After a lengthy stretch without a win, the Newcastle Jets finally emerged victorious, triumphing over Perth Glory 2-1 on Saturday evening, thanks to a standout performance by Sophie Hoban, who netted both goals despite the Jets being reduced to 10 players in the second half.
Newcastle struck early, taking the lead in just the 2nd minute. Hoban’s attempt to cross the ball into the box sailed over the goalkeeper and found the back of the net.
Just two minutes later, Hoban added another to her tally, deftly converting from close range after the ball was deflected in the box.
Coming out for the second half with a renewed determination, Perth clawed their way back into the match in the 56th minute with a low strike from Ella Lincoln.
The tension mounted for the home side when they were reduced to 10 players in the 77th minute. Libby Copus-Brown was shown a red card for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity by taking down Megan Wynne.
Nonetheless, the Jets managed to withstand Perth Glory’s late attempts to equalise, claiming just their third win of the season and putting themselves four points ahead of last-placed Sydney FC.
For Perth, the loss marked their 10th defeat of the season, leaving them just a point clear of Newcastle in 10th position on the league table.
The Jets came out with intent at No.2 Sportsground, seizing the lead within the first two minutes of play.
Hoban swung a deep cross into the box from the right; although the delivery seemed overcooked, it turned out to be fortuitously perfect as goalkeeper Miranda Templeman could do nothing but watch the ball nestle into the far corner.
With the home side already behind, their woes deepened almost instantly as Hoban struck again.
Having initiated the play from midfield, Hoban continued her run into the box, and when Templeman could only parry the ball, the midfielder was on hand to tap it in, making it 2-0.
Hoban came close to completing a first-half hat-trick but ended up firing her shot over the bar from inside the box, leaving the away side with a significant reprieve.
Seeking a change in momentum during the second half, Perth managed to gain a foothold in the game when Lincoln found the bottom corner with a well-executed finish in the 56th minute, reigniting hopes for the Glory.
Both teams created decent chances throughout the second half, but the match captivated in the 77th minute when Copus-Brown was sent off for thwarting a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Ultimately, the Jets had to dig deep to defend their slender lead, and despite the late onslaught from Perth, they held firm to secure their third victory of the season, distancing themselves from bottom-placed Sydney FC and ending their string of 10 winless matches.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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