Inexperience continues to hurt Mariners
As was the case against Sydney FC a fortnight ago, Tony Walmsley’s side had their early momentum crushed by an unnecessary red card in the first half. With the Jets attempting to play the ball out of their half following a Mariners corner, Jake McGing threw himself into a rash challenge on Newcastle’s Leonardo. With his foot raised as he went in for the ball, it was a poor decision from McGing, who had started this season impressively in central defence. The Mariners did secure a hard-earned point, but Tony Walmsley will no doubt wonder what could have been if his team had played the full match with a complete side.
Reactive Newcastle play themselves out of points
Heading into this fixture, it was clear that Newcastle had experienced the better start to the season, grabbing three wins from five matches despite a host of changes in the squad during the off-season. However, their success has been built on a well-drilled defence combined with some clinical finishing from transitions. This game, hosting their local rivals at home without a win on the road in a year and a half, was calling out for a dominant Jets performance. Instead, the frustrated home support was treated to an ineffective display.
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Despite having an extra man for over an hour of football, Newcastle never applied sustained pressure to the Mariners’ defence, often falling short with their final pass. A set piece did finally create the breakthrough, with Milos Trifunovic rising well to head home a corner, but they had not looked likely for the previous 82 minutes. With only one goal in it, there was always the chance of the Mariners snatching a point, and they did so in stoppage time thanks to Matt Sim. The Jets could have temporarily moved themselves to the top of the table with a win, but didn’t do well enough to put the result beyond doubt with a numerical advantage. Scot Miller’s side has started the season well, but they need to show they can control matches to be considered a proper contender for the title.
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