Adelaide United 2-0 Newcastle Jets
by Jonathon Hagger (8/12/2024).
Above: Adelaide United celebrate with The Red Army Photo: Adelaide United
Pre-season encouragement for supporters of Adelaide United to ‘Dare to Dream’ were proven to be correct as their team took down the Newcastle Jets 2-0 in a well contested match.
Adelaide’s first home win for the season sees them now sitting third on the A-League Women’s points table and running wild while the Newcastle Jets’ hot and cold form sees them in ninth. Despite dominating possession, shots on goal, and corners, the Jets were unable to do what counts – score goals.
Both teams started the match playing cautious football as each team took time to assess each others strengths and weaknesses. A corner by the Jets and taken by Copus-Brown in the eighth minute was the first real action of the match, however the play was not executed well with Adelaide quickly closing down play.
In true A-League style, immediately following the Jets offensive push, Adelaide made a convincing effort towards the visitors goal, built off precision passing spanning the entire width of the pitch. Leon’s well-weighted pass into the path of Healy in the centre of the field was dealt with defensively through excellent use of the body by Jets defender Claudia Cicco.
A needless foul by Jets forward Gallagher in the 11th minute turned into a brilliant opportunity for her side to score following their winning a corner. A lovely corner kick from Copus-Brown found the feet of Baumann but Adelaide’s defense stood firm and the ball was cleared off the line by an outstretched leg. A second corner kick was skied over the top of the Adelaide goal.
Momentum in the match really swung towards the Jets for long periods of time. Repeated corners, free kicks and offensive pushes kept Adelaide on the back foot however Newcastle were unable to beat the keeper and score. A fantastic punching right in front of goal by Adelaide’s Jenkins in the 23rd minute kept the Jets scoreless.
In the 28th minute, Gallagher crossed into the Adelaide goal area finding Allan, however the keeper was once again able to diffuse the danger.
Suddenly, in the 30th minute, a massive momentum shift occurred. Adelaide create holes in the Jets defensive structure, with the wing Healy, winning a one v one battle to find herself open enough to take a shot. Unfortunately for Adelaide the angle was too acute and the shot went wide. Would this be a signed things to come?
The remainder of the first half played out in the same pattern and rhythm as described up until this point. Each team made strong forays into the other’s goal area but neither could execute on their chances. Until…. the 42nd minute.
The awarding of a yellow card against Jets keeper Krzyzaniak who handled the ball standing outside her goal area gave Adelaide the free-kick. McNamara got the ball over the line and Adelaide were in front.
The closing minutes of the first half went in the home side’s favour as they applied pressure on the Jets forcing Krzyzniak to make repeated saves, although none of the attempts to score looked overly dangerous.
The Jets team came into the second half showing desperation and a desire to score. Striker Gallagher, immediately turned up the energy. Adelaide on the other hand looked composed and not content to just sit back and defend.
The middle of the pitch opened up for Adelaide in the 49th minute as Leon sliced the Jets open to find Worts on the charge to thread a wonderful pass into the path of Healy, only three feet out from goal. A bobble of the ball made for a nervous moment for Krzyzniak, but she was able to collect the ball on a second effort.
Fast forward to the 63rd minute and a decisive pass into the middle of the area from Leon, found the boot of Worts who cleanly slotted the ball into the net putting Adelaide up 2-0.
The hosts could have gone 3-0 up with just under 15 minutes remaining when Dewey’s free-kick required a strong punch away from the Krzyzniak to save the day.
With 10 minutes remaining, there were two opportunities for the Jets. First, Copus-Brown’s header was safely deflected away by Jenkins. Then Vicari was denied an excellent opportunity.
The return of Adelaide star player Chelsie Dawber in the 85th minute was a highlight of the match. Dawber makes her way back into top-level football after having time off for surgery and rehabilitation.
Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-2-3-1): Jenkins, Tolland, Tonkin, McNamara, Hodgson, Morgan, Dewey, Healy, Condon, Leon, Worts. Substitutes: Grove, Grigg, Dawber, Mullan, Bowler.
Scorers: McNamara 44’, Worts 63’.
NEWCASTLE JETS (3-4-2-1): Krzyzniak, Baumann, Davis, Cicco, Allan, Copus-Brown, Jackson, Wilson, Hoban, Allan, Gallagher. Substitutes: Dundas, Breier, Vicari, Robertson, Rolley.
Referee: Beth Rattray.
Attendance: 1,019.
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