This was the first time Ernie Merrick faced his former club since walking out on the ‘Nix in late 2016. With the upcoming World Cup qualifiers set to deplete the ‘Nix they needed to give their campaign a boost.

It was obvious that Merrick had done his homework.

As the Phoenix persisted with playing out from the back – the Jets pressed them throughout and forced turnover after turnover. Whilethe first goal was an abomination from Goran Paracki, it could have been the managers instructions and the mindset of the players that led to his incredibly misdirected back pass. 

The error and subsequent goal sparked the Jets into form and they punished a poor Phoenix outfit. The score in the end flattered Phoenix, who have now conceded 6 in 3 halves of football.

Newcastle Jets

Jack Duncan – 7

Positioned well throughout and had very little to do on a cold wet night in the Hunter. Think he was spotted playing with the kids on the hill at one stage, just to stay warm.

Ivan Vujica – 7

Movement was good up and down the left flank but the second half saw the Jets shift focus predominantly down their right, so had limited touches.

Nikolai Topor-Stanley – 7

Did well and even chimed in with some of the attacking forays. Forming a solid partnership with twin tower Nigel Boogaard in the heart of defence.

Nigel Boogaard – 8

Rock solid. Got forward for set pieces but broke down anything and everything the lackluster Phoenix attack threw at him. Impressive start to the year for Boogs.

Jason Hoffman – 7

In for Daniel Georgievski and his first start and did a handy job on the right putting in some dangerous looking crosses.

 

Ben Kantarovski – 7.5 

Quiet achiever and did everything right and expected of a screening midfielder.

Steve Ugarkovic - 7.5

Played a beautiful pass to Dimi Petratos early then forced a save from Smith shortly after. Was a key pivot in Jets attacks and his passing was a joy.

Joey Champness – 7.5 

Springy performance in his first A-League start and a great early chance in the second half saved by Keegan Smith. Laid on the assist for Nabbout after a cheeky back heel from O’Donovan. Subbed for Kosta Petratos in the 77th minute. Plenty more to come from this youngster.

Dimi Petratos – 9 

Still highly underrated and his early season form has been nothing short of brilliant. Excitement machine, set pieces, penetrating forward runs at pace. One of which led to a beautiful ball for O’Donovan's second. A big big reason for the fans to continue to come in at Newcastle despite their Marquee man disappointingly not on show anymore.

Andrew Nabbout - 7.5

Like Ugarkovic his link play in attack is to be applauded. Not his best performance with some heavy touches but took his goal with aplomb to put the Jets 3 up.

Roy O’Donovan – 8.5 

Missed a sitter in front on 15 minutes but made up for it with two gifts later in the first half. First he finished off Paracki’s back pass with his second bite of the cherry, then tapped in off his thigh for his 7th of the campaign. Brought out the trick stick in the second half with some back heels which set them on their way to their third goal.

SUBS

Kosta Petratos – 6.5

Newcastle debut for Kosta and got around 15 minutes under his belt with some deft touches. He also completed the Petratos hat-trick. No, not goals – Appearances in a Jets shirt for the day, with sister Pana turning out in the W-League earlier.

Wayne Brown – NA

Came on late but not enough time to contribute too much

Mario Shabow – NA

Time wasting substitution really.

 

Wellington Phoenix

Keegan Smith – 6.5 

Did everything he could and parried many away with the Jets getting nine shots on target throughout. Even had to deal with his own players setting up the opposition.

Ali Abbas – 6 

Had a lot of defensive work to do and did it well enough but sadly for Wellington his wide runs were ignored and failed to link in with play to any great degree.

Tom Doyle – 5 

Poor marking and closing down, along with poor distribution. Why did they persist with playing out from the back? Why?!

Andrew Durante 5.5 

Incredible to be even playing given recent injury and much needed minutes from an All Whites perspective. Unfortunately for them, he was part of a defence that shipped three goals.

Daniel Mullen – 6

Broke down a Jets counter showing a great turn of pace in the first half and had too, or the Jets were away. Almost gifted them a goal in the second leaving a pass way too short.

 

Michael McGlinchey – 5

Like most Phoenix midfielders and attackers, not given a lot of opportunities

Goran Paracki – 3 

Up until the aforementioned abomination, he was actually one of the better on the park. Covered a lot of territory and his passing was quick, accurate and mostly forward. See what happens when you pass backwards, Goran? After his assist for the opening Jets goal, his confidence was shattered and he gave the ball away time, and time again.

Gui Finkler – 5 

Tried hard but to no avail. Subbed at half time due to a knee injury.

Dario Vidosic – 4 

His quietest performance in a ‘Nix shirt. Did not get given the ball but didn’t go searching, either. Very disappointing display, or lack thereof.

Roy Krishna – 6.5

His bursts of pace were impressive but no real contributions.

Andrija Kaluderovic – 6

Limited opportunities and subbed half way through the second half.

SUBS

Adam Parkhouse – 6 

Half-Time substitution for Finkler. Adds a different dimension to the Brazilian getting wider and toiled well.

Hamish Watson – 5.5

Replaced Kaluderovic on 68mins but like his Strike partner didn’t get the ball much at all. Maybe playing out from the back for 93mins wasn’t such a great idea?

Matt Ridenton – NA 

Less than 10mins for Ridenton who came on for a disappointing Vidosic.