Newcastle Jets beat Adelaide United 2-1
Oof, Gulum has possibly the last chance of the game to level, but can only direct it straight at Moss. Regan picks up a yellow at the death as he charges out for a standing tackle, but it’s too little too late for the Reds.
Well, it’s good news for Jets fans - they’ve already surprassed their points tally comparative to last season. Have to feel for the Reds tho, thought they were by far the superior side and in the end conceded two very unlucky goals.
Isaias appears on telly to accept the player of the match award, says it doesn’t get harder than today, but he’s very happy with the way his side played. They gave everything, he says, and concludes that he certainly didn’t think it was a penalty.
Topor-Stanley appears this time, arguing it was a “stalemate” of a game, with neither team making “great” chances, but they’ll take the points. Didn’t see the penalty and shrugs off an inconclusive replay.
So much drama to conclude a slow game - and honestly, after looking AGAIN at the replay, there’s no way that should have been a penalty. Zoomed in it clearly shows that it took Gülüm’s shoulder, and he did everything he could to avoid it.
That’s all from me for this A-League feature fixture, but I’d love to hear your thoughts below the line.
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A-League 93:30 Newcastle Jets 2-1 Adelaide United
Five minutes of stoppage time - and finally the players look excited on the pitch, even if in poor circumstances for the Reds.
Some very unhappy fans out there. This is the PG version.
That's so pathetic, clearly not a penalty! What's the point in having this video review thing when it does shit all #NEWvADL
— Georgia (@georgiaaro) December 16, 2017
A league is an absolute joke #NEWvADL
— Lone Wolf (@lupo0268) December 16, 2017
another week, another @ALeague game descending into a farce with var #NEWvADL
— Kieran Blackmore (@goatwoat) December 16, 2017
A-League 92:30 Newcastle Jets 2-1 Adelaide United
Well, it’s high drama here as Adelaide assistant Filip Tapalovic is given a red card! To be fair to him, it was actually Marco Kurz who blew a fuse after that penalty was awarded - not sure why he was the unlucky recipient.
Geez, I really don’t think that was a handball - but I can see how there wasn’t enough evidence for VAR to overturn.
GOAL! A-League Newcastle Jets 2-1 Adelaide United
A-League 90:00 Newcastle Jets 2-1 Adelaide United
Dimi Petratos brilliantly works his way into the box, he has a shot on goal and it’s called a handball! He pointed to the spot immediately, meaning he was confident. It looks incorrect on the replay, however. Gülüm is the unlucky offender - after the ball deflected off his teammate Lia. Another extreme zoom shows he tried very hard to avoid the ball, and the ball most likely deflected off his chest.
No overrule from the VAR - probably because it was inconclusive. Now Lia receives another yellow for his protesting. Meanwhile, the end result is that Dimitri Petratos will take the penalty. It’s all on Izzo to repel it. He can’t. Great penalty, he fires it into the bottom left-hand side of the net
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A-League 86:00 Newcastle Jets 1-1 Adelaide United
Some consensus on television that Adelaide would be the more deserved winners, but no such consensus that they’ve played well enough to avoid the draw. It was Blackwood, the goal-scorer, who made way for Stamtelopoulos, and he looked none too impressed about it. To be fair, he didn’t have a lot of the ball prior to the goal.
Outrageous. Adelaide taking off their best attacking weapon. #NEWvADL
— Hat (@JustDavies90) December 16, 2017
A-League 82:30 Newcastle Jets 1-1 Adelaide United
HUGE chance goes begging for Newcastle. Nabbout is suggesting a push on Champness, but it wasn’t there. Hoffman with the brilliant delivery from the rightwing, he finds Nabbout who tries a cute header to Champness. It finds him just metres out from goal, but he can’t make it past Marrone. Probably should have gone himself, Nabbout but it was selfless, impressive play. Such a great pass by Hoffman - deserved a goal.
Stamatelopolous on, and Champness off for Kosta (not Dimitri) Petratos.
A-League 77:40 Newcastle Jets 1-1 Adelaide United
Mileusnic makes his way into the box, but his strike is fired into Blackwood’s back. Gülüm infringes on Nabbout, apologises, and play moves on. Adelaide sitting relatively deep now, and playing with less urgency now they have the equaliser. Thankfully the quality is up from both sides this half.
Ugarkovic with the ball back into the box, but Isaias is well-positioned to block.
