With kick off conditions similar to the jungle moon of Yavin 4, it was the younger players from both teams who excited. Perth Glory looked to be in control of the game after Joe Knowles finished off a great cross from Joseph Mills.

Late in the second half, with the score still only 1-0, someone in the Glory camp must have said, “I have a bad feeling about this”.

The Jets introduced Roy O’Donovan, moved Andrew Nabbout out from Shane Lowry’s clutches and finally Newcastle started to threaten Liam Reddy’s goal. John Koutroumbis equalised before an own goal showed the Force was with the visitors.

Perth Glory

Liam Reddy – 6 

Didn’t have much to do until late. Roy O’Donovan forced him into some good, brave keeping that might have left a mark. Couldn’t do anything about the Newcastle goals.

Alex Grant – 6

Had a good game until succumbing to, what hopefully, is only cramp. His removal and O’Donovan’s arrival might have been what tipped the balance.

Shane Lowry – 6.5

Threw himself at everything and clung to Nabbout like a Mynock. The captain’s armband was unnecessary for Lowry to wear because everything he did on the pitch told that story.

Jeremy Walker – 6

An own goal ruined what would have been a solid performance from this Glory youngster.

Joseph Mills – 8

The Force was strong with this one. Perfect cross for Knowles’ goal. He was a constant threat down the left wing in attack but also contributed heavily to the defence. Without him Newcastle would have been back level a lot earlier. How Mitch Nichols robbed him of the NAB $500 is anyone’s guess.

Xavi Torres – 6 

He was busy and comfortable during the period when Perth controlled the match. Went off injured, at this stage the Bacta supply in the WA must be at dangerously low levels.

Brandon Wilson – 5.5 

Partnered Torres well and nullified the Newcastle threat for most of the game. Was relatively anonymous in attack.   

Mitch Nichols – 7

A good game from Nichols, he was unlucky not to have scored a great goal early on. He was involved in most of Glory’s good attacks.

Chris Harold – 6.5 

With a bit more control Harold might have put the Jets to the lightsaber. He often got himself into good positions then let himself down with a heavy touch.

Jacob Italiano – 7 

Perth Glory’s New Hope had a good game in attack but was guilty of letting Katroumbis go for Newcastle’s equaliser. Other than that he was very good and deserves to keep his spot in the team no matter who gets cleared by the medical droids.

Joe Knowles – 6 

His first A League goal looked like the assured touch of a 200 game veteran. Other than that he worked hard for no reward.

SUBS

Diego Castro – 5 

Came on with 25 minutes to go and looked like his old self. Couldn’t fashion a sealing goal though.

Jake Brimmer – 4 

Didn’t have long to make an impact but did put in a dangerous cross.

Jacob Poscoliero – 5 

Replaced Grant and then had to deal with a fresh and fired up O’Donovan. Tough ask.

 

Newcastle Jets

Glen Moss – 6 

Must have used the force to deny Nichols a goal early on. Not at fault for Knowles’ strike.

Jason Hoffman – 6 

Gave a solid performance on the road. Caught out for Glory’s goal.

Nigel Boogaard – 5 

Really struggled with the pace of Italiano and Harold.

Nikolai Topor-Stanley – 6 

If he still had his old haircut we might have been able to cast him as a Wookie but sadly his hair is now as neat and sharp as his defending was tonight. Time and again he stood tall and kept the Glory at bay.

Ivan Vujica – 5.5 

Played his part and defended stoutly during Glory’s dominant period. Came off early.

 

Ben Kantarovski – 6

Played well in his milestone match. Stopped Glory from having any joy in the middle of the park. Both teams really nullified each other’s midfield. This was game for the wingmen.

Steven Ugarkovic – 6 

Solid performance without standing out. The sort of performance you need from a midfield cog. Made way for Devante Clut late.

Dimitri Petratos – 7.5

Newcastle’s best player. While the rest of his team was still dealing with the jetlag he was dangerous from the first minute.

Wayne Brown – 6 

Another midfielder who didn’t do much to stand out in this game. His movement did open up a lot of space for Petratos to exploit.

Andrew Nabbout – 7

Worked hard up front in the middle but didn’t really impact the game until O’Donovan’s introduction freed him.

Joe Champness – 6.5

He has been really handy for the Jets this season. He worked hard in this game and his side goes home with the three points.

SUBS

Roy O’Donovan – 7

Changed the game when he came on. In contrast to Castro who came on and did more with the ball, O’Donovan did more without the ball. He made the Newcastle line-up a more balanced threat and took up Lowry’s attention in the dying stages of the game.

John Koutroumbis – 6.5

Had the composure to slot away the equaliser.

Devante Clut – 5

Was on the pitch when Newcastle stole the points.