NEWCASTLE JETS 1-1 SYDNEY FC

Tonight’s game, by comparison, was a humbling return to reality – at least for the first 87 minutes. Newcastle looked completely out of ideas as Sydney took a first half lead through Alex Brosque, and seemed set to kill the game as only the Sky Blues can.

Late in the piece, however, Sydney gave away an unnecessary free kick on the right wing. That was all the invitation the Jets needed, as Dimi Petratos whipped in a terrific ball for substitute Nick Cowburn to head home. An important point gained for the Novocastrians, while Sydney will be dismayed that they let the win slip through their fingers.

NEWCASTLE JETS

Glen Moss - 4

Made an awful error for the opening goal, allowing Brosque’s rather tame header to squirm underneath his outstretched arm. Produced a good save to keep out Ninkovic in the second half, and brilliantly denied Lokolingoy in a 1v1 in stoppage time.

Daniel Georgievski - 5

Didn’t know whether to stick or twist with Ninkovic, who constantly dropped deep and drifted inside to make life difficult for the Jets fullback. As always, the effort and intensity was there for 90 minutes – which is more than can be said for some of his teammates.

Nigel Boogard – 7

Provided much-needed leadership at the back. Put in several excellent challenges, and his urgency with the ball really lifted his side in the last 20 minutes.

Nikolai Topor-Stanley – 5

Misread the bounce of the ball early on to let Le Fondre in on goal. Was generally solid for the rest of the game.  

Lachlan Jackson - 3

His use of the ball left much to be desired. Given a torrid time by Grant’s overlapping runs. A clear weak point in the side.