A-League 74:00 Newcastle Jets 1-1 Adelaide United
Free-kick earned for the Reds, Kitto takes it from a threatening area, 25 yards out, but his attempt on goal is well over the crossbar. Very disappointing effort.
Newcastle make another sub, Brown comes off for Jason Hoffman.
Updated
A-League 72:00 Newcastle Jets 1-1 Adelaide United
Adelaide are pressing - and hard - with the milestone man Marrone impressing after serving his controversial suspension. Some pinball ensues after Marrone again works his way dangerously into the box, this time finding Moss’ gloves with a powerful strike at the near post. Topor-Stanley manages to block the second effort.
GOAL! A-League Newcastle Jets 1-1 Adelaide United
A-League 68:40 Newcastle Jets 1-1 Adelaide United
Another offside to the Jets - Champness fails to adjust to the shift of the defensive line. Relatively poor play from him - which sets up a free-kick for Adelaide.
Some justice here for the Reds as they finally score. Marrone hits the perfect cross from the right after some penetrating run which demanded the ball from Mileusnic. Blackwood is in the perfect spot to tap it in. Great persistence by the Reds.
A-League 65:10 Newcastle Jets 1-0 Adelaide United
So the Nabbout goal makes it a record eleven consecutive games they’ve scored in the A-League. Isaias looked to have been fouled, but is having no luck with the referee. Like his team, looks very frustrated at the score to Newcastle against the run of play.
Jets playing with a little more fluency after the breakthrough - but the ball lands with the Reds again who work the ball down the left wing. They do a Newcastle and hold onto possession, and Mileusnic manages to draw a corner after a very patient build-up.
Koutroumbis makes his way off for Lachlan Jackson in the first substitution of the day. Koutroumbis has been marking Kitto - who has been threatening. Speaking of Kitto, his corner is again overcooked.
A-League 58:40 Newcastle Jets 1-0 Adelaide United
Well, finally the drought is broken but the score is most certainly to the inferior side so far. Isaias looks perturbed by the unfortunate chain of events, and is picking fights with a Jet or two. At the least the Reds seem to have been sparked into a more attacking style of play.
This just about sums it up:
Christ what a fluke that was. They have been poor all day, haven't looked like scoring and get rewarded for sloppy football #NEWvADL
— James Carlile (@PSG_Schalke) December 16, 2017
Updated
GOAL! Newcastle Jets 1-0 Adelaide United
A-League 55:50 Newcastle Jets 1-0 Adelaide United
Champness with a manic run again on the right wing - he plays it back to Petratos, who in turn, with the deflection, finds Nabbout who scores! He was offside, but because Isaias played the ball on Petratos the goal will stand. Hard one to swallow for the Reds - they put their hands up in unison and almost stopped in their tracks - leaving Izzo alone to repel the shot. Yes, Nabbout was clearly offside, but Isaias ends up being punished for his too-dilligent defense and tackling.
The VAR review clears the referee’s decision, which was correct.
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A-League 52:30 Newcastle Jets 0-0 Adelaide United
Some vision filtering through of the ‘champness chaps’ which appears to be a mob of young white men with their tops off.
A big cheer went up as they came into focus - I mistakenly assumed it was for the chaps, but actually it was for a Konstandopoulos yellow, which on replay looks to have been rather harsh. Had the ball fired into him - he didn’t retreat, but didn’t look to illegally infringe. Officially it’s down as “he moved towards the ball”. Hmm.
A-League 49:20 Newcastle Jets 0-0 Adelaide United
Champness leaves the ball behind after he blazes the entire attacking third on his own. He looked to panic once he realised he’d made his way into the box.
Kitto with the flashy nutmeg, finds his way into the box and then fires a dangerous cross through. Noone there for the tap-in, but he forces a corner nonetheless. Played well so far, Kitto.
A-League 48:10 Newcastle Jets 0-0 Adelaide United
First corner to Adelaide - but Moss gobbles it up.
Here’s some vision of the best chance of the first half.
.@NewcastleJetsFC came closest to opening the scoring in the first half.
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) December 16, 2017
📺: Watch the second half of #NEWvADL LIVE on @FOXFOOTBALL 501. #ALeague pic.twitter.com/oA0rtCfO0X
Some praise from Marco Kurz during the break for his side’s high defensive line and tactical nous. They’ve certainly repelled the Jets, but I’d like to see more positivity from them in the attacking third.
