A crowd of 16,633 saw Taggart score an early opener before the Jets came from behind to lead 2-1 through goals from Roy O’Donovan and Ben Kantarovski, but it was their former Golden Boot winner who popped up late in stoppage time to level proceedings.

NEWCASTLE JETS

Jack Duncan (GK) – 7

Didn’t have much to do in the first half against his former team but was beaten at his near post by a well-taken flick from Taggart. Claimed aerial balls well and produced two big second half saves; a one-on-one against Chris Harold to maintain Newcastle’s lead and again on a Taggart header.

Daniel Georgievski – 6

He brings mongrel to the Newcastle side. Georgievski played on the lookout for an attacking move or pass and was aggressive against Mills down the flanks, receiving a yellow card for a tough challenge on the Englishman. Could’ve easily scored on half-time when he skied a shot close to goal.

Nigel Boogaard – 7

A calming influence in defence, all attacks which started from the back came through the skipper. He made a crucial tackle on Diego Castro when the Spaniard broke through a gap en route to the box and he could’ve set up a late winner but for Lachie Jackson getting in the way of his header.

Nikolai Topor-Stanley – 5

He was second-best in comparison to his fellow centre-half. Topor-Stanley had his golden moment in providing the assist for Kantarovski’s goal (and will be quietly filthy he didn’t score it himself as it bounced off the post).

Ivan Vujica – 7.5

The Croatian didn’t see much of the ball in the first half but set up Georgievski with a beautiful cross to end the period. An accumulation of positive touches, runs and well-timed defensive challenges in the second half put him at front of mind for all watching. Played 82 minutes.