The friendly in the Coalfields against the National Premier Leagues side was Ernie Merrick’s first fixture in charge of the Club, and commenced a run of three games against local opposition over the coming weeks.

The Jets are preparing for their FFA Cup Round of 32 assault on Adelaide United in South Australia on August 9, and also the team’s 13th season in the A-League which kicks off in October. 

Fifteen minutes into the match Irish star O’Donovan broke the deadlock following superb lead up play involving Petratos and Andrew Nabbout.

Not long into the second half Petratos doubled Newcastle’s advantage. The former Brisbane Roar and Ulsan Hyundai man received a precise pass from Wayne Brown before showing some quick feet in the area and sliding the ball beyond Weston custodian Kane Runge.

The Jets went close to scoring more times in the match, particularly through O’Donovan and Petratos who both rattled the woodwork. 

“It was good to have a run tonight and Weston made it tough for us because they were difficult to break down,” Merrick said following the match.

“Given the amount of training that we have done over the past two weeks and also this morning I thought we showed some good signs under fatigue.

“It’s a start, but there’s a lot of work to do over the coming weeks and months."

The Jets will return to friendly match action next Wednesday evening against Broadmeadow Magic FC at Magic Park.

Kick-off is at 7:00pm and like tonight the game will be streamed live on the Club’s official Facebook page in collaboration with BarTV Sports.

Weston Workers Bears FC 0
Newcastle Jets FC 2 (Roy O’Donovan 15’, Dimitri Petratos 47’)
Rockwell Automation Park, Weston