Jets’ Thrilling New Partnership Shines as Adelaide Suffers Unexpected Defeat

In-form Newcastle Jets forward Lachlan Rose found the back of the net for the third match running, sparking his team to a surprising 2-1 triumph over Adelaide United on Saturday evening.

January recruit Kota Mizunuma provided his third assist in just four appearances, setting up Rose for the second time in consecutive games, allowing the Jets to take the lead at Coopers Stadium.

Adelaide’s Stefan Mauk managed to equalise just before the half-time whistle, but Clayton Taylor restored Newcastle’s advantage with the final goal of the match merely ten minutes into the second half.

With this victory, Newcastle has secured back-to-back wins for the first time this season and remains unbeaten in their last four games, as Rob Stanton’s team gains momentum heading into the later stages of the 2024-25 season.

On the other hand, Adelaide has fallen behind in the chase for the Premiers Plate after league leaders Auckland FC defeated Western United 2-0 earlier that day. The Reds now find themselves five points adrift of the Black Knights while still holding a three-point cushion over third-placed Melbourne Victory.

In only his second start of the season, Rose posed a threat from the outset for the Jets and nearly scored in the third minute of play.

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At the opposite end, Archie Goodwin sought to score against his former club, and given his current form, he should have capitalised when he was found in the six-yard box by a dangerous cross from Dylan Pierias.

However, Goodwin failed to connect correctly with the ball using his left foot, wasting a golden opportunity for the young Adelaide striker.

Adelaide came undone in the 37th minute when Kota Mizunuma set up Rose, who headed the Jets into an unlikely lead.

Mizunuma, who only joined in January, has already notched three assists, two of which were for Rose, who is on a scoring spree with three goals in three matches.

Midway through the second half, Network 10 co-commentator Andy Harper reflected on the influence of both Rose and Mizunuma on Newcastle’s turnaround since Rose’s return to fitness and Mizunuma’s arrival.

“Newcastle have been quietly building a case,” Harper remarked. “It’s been a challenging season, with ups and downs.

“It’s apparent that the introduction of Lachie Rose and Kota Mizunuma has nearly perfectly coincided with their improvement. It’s provided them with some much-needed impetus up front.

“The younger players, who had been toiling away and occasionally shining, now have a formidable spearhead behind which they can rally.”

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However, the Jets were unable to maintain their lead into half-time as Mauk struck back with a precise finish.

A cross from Pierias was intercepted by Mark Natta, but Mauk skillfully controlled the header from the Newcastle defender on the penalty spot and blasted it past Jets keeper Noah James, ensuring that the teams went into the break level.

With the score tied at half-time, Adelaide appeared poised to seize the momentum from a rejuvenated home crowd and take the lead—but just ten minutes after the break, Taylor restored Newcastle’s lead with a goal that dampened the spirits at Coopers Stadium.

The Jets midfielder made a heavy touch past Reds defender Bart Vriends on the halfway line, creating space to sprint down the left wing. Upon entering the penalty area, he unleashed a shot that Reds keeper Cox should have done better to stop as it found the back of the net.

Eager to inspire his side back into contention, Mauk was presented with a splendid opportunity to increase his tally for the night when he intercepted a cutback in the area. Unfortunately, the composed touch he displayed in the first half eluded him, and his scuffed shot went wide.

Adelaide head coach Carl Veart introduced young forwards Amlani Tatu and Harry Crawford from the bench for their respective A-League debuts. Sixteen-year-old Tatu enjoyed a couple of opportunities to level the score for the hosts, but a second goal didn’t materialise, allowing Newcastle to secure all three points for the second match running.