Victory’s Last-Gasp Strike Denies Jets in Thrilling 7-Goal Comeback Clash

In a thrilling encounter, Melbourne Victory squandered a three-goal lead but ultimately triumphed 4-3 against Newcastle Jets in the dying moments of a hectic Ninja A-League match.

In a stunning turn of events, Newcastle clawed back to level the scores in the 92nd minute with a goal from Sheridan Gallagher at the Home of the Matildas on Friday evening.

Victory had charged ahead with a remarkable 3-0 advantage within just 22 minutes, courtesy of Emily Gielnik’s quick double. However, it was the home side who had the last laugh as captain Kayla Morrison dramatically reclaimed the lead with the final kick of the game.

The situation was slightly contentious, as a Jets player lay injured on the ground during Morrison’s finish. Nonetheless, after consulting with her assistant, the referee allowed the goal to stand, enabling second-placed Victory to extend their winning streak to four matches while remaining unbeaten in nine outings, just two points adrift of leaders Melbourne City.

Meanwhile, last season’s semi-finalists Newcastle had their three-game winning streak halted, placing them ninth and five points shy of the top six.

In the race for the Golden Boot, Gielnik, who struck the opener after a mere 53 seconds, asserted her dominance with a standout two-goal performance.

With her brace, CommBank Matildas forward Gielnik now boasts 12 goals this season, two clear of fellow Australian international and City star Holly McNamara, as she chases her second Golden Boot, her first since the 2021-22 season.

This marked only the third instance in league history where a team rallied from a 3-0 deficit to draw.

Gielnik was instrumental in propelling Victory to an explosive start at the Home of the Matildas, where Alana Jancevski’s contributions helped the hosts establish their 3-0 lead within the first 22 minutes, before the Jets nearly staged a remarkable comeback by scoring twice in the final moments of first-half stoppage time.

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Despite Newcastle’s efforts, second-placed Victory held firm, extending their winning run to four games while remaining unbeaten in their last nine matches.

Newcastle’s last season’s semi-final run came to a halt, with the Jets now sitting ninth, five points off the playoff spots.

Victory got off to a dazzling start at the Home of the Matildas, where Gielnik broke the deadlock within 53 seconds. With teammate Rachel Lowe drawing three defenders, Gielnik exploited the space to deliver a stunning goal from a challenging angle.

Gielnik was relentless, adding her second of the night just 11 minutes later with a close-range header.

The lead ballooned to 3-0 11 minutes after that as Jancevski unleashed a long-range effort to find the back of the net for her fifth goal of the season.

After Gielnik came close to securing her hat-trick, the Jets turned the tide within mere minutes leading to the half-time break.

First, Lauren Allan headed home in the 43rd minute, giving the Jets a lifeline.

Then, a fortunate deflection helped Sophie Hoban pull Newcastle closer as the ball ricocheted in just before half-time.

The second half began with Victory pressing, creating early chances, while Newcastle’s goalkeeper Courtney Newbon was forced into a diving save in the 64th minute.

The match truly ignited in the dying moments.

Gallagher emerged in the second minute of stoppage time to draw the Jets level towards the end of the match.

Newcastle sought to etch their name in history as only the third team ever to recover from a 3-0 deficit to draw.

However, Victory had other plans, breaking the hearts of Newcastle’s supporters a mere four minutes later.