Newcastle Jets snap losing streak with A-League win at Wellington Phoenix

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:10 am

Two sensational goals gave Newcastle their first win of the A-League season in an entertaining 2-1 win against Wellington.

The Phoenix missed a plethora of shots despite heavy possession and the lack of accuracy leaves them winless from their past eight matches.

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After a difficult start to the season with four losses, the Jets started with high energy at WIN Stadium on Sunday, with Valentino Yeul scoring the first of two ripping goals. The 26-year-old streaked down field in open space before his powerful kick rebounded from the post into the net in the eighth minute.

Roy O'Donovan extended the lead in the 51st minute when he caught Phoenix keeper Stefan Marinovic flat-footed and tapped in the 50th goal of his A-League career from outside the box. Marinovic made up for the poor judgment later in the second half when he saved what would have been a stunning bicycle kick goal from Nigel Boogaard's left foot.

Roy O'Donovan scored what proved to be the winning goal for Newcastle Jets.
Getty

Aggressive up front, the Jets were just as ruthless in defence with keeper Jack Duncan impressive in protecting the lead. However, it nearly came unstuck late in the match when young forward Blake Archbold made a crucial error. With the Jets leading 2-0 after 85 minutes, he gave away a penalty inside the box for sliding in on Cameron Devlin, gifting an easy spot kick for Ulises Davila to sink.

It set up a grandstand finish, with the Jets holding on for the three points.

It had been 15 days since Phoenix last were on the paddock for a 1-all draw with Macarthur FC, but they will next face Central Coast on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Jets will face Western Sydney on Friday night.