The Western Sydney Wanderers managed to escape Newcastle with a 2-1 victory tonight in a match mired in controversy.
Enver Alivodic put the home team in front on 74 minutes after a long consultation between the referee and his assistant regarding what looked like a clear offside infringement. Andreu equalised from the spot after Brendon Santalab went down under a challenge from Milos Trifunovic, who looked nonplussed as the decision went against him. Mitch Nichols drilled home a winner four minutes from time, his shot squeezed under Mark Birighitti to give the Wanderers the win. It was cruel on the Newcastle gloveman who kept his side alive with some inspired saves.
Newcastle Jets
Mark Birighitti – 7: Brilliant for the Jets. Kept them in the game first-half. Should have done better with the winner in a cruel twist.
Jason Hoffman – 7: Solid and dependable as always. Kept Sotirio fairly quiet all game.
Nigel Boogaard – 6: Standard shift again from the skipper. Organised his men well from the back alongside his inexperienced partner.
Lachlan Jackson – 5: Struggled at times and was targeted by Piovaccari. Will be better for the experience.
Lee Ki-Je – 8: Outstanding. Along with Alivodic he gave Jamieson and company a torrid time down the left. Close to the best left back in the league.
Ben Kantarovski – 7: Screened solidly. Rarely gave the ball away in a good follow up to last week’s performance.
Mateo Poljak – 7: Biting in the tackle and his usual annoying self to his opponents. A great game against his former club.
Leonardo – 6: Looked dangerous at times and off the pace in others. Still looks to be adjusting to the pace of the A-League.
David Carney – 7: Another solid display from the Jets man. Call it an Indian summer but he has been great so far this season.
Milos Trifunovic – 6: A useful target up front but did not have too many chances this week and those he did have lacked his usual prowess in front of goal.
Enver Alivodic – 9: The main man for the Jets. Gave Jamieson problems all afternoon. Followed on like he never left off from his man of the match performance against City. Deserved his goal.
Cameron Watson – 7: Solid when he came on and moved the ball forward well.
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