A-League – Player Ratings – Newcastle Jets 0 Western Sydney Wanderers 1

A-League – Player Ratings – Newcastle Jets 0 Western Sydney Wanderers 1

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The Western Sydney Wanderers escaped Newcastle with a 1-0 win that has certainly ended the Jets’ faint finals hopes.

Jaushua Sotirio was the hero for the visitors with a well taken strike midway through the first-half to give Tony Popovic’s men a deserved victory.

The Wanderers should have scored more goals in a contest they largely dominated, marching on in their quest for the Premiers’ Plate. Captain Nikolai Topor-Stanley and Mark Bridge missed some gilt edged chances as they seemed unable to finish the Jets off.

Newcastle almost made the visitors pay late on when Captain Nigel Boogaard rose at the back post, only to see his header crash against Liam Reddy’s crossbar as Western Sydney held on. Mark Birighitti also had a shot cleared off the line with almost the last kick of the game, in what was an enthralling finish to the contest.


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Newcastle Jets

Mark Birighitti – 7: Was one of Newcastle’s better players again after having a fair bit of work to do. Had little chance with Sotirio’s goal in another solid display from the Jets custodian which included some stunning second-half saves.

Lachlan Jackson – 5: Looked every inch a makeshift left-back for most of the contest as he came in as part of a reshuffle due to suspension. Romeo Castelen gave him many problems in what will be a learning experience for the Jets man.

Nigel Boogaard – 6: Tried his hardest to keep the Jets in the contest but was not one of his better performances as he and his backline were under constant Wanderers pressure.

Ben Kantarovski – 7: Was solid as he reverted back to a central-defensive position in the absence of Daniel Mullen. He does give the Jets some added depth in defence and is also a good distributor of the ball.

Nick Cowburn – 7: He continues to look good no matter where he plays. Shifted to right-back this week in the defence and never missed a beat and played in some dangerous crosses in the attacking third.

Mateo Poljak – 5: Struggled at times in midfield as the Wanderers were dominant in that area. He needs to add more to his game than just a holding player and needs to penetrate more with his passes.

Leonardo – 8: Continued his upsurge in form as he looked a threat on the few occasions the Jets ventured forward. He, along with Morten Nordstrand and Enver Alivodic are starting to form a real understanding.

Steven Ugarkovic – 7: One of the Jets better performers yet again. He has the technical ability to evade pressure and the ability to play passes that threaten defences.

Morten Nordstrand – 6: Not his best display in a Jets shirt but was still a problem for the Wanderers. He looks like a player the Jets simply have to re-sign for next season.

Enver Alivodic – 6: Looked dangerous on occasions but also let his side down with some poor decisions in the final third. He needs to be more decisive.

Milos Trifunovic – 7: Was not given a great amount of service but he was efficient with what he did. It was one of his more promising displays for the Jets as he looked interested and worked hard for his side.

Substitutes

Ryan Kitto – 7: He looked lively when he was introduced for Trifunovic and played in a few dangerous crosses as the Jets pushed for an equaliser.

 

Western Sydney Wanderers

Liam Reddy – 6: Largely untested for vast amounts of the contest. He was protected expertly by a combination of his sold backline and a home side that struggle to fashion real opportunities. He had a few lucky moments at the end when the Jets almost stole an equaliser.

Scott Jamieson – 7: He was feisty and energetic as always. Is one of the better left-backs going around in the A-League and he proved it yet again.

Nikolai Topor-Stanley – 8: Imperious at the back for the Wanderers. He won everything in the air in a commanding display. His only fault was that he should have scored from a few corners at the other end.

Alberto Aguilar – 8: His positioning was superb as it is most weeks, leaving the Jets front men with few chances to score.

Scott Neville – 8: It was a happy return to Hunter Stadium for the ex-Jets man. Bombed on constantly and rarely turned the ball over in a polished display.

Dimas Delgado – 7: An important cog in a midfield that was on top for the majority of the match. His passing is neat and tidy and he is not afraid to put a foot in when needed.

Andreu – 8: He continues to impress as he has done for large parts of the season. He has been one of the better imports in the competition and has added a spark to the title chasing Wanderers.

Mitch Nichols – 5: A little quieter than usual, but he has been superb this season so he can be forgiven for a below average display.

Jaushua Sotirio – 7: Added a goal today to his usual speed and threat in behind. If he continues to improve he could become a valuable member of Tony Popovic’s side. He left the field to a raucous reception after being replaced by Santalab on 63 minutes.

Romeo Castelen – 7: He was on the money yet again and he gave Lachlan Jackson all sorts of problems. If the men from Western Sydney are to win the title, he will have a big say. He left the field midway through the second-half, but can be pleased with his work.

Mark Bridge – 8: Continues to keep marquee Federico Piovaccari out with some top drawer displays. Always seems to have a solid game against his former employers from Newcastle.

Substitutes

Dario Vidosic – 5: Found himself in space on a few occasions when he came on but did little with it.

Brendon Santalab – 6: He worked hard and was diligent in his duty but had no real chances to add to his impressive scoring tally off the bench.

Kearyn Baccus – N/A: Had too little time to make an impact.

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