Newcastle Jets won their maiden Australia Cup trophy after a pulsating final in Melbourne. In the Final, they defeated Heidelberg United 3-1 after a torrid extra time period. The fixture drew 10,000 rabid supporters to an all Starry Nation matchup. Boy did Newcastle make it an unforgettable one, battling back from a challenging opening few minutes to turn an early deficit into a raucous victory.
It looked like it would all go according to plan when Heidelberg United rocked the final on its heels with an 8th-minute lead. Ryan Lethlean took full advantage of a free kick opportunity, expertly nodding the ball home to put his sub-professional side ahead. Heidelberg’s terrific tournament run came to an unexpected end with the defeat. They were ruthless against heavyweights such as Western Sydney, Wellington and Auckland FC, not letting in a single goal! Our SHN stock photo Their roster features a deep bench stocked with local tradespeople and professionals that boasted their underdog status.
Newcastle’s Resilience Shines
As Newcastle Jets coped without central defender Max Cooper who was ill, they showed tremendous character all game long. In the 74th minute, TSN’s Xavier Bertoncello completed a solid individual effort to draw the score even. He bent his free kick but just wide of the goal. The Jets kept pushing forward and refused to be denied.
In an epic turn of events, Newcastle’s Oscar Fryer scored a blockbuster goal in the 96th minute. His extremely powerful and precise shot equalized the home side and took the game into extra time. This impressive strike turned the tide towards Newcastle’s favor. What an amazing way to energize both the players and the home fans! The Jets took advantage of this momentum as they moved into the extra period, intent on sealing their win.
Triumph in Extra Time
As additional period progressed, Newcastle Jets showed why they are the best attack in the W-League. Then they took command and scored two more, clinching their victory. The win earned them a prize purse of $50,000 and a coveted spot in next year’s Asian Champions League 2 competition. Claiming this title was a momentous occasion for the club, further entrenching their place as one of the powerhouses of Australian football.
Mark Milligan, head coach of Newcastle FC applauded his team’s drive and creativity to battle through tough situations for the length of the game. He talked about the historic significance of this win for the club and its fans. John Anastasiadis, the coach of Heidelberg United, was full of praise for his side’s superb display. Even in defeat, he focused on their tournament fairytale run to Robbinsville.