Stats snapshot
Probably goes to show how little attacking fluency either side has displayed so far. Not surprised on possession - Newcastle have looked to control the ball in the midfield, but often to little effect. Adelaide have appeared to dominate play, with more attacking gusto.
Here are the @HarveyNormanAU stats from the first half in Newcastle. #NEWvADL #ALeague
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) December 16, 2017
Thoughts on those 45 minutes? pic.twitter.com/UBcJDoH05b
A-League half-time Newcastle Jets 0-0 Adelaide United
Well it’s half-time, and a fairly uninspiring contest to date. Let’s hope things heat up in the second half. Kitto had a late chance to put the Reds up, but Boogaard’s block ensured it was a routine save for Moss. The Vujica cross to Nabbout was by far the best chance of the first half, if only his attempted tap-in hadn’t squirted wide.
Fans are none-too-impressed:
One of the worst halves you'll see. #NEWvADL
— andrew (@melatonii) December 16, 2017
Well that was a rather lacklustre first half. #NEWvADL
— PJ ⚽️🏏🏉 (@paul_jobber23) December 16, 2017
Anyone still awake? #NEWvADL
— Justin Civitillo (@JC_Kazama) December 16, 2017
A-League 44:50 Newcastle Jets 0-0 Adelaide United
The cameras spot Sam Kerr in the tunnel, watching on, and she does her best to (unconvincingly) dodge them by ducking down. Our commentators talk up the following W-League fixture which is being touted as the main event of the night (“isn’t a sign of changing times, the men’s fixture as the curtain-raiser” add our commentary team). Indeed!
For those who haven’t already seen it, you can read about the Matildas’ incredible year here, which has resulted in them finishing fourth in the world rankings - their highest placing, and the first time they’ve breached the top five. Awesome stuff. The Socceroos’ highest ranking of 14 came in 2009.
A-League 41:15 Newcastle Jets 0-0 Adelaide United
Petratos looks for the run of Ugarkovic, but it’s intercepted. At least something different from the Jets, who have so far found the Reds defence almost impenetrable.
p.s. we have a photo at last! (there’s only two, so enjoy this one of two)
A-League 38:50 Newcastle Jets 0-0 Adelaide United
Fifth yellow for the season goes to Gülüm which means he’ll sit out next week’s fixture. Oooh, Nabbout is almost in again, after the neat release from Petratos. This time he’s only just offside. Nabbout missed the shot in any event, but it was a good effort from a very narrow angle.
Some aggression may finally spark this game, with Boogaard getting a lengthy talking-to after an awful sliding tackle on Kitto. No idea how that doesn’t get a yellow and Petratos does. For those wondering, the Gülüm yellow was fair enough - it was a reckless, front on sliding tackle. He had no qualms about it.
Another corner for Adelaide - but Kitto’s ball is again long. Nicely back in by Konstandopoulos to set up a volley attempt by Mileusnic, but he doesn’t strike it well. Still, he’s been in behind on several occasions. Looks dangerous.
A-League 34:00 Newcastle Jets 0-0 Adelaide United
Konstandopoulos takes the initiative and cuts a path through the defence, forcing Moss into a decent save - it bounced dangerously. Good work from Konstandopoulos to take the game on when play has otherwise been flat.
Almost immediately on the counter, Nabbout breaks and is on-side, this time. However, he holds possession too long and his belated pass is intercepted by a defender, lobbing into Izzo’s safe hands.
A-League 30:00 Newcastle Jets 0-0 Adelaide United
Lots of passing going nowhere for Newcastle, and eventually, inevitably it is intercepted. Not sure why the Jets are playing so cautiously, it’s not the style of play that has got them into the position they are currently.
Lots of talk about heat and humidity, but from what I can see it’s only 28 with 60% humidity. Well maybe ‘only’ is unfair, but try playing AFLW in the middle of summer!
Frustrated Jets fans making their feelings known on some very uninspiring lead-up play.
A-League 26:30 Newcastle Jets 0-0 Adelaide United
Second yellow - this time to Petratos, who collect Isaias, but on replay it looks as if Isaias actually collects Petratos on the follow-through. He went down fairly spectacularly, and probably deserved the resultant boos.
Commentary lauds the game as “a bit sloppy” to date. I think that’s being kind.
A-League 25:00 Newcastle Jets 0-0 Adelaide United
Oof, Nabbout looked like he was in, but he’s called up for off-side. On the replay he’s a mile off. He’s hit 14 off-sides for the season, the most of anyone in the league. To his credit, he has also scored five goals from his last six games.
