Newcastle Jets earn draw at Central Coast Mariners after retaken penalty

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:19 am

Dimi Petratos equalised from the penalty spot, after a retake as Newcastle fought back to start their A-League season with a 1-1 draw with the Mariners at Central Coast Stadium. Petratos levelled in in the 56th minute to cap a drama-charged four minutes on Saturday night.

Central Coast's Giancarlo Gallifuoco handballed in an aerial contest in the box but Petratos' initial penalty shot was denied by former Jets keeper Mark Birighitti with a dive to his right. The save, though, was reviewed and replays found Birighitti had come off his line. Petratos stepped up again and this time beat Birighitti to the same side.

The round two draw came after the Jets had the opening week bye.

The Mariners had led in the fourth minute with a quality strike from Serbian Milan Duric. Duric, who scored in the Mariners' opening round 2-1 loss to Wanderers, put Jordan Murray in behind with a long pass then followed through to bury a volleyed shot off a chipped cross back from his striker.

Mark Birighitti saved the first penalty but VAR ruled he was off his line.
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Central Coast fans thought they had a penalty for handball against Johnny Koutroumbis in the 18th minute but it was cleared on review.

Newcastle edged Mariners in first-half possession put the hosts held firm and restricted the Jets to only one shot on target at halftime.

Duric nearly made it 2-0 in the first minute of the second half but Jets keeper Glen Moss was at full stretch to deny his stinging free kick.

The Jets threatened with a crisp, hip-high strike from former Mariner Matt Millar in the 74th minute but Birighitti made a quality reflex stop.

Duric almost had the final say but his long-range strike in the 90th minute was denied by the woodwork.