The Newcastle Jets rung the changes, as Ernie Merrick had to switch to some of his back-up players, with his faith being ultimately rewarded.

Newcastle did well to combat Melbourne City’s attempts to dominate, as for all their possession City again seemed to lack any real intent to penetrate the Jets goal.

If one should ever need an example of the strengths and weaknesses in both a proactive and reactionary footballing approach, one needn’t look further than the Jets’ brilliant counter attacking win.

City’s excessive possession in the second half allowed the Jets attack (aided particularly by the introduction of Roy O’Donovan and Joey Champness) to pounce smartly, clinically putting their side 3-1 ahead, making Jamie Maclaren’s equaliser seem like a distant memory for City.

Newcastle Jets

Lewis Italiano — 7

Stood up tall and collected City’s few chances astutely in the first half. Maintained his reliable standard in the second half.

Johnny Koutroumbis — 8

Had a fantastic marauding run in to the City penalty box end with him being collected by a Melbourne defender, to the deaf ears of the referee. Lofted a welcoming cross from the flank on to Jair for the Jets’ opener and was quality throughout.

Lachlan Jackson — 7

Sturdy and solid whilst being unspectacular.

Nikolai Topor-Stanley — 7

Was industrious in keeping his side’s head in the game on the defensive end. Had to cop a yellow card on the chin late on.

Ivan Vujica — 6.5

No doubt the fullback is full of confidence every time he steps on to the pitch. Vujica is fearless in taking on the opposition, but is sloppy in moments where there are easier solutions. Near dangerous play in the end almost led to a fatal turnover, but Topor-Stanley was smartly to it.

Steven Ugarkovic — 8

Contested strongly all over the park and was such an important leader in winning the ball back for his side. Often times Ugarkovic (along with midfield partner Ridenton) would spring City in to panic mode as he took advantage of their static ball movement.

Nick Cowburn — 7

Cleaned up with relative ease, doing well in a disciplined defensive midfield role.

Matthew Ridenton — 7

Mishandled the ball on occasion, but was effective alongside Ugarkovic.

Angus Thurgate — 7

Linked up well, especially with his back to goal. Diligently defended, particularly in a moment where the ever so wily Jamieson looked to run rings around Koutroumbis. Brought off for the defensive substitution of Adelson.

Jair — 8.5

With many key cogs of the Jets’ engine missing, the creative fulcrum largely fell on the Brazilian and boy, did he take it with aplomb. Had a low driven volley saved well by Galekovic and only minutes later, set Koutroumbis through on the flank, who returned the favour by putting the ball on the Brazilian’s head to finish.

Kaine Sheppard — 5

Largely anonymous beyond some nice linkups with Thurgate.

SUBS

Jake Adelson — 7

Tumultuous injury problems have prevented his Jets debut for some time but his debut was a strong one, displaying a positive effect in defence and attack.

Roy O’Donovan — 9

Tried to be a catalyst pushing his side forward and was successful in doing so. Ran at the City defence fearlessly and notched an assist for the patience he showed in slipping through Joey Champness. The young winger returned the baton as he set up the Irishman to clinically finish. Brilliant impact.

Joey Champness — 9

The perfect substitution by Ernie Merrick. Brought pace, knowhow and intelligence on his arrival, taking his goal well and providing O’Donovan with the game winning assist.

Melbourne City

Eugene Galekovic — 6

Delivered a brilliant first half to onlookers, saving well against the likes of Jair and Ridenton. The former Socceroo could have handled the aforementioned Jair’s header better as it slipped past his near post.

Ritchie De Laet — 6

Called on to act as a winger more often than not. Under-utilised for most of the match.

Harrison Delbridge — 5

Questionable lazy defending let his side down for the game’s opener as, despite towering over Jair, Delbridge showed little intent to clear Koutroumbis’ cross.

Curtis Good — 6.5

Strode in to midfield often to open play up for his side and was solid defensively.

Bart Schenkeveld — 6

Had little to do in the second half and was not culpable for any of the goals, nearly getting a touch on O’Donovan’s pass to Champness. Earned a poor and unnecessary yellow card for frustration shown towards the humble Nike ball.

Scott Jamieson — 6

Attempted to provide inspiration for his side, but was often left underused and appeared lost with the rest of his team.

Kearyn Baccus — 6

A typically ‘Kearyn Baccus’ type game. Exquisite distribution and erratic unenforced errors were in abundance.

Luke Brattan — 7

Picked up an assist as he collected the ball on the edge of the area and looked to find a teammate in the box, eventually seeing his deflected pass find Maclaren. Beyond some always impressive passing, Brattan could do little to change the result.

Shayon Harrison — 6.5

The Tottenham Hotspur loanee demonstrated glimpses of his talent.Incessantly worked to win back the ball for his team, with some of his sliding challenges being particularly notable.

Florin Berenguer — 5

Never looked like he was going to impact the match well.

Jamie Maclaren — 7

Saw a first half drive from outside the box skim just wide of the post. Undeniably never gave up, always trying to shape something with the little his side gave him to work with. Rewarded with a typical poacher’s goal, sliding the ball in to the bottom left corner following a deflected pass from Brattan.

SUBS

Riley McGree — 6

Completely scuffed what would have been an instant impact off the bench, skiing a header over Italiano’s bar. Some nice moments of agility.

Lachlan Wales — 6

Brought on way too late to influence proceedings.