Jets v Mariners

A-League report by Robert Szomolnoki
Newcastle United Jets v Central Coast Mariners


The F3 derby has ended 0-0 with both teams laying claim to 'we should have won', as both teams created chances, the main difference was Jardel for the Jets who was horribly out of position a number of times, and was often left on the ground, by the time he was replaced in the 57th minute the damage was done, the chances had been wasted.

It was end to end stuff for the entire game, it was the Jets who created the first chance, a Jardel with a knock down for the on coming Griffiths, but he spurned his chance.

On 8 mins Hutchinson tries a 25 meter effort but it is wide. Then an Elrich mistake, he is robbed by Owens who reaches the edge of the penalty area his fine shot beats Covic and is just wide of the near upright.

Aloisi is looking good he has far too much pace for Laybutt and CCM almost take the lead when a throw in finds Petrovski on the edge of the six yard box he turns but his shot is soft and Covic can save.

It's the 18th min and the Jets passing is looking good but it's the CCM defence that bring them down on the edge of the penalty area, the free kick is wasted as Laybutt is not paying attention, to add to his misery he receives a yellow card for arguing with the referee. Two mins later a Joel Griffiths free kick finds Jardel but his header is poor and he is off side. A minute later Jardel puts Joel Griffiths through but Vidmar is there to block.

The CCM continue to have their moments a Hutchinson corner finds Boogaard his header is just over the cross bar. Aloisi and Petrovski combine and Petrovski has only the goal keeper to beat but Covic saves well.

The first half ends with a brilliant Joel Griffiths run to the by line he twists and turns two defenders and finds Wheelhouse with his cross but Wheelhouse mis hits his shot and its over the cross bar.

The second half commences with a Jardel back heel for Wheelhouse his long