A-League 22:45 Newcastle Jets 0-0 Adelaide United
Apologies for those who are visual, I can find about 30,000 photos of the Ashes and none of the A-League, yet. Some whispers that Perth will debut a 15-year-old tonight in Riley Warland. Wouldn’t that be something?
Adelaide aggrieved that no penalty was drawn for contact on Vujica, but upon replay it was almost certainly accidental. Meanwhile Kantarovski manages a shot on goal after Petratos drew play onto the left wing to allow Newcastle passage through. The finish is poor, however.
A-League 18:20 Newcastle Jets 0-0 Adelaide United
Nice footwork from Champness who puts the United defence under all sorts of pressure, resulting in an excellent, low cross from Vujica - it’s almost tapped in from Nabbout from close range, but he doesn’t find enough of it. By far best play/chance of the day to date.
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A-League 16:20 Newcastle Jets 0-0 Adelaide United
At first what seemed to be the first dangerous-looking attacking play by the Jets ultimately comes to nothing. They run the ball back and forwards between the wings, maintaining plenty of possession, but ultimately force themselves well backwards, Adelaide pushing up defensively before forcing an error. Not pretty. I suppose they managed some possession?
A-League 13:10 Newcastle Jets 0-0 Adelaide United
Miluesnic manages to convince the referee it’s a Reds corner - much to the dismay of the crowd who have taken to chanting ‘bullshit’. The corner, for the record, is well overcooked by Kitto, and satisfies the crowd.
A-League 11:50 Newcastle Jets 0-0 Adelaide United
Brown in a defensive midfield position, Ugarkovic is playing right midfield/rightwing, and looks uncomfortable.
Izzo intercepts some promising forward play, and takes the quick release - almost too quick, putting plenty of pressure on his defenders.
A-League 09:30 Newcastle Jets 0-0 Adelaide United
Slow start to the game from the Jets, who look the less accomplished team so far. Giving away possession cheaply.
Isaias’ pass it too heavy for his teammate, but the Reds maintaining possession in what has been a slow-paced game so far. Early yellow card for Koutroumbis who fouls Kitto on a promising run. Isaias punches the ball in but it doesn’t bother Moss.
A-League 5:20 Newcastle Jets 0-0 Adelaide United
Absolutely dismal crowd at McDonald Jones stadium by the looks of it, which hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans.
#NEWvADL
— Michael Macchione (@MichaelMacchio1) December 16, 2017
Another dismal crowd
Massive crowd 🙄
— Andrew Macdougall (@AndrewMacWrites) December 16, 2017
No one cares anymore.#NEWvADL
A-League 3:45 Newcastle Jets 0-0 Adelaide United
Mileusnic given far too much space just outside the box, they try to exploit his pace, finding Kitto on the other wing, but the shot is over the crossbar. Mileusnic looks set to dominate with several dangerous runs inside a few minutes.
W-League results
I won’t be working that late, sadly, but there’s a late W-League fixture on tonight, with the Newcastle Jets taking on Perth Glory after this game at McDonald Jones Stadium.
There were a couple of games last night - with one controversially taking place at 5:20pm (Sydney FC 3-0 Canberra United) - how on earth does that encourage a crowd?
Here are your results:
A Lisa De Vanna-inspired Sydney FC have dealt fellow finals contenders Canberra United a crushing 3-0 defeat to go equal top in the W-League standings.
De Vanna scored twice in Friday’s first half, setting the Sky Blues up for a one-sided victory. The scoreline could have been even worse for Canberra at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. Sky Blues attacker Amy Harrison hit the post with a fierce shot, having failed to convert an earlier one-on-one, amid an action-packed second half, while teammate Emily Sonnett seemed unlucky to have a goal disallowed for offside.
Unlucky defender Toni Pressley headed a spectacular own-goal in the second half to cap a disastrous day out for Canberra.
- With thanks to AAP
In the later fixture, the Western Sydney Wanderers defeated Adelaide United 2-1, with Dutchwoman Pieete scoring the game’s opener in the 23rd minute, before the Wanderers equalised through US-striker Doniak before the half.
Mautz had a tap-in ruled offside, and Chidiac also hit the post as the Reds looked to seal victory at home in the second half. However, it was Falkon of the Wanderers who scored with 18 minutes to play.
They finish on seven points in eighth position, just ahead of Adelaide.
