Matt Sim will leave Newcastle the hero after his late strike saved the Central Coast Mariners from defeat in the F3 Derby this afternoon.
The 27-year-old was in the right place to stroke home a stoppage-time equaliser that stole the three points away from the home side. Milos Trifunovic had earlier put the Jets in front with a strong header from a David Carney corner, while Mariners Youngster Jake McGing was sent off midway through the first-half for a crude challenge on Leonardo. The Brazilian had to be stretchered from the field after the nasty sliding tackle
Outside90’s Shaun Dyas takes a look at the best individual performances on both sides of the field.
Newcastle Jets
Mark Birighitti – 7: Performed well again. If he can continue this form then a return to the Socceroos squad could be a real possibility. May well be disappointed with his involvement late as his punch fell to Rose allowing him to tee-up Bingham for the late drama.
Jason Hoffman – 6: Was given the run around by Mitch Austin before the sending-off. Started to get forward effectively down the right in the latter stages.
Nigel Boogaard – 7: Solid and dependable again from the skipper. Kept O’Donovan and Heffernan quiet for the majority of the match
Lachlan Jackson – 7: Much improved effort from last week. He needs to work on his passing though, as he turned the ball over on too many occasions.
Lee Ki-Je – 7: Dangerous again when pushing on down the flank. Defended with diligence as always, his season just continues going from strength-to-strength.
Cameron Watson – 7: Safe in possession and biting in the tackle when required. Will make it difficult for Ben Kantarovski to force his way back into the side.
Matteo Poljak – 6: Did not offer a lot going forward, but was steady in protecting his back four.
Leonardo – N/A: Was stretchered off after a cruel challenge from McGing.
David Carney – 7: The go-to man for the Jets. Was at the heart of everything in the front-third. Continues to impress.
Enver Alivodic – 6: Can be forgiven for an average game as he has been outstanding this season.
Milos Trifunovic – 6: Missed a number of crucial chances and simply has to convert more. He did eventually find the net, but his coach would expect more.
Substitutes
Radovan Pavicevic – 7: Lively and added some much needed pace in the final-third when he came on for Leonardo.
Nick Cowburn – 6: Came on midway through the second-half and added some extra thrust to the Jets.
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