teams level.

The Jets again regained what little ascendency was to be had in the closing stages but Montano was unable to steal victory for the home team despite having a free header in the box on the 6 yard line in the dying moments.

A share of the points does little for either team with the draw realistically all but eliminating the Marniers play-off hopes as they currently sit eight points adrift the 6th and final playoff spot currently occupied by Melbourne City.

However, Central Coast will be hoping to at least start closing the gap next weekend as they welcome City to Bluetongue Stadium next Sunday afternoon.

As for the Jets the draw leaves the Novocastrians unbeaten in their last three matches but Stubbins and men will still be searching for their second win of the season as they now shift their focus to their home match against Sydney FC next Friday night.


Newcastle Jets: B. Kennedy, S. Neville, D. Mullen, T. Regan, S. Gallagher, Z. Caravella, J. Pepper (N. Cowburn 84’), E. Alivodic (R. Pavicevic 54’), M. Cooper (A. Welsh 71’), L. Ki-Je, E. Montano

Unused substitutes: J. Vanstrattan, T. Cooper.


Central Coast Mariners: L. Reddy, S. Roux, Z. Anderson, J. Pocoliero, J.Rose, A. Caceres, L. Rose ( J. Bingham 58’), N. Montgomery, F. Ferreira, N. Fitzgerald, I. Cernak (G. Trifiro 76’)

Unused substitutes: M. Nash, J. Hutchinson, M. Sim.