Jets’ Historic Triumph: Ten-Man Mariners Suffer a 6-Goal Blitz in F3 Derby!

The Newcastle Jets delivered a stunning 6-0 victory over the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday night, marking one of the most significant F3 Derby wins in the competition’s two-decade history.

Things took a turn for the Mariners early on when they found themselves a man down, following Storm Roux’s elbow into Jets midfielder Callum Timmins. At that point, the Mariners were already trailing 1-0, but they would go on to concede five more goals as Clayton Taylor dominated the field, providing three assists and scoring a goal by the time the 50-minute mark was reached.

Eli Adams ultimately sealed the deal with a late brace, capping the scoreline at six and tying the largest winning margin in F3 Derby history (Jets 8-2 Mariners – April 2018). This emphatic result not only gave the Jets bragging rights but also dashed the Mariners’ hopes of making the Finals Series and defending their championship title.

The Jets’ performance hinted at the magic to come when centre-back Aleksandar Susnjar netted his first league goal for the club, setting the scoring in motion at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Susnjar evaded his marker, Trent Sainsbury, before finding himself in the six-yard box for a freely-taken header after a deft flick-on by Clayton Taylor.

Unfortunately for the Mariners, an injury to star player Mikael Doka forced his exit just after the half-hour mark. Storm Roux replaced Doka but was sent off just eight minutes later for a reckless elbow strike on Timmins.

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The Jets, invigorated by their numerical and scoreboard advantage, capitalised on their momentum, extending their lead just before half-time. A threatening cross from Taylor, intended for Lachie Rose, went horribly wrong for Sainsbury, who unwittingly directed the ball into his own net, handing the Jets a 2-0 advantage.

Hopes of a Mariners comeback were swiftly extinguished, as just five minutes into the second half, Newcastle scored two rapid goals to balloon their lead to 4-0. Daniel Wilmering scored with a volley in the 48th minute, marking his inaugural league goal for the Jets.

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Within two minutes, Taylor added his name to the score sheet after assisting the first three goals, concluding his brilliant night in the derby.

As Taylor was substituted in the 76th minute, he received a warm standing ovation. Network 10 commentators Simon Hill and Daniel McBreen praised the 21-year-old’s exceptional display.

“For me, Clayton Taylor was head and shoulders above the rest,” Hill noted.

“I couldn’t agree more,” McBreen responded. “He’s been sensational and pivotal in every attacking move—three assists and a top-quality goal, truly a fantastic performance.”

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Before Taylor’s exit, the Jets added another goal, as Eli Adams confidently entered the box to secure a 5-0 lead, courtesy of Kota Mizunuma’s setup. This marked Adams’ eighth goal of the season.

Finally, the Jets delivered a resounding six-goal finish against the Mariners.

Adams netted his second goal with nearly the final kick of the match, rounding off a remarkable 6-0 victory—tying the largest win in F3 Derby history.

It was the perfect conclusion to a memorable evening in Newcastle, marking the Jets’ first F3 Derby win at home in five years.

“Six of the best!” exclaimed Hill during commentary.

“With perhaps the last kick of the match, Eli Adams wraps up a double, and the Jets have run riot over a beleaguered Central Coast Mariners, equalling the biggest winning margin we’ve seen in an F3 Derby. What a night for Newcastle!”

“The performance from the Newcastle Jets was outstanding,” added McBreen.

“They have completely decimated the Mariners.”