Newcastle Jets 2-2 Canberra United
by Isabelle Campbell (25/1/25)
Above: Canberra United’s Maja Markovski (green) tries to hold off a challenge in today’s game. Photo: Canberra United.
In a thrilling encounter at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle Jets and Canberra United played out a tight 2-2 draw.
The two sides went into the game with Jets eager to end their winless streak of six matches, while Canberra sought to extend their unbeaten run which went out to four matches after their game with Western Sydney Wanderers last time out.
Canberra United wasted no time taking control of the game, charging toward goal immediately after kickoff. Newcastle Jets quickly responded with an attack of their own after Hayley Taylor-Young fouled Sheridan Gallagher. The resulting free kick, however, soared over the bar and failed to trouble keeper Sally James.
In just the 10th minute, Lara Gooch capitalised on a Canberra mistake and fired a brilliant shot into the net, giving her side an early lead.
The match took a concerning turn soon after, as a heavy head collision between Tash Prior and Holly Murray forced both players to leave the pitch. Newcastle were particularly cautious owing to Prior’s extensive concussion history and chose not to take any risks.
Canberra turned their luck around when Sofia Christopherson found space and slotted the ball into the goal, bringing the scores level.
Possession remained evenly split, but Newcastle continued to look the more threatening in attack.
Matilda Michelle Heyman showcased her goal scoring abilities once again, extending her record as the A-League’s leading goalscorer with a perfectly-placed finish following an excellent assist from Taylor-Young. Up the other end of the pitch, Gallagher sent a dangerous cross into the area, but Libby Copus-Brown couldn’t keep her shot low, leaving Canberra unscathed.
As the half drew to a close, Newcastle had a chance to equalize through a corner. The ball pinballed around the box but was eventually cleared. Copus-Brown had the final effort of the half, unleashing a powerful strike that flew just off target, leaving Canberra ahead at halftime.
The second half began at a slower pace, with neither side creating significant chances early on. Cassidy Davis nearly sparked life into the match with a powerful strike that hit the post and rebounded dangerously out and then back toward the open goal, but Canberra’s defense managed a last-second clearance to keep their lead intact.
Canberra continued to press for an advantage, creating multiple opportunities but failing to find the finishing touch. Newcastle had a free kick in a promising position but couldn’t make it count.
The breakthrough came when Josie Allan showcased her skill, weaving through the visitors’ defence before delivering a perfect pass to Sheridan Gallagher who confidently found the back of the net, leveling the score and reigniting Newcastle’s hopes.
However, Gallagher’s night took a turn for the worse in the dying minutes of regular time. After receiving her second yellow card, she was sent off, leaving Newcastle to battle through the final minutes with just 10 players. Despite the five minutes of stoppage time, neither side could find a winner, and the match ended in a hard-fought draw.
Next week will see Newcastle Jets travel to take on the Central Coast Mariners whilst Canberra United return home to face off against Perth Glory. Both sides will be looking to gain more than just the singular point earned from this match.
Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (4-1-4-1): Krzyzaniak, Cicco, Prior, Davis, Dundas, Copus-Brown, Allan, Gallagher, Hoban, Baumann, Gooch. Substitutes: Wilson, Breier, Allan, Robertson, Adams.
Scorers: Gooch 10’, Gallagher 71’.
CANBERRA UNITED (3-2-4-1): James, Anton, Murray, Nathan, Stanic-Floody, Robers, Taylor-Young, Christoperson, Bertolissio, Gordon, Heyman. Substitutes: McKenzie, Dos Santos, Markovski, Malone, Majstorovic.
Scorers: Christopherson 24’, Heyman 29’.
Referee: Caitlin Williams.
Attendance: 3,264.
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