It’s Spanish round... sorta
(Well, it’s a FoxSports thing rather than FFA, if that clarifies). So no Chewbacca masks this week, but that doesn’t mean fans are totally sold on Spanish round, either.
the fact that @aleague will promote #spanishround while simultaneously supporting the #NCIP that whitewashes ethnicity in Aus football is ... errr ... problematic.
— Bill Skinner (@vinthropologist) December 11, 2017
The #aleague #spanishround says so much about multiculturalism in Australia. As long we stay in the realm of stereotypes we're safe, but if support really reflect another culture and seen outside mainstream has to be stamped out mercilessly.
— Guido Tresoldi (@GuidoTresoldi) December 11, 2017
And here are our teams
The teams are in and here's how the boys will take the field this afternoon. Just under an hour until kick-off! #NEWvADL pic.twitter.com/raV9IX8Qxb
— NEWCASTLE JETS FC ✈️ (@NewcastleJetsFC) December 16, 2017
Contrary to Newcastle’s post (which is from earlier) we have just ten minutes or so until kick-off.
.@MickMarrone, Vince Lia and George Blackwood all return to the starting line up. Baba Diawara is ruled out with a hip injury. #NEWvADL #AUFC pic.twitter.com/UMPJNTNv1n
— Adelaide United FC (@AdelaideUnited) December 16, 2017
150 starts for Mick Marrone
Congratulations to @MickMarrone making his 150th @ALeague start today! #AUFC #ForeverUnited #NEWvADL pic.twitter.com/1GHiDg4DmG
— Adelaide United FC (@AdelaideUnited) December 16, 2017
Here’s the view in Newcastle
Absolutely pristine looking pitch at McDonald Jones stadium, well done to the curators. I know it isn’t cricket, but I’m impressed.
An absolutely picture-perfect day here at @MJStadium, it's not too late to get down to enjoy all the action! #NEWvADL
— NEWCASTLE JETS FC ✈️ (@NewcastleJetsFC) December 16, 2017
🎫 https://t.co/ERRpyypMe5 pic.twitter.com/ETZIpiTsyI
A-League
For those wondering about last night’s result, Sydney FC stretched their unbeaten run to five matches but were made to work by an unlucky Melbourne City before securing a feisty 3-1 comeback victory at Allianz Stadium.
Two Sydney goals within minutes approaching halftime proved pivotal on Friday night, as Adrian Mierzejewski cancelled out Luke Bratton’s goal for City, before Bobo put the Sky Blues ahead for the first time in front of 10,688 spectators.
While the win strengthened Sydney FC’s hold on top spot, there was little of the silky football on display that was seen in last weekend’s 5-0 Sydney derby victory.
City proved a gritty opponent and could easily have finished sharing the spoils with a dose of luck, but it might prove a costly night for the Victorians with prolific striker Ross McCormack forced off with a muscle injury.
- With thanks to AAP
Welcome
Hello and welcome to this A-League feature match between the Newcastle Jets and Adelaide United at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Jets have had a wonderful start to the season, exceeding expectations with six wins and two draws to sit in second spot on the table behind Sydney FC. However, they have been dealt a significant blow with striker Roy O’Donovan succumbing to a groin tear and likely to miss three months.
Adelaide United, meanwhile, will be pleased to have come away with the win against Melbourne Victory last week, finishing the game with just nine men. It hasn’t been the best season for Victory, but that’s an impressive feat nonetheless.
Here are some stats on the game, courtesy of the A-League and Opta Data.
- There have been eight clean sheets across the last nine A-League meetings between these teams, including two 0-0 draws.
- Newcastle Jets have lost just one of their last seven A-League games at McDonald Jones Stadium against the Reds (W3, D3), and are undefeated in their last three (W1, D2).
- The Reds have won their last two games away from home in the A-League and the last time they won more was a five-game streak from January to March 2016.
- Ernie Merrick’s side have now scored a goal in each of their last 10 A-League games. Never before have they gone longer without being kept goalless.
- Adelaide have made 48% of their total shots from outside the box this Hyundai A-League season (including blocks), the greatest proportion of any team in the competition.
- The Jets have faced just 31 shots on target this A-League season, only Sydney (28) have recorded fewer this term.
- Reds skipper Isaias has attempted 101 passes into the final third this Hyundai A-League campaign and is one of only two players to have made 100 or more (Ben Kantarovski has 112).
Kate will be here shortly.
In the meantime, have a read about the Matildas’ stellar year, which has resulted in their highest world ranking of fourth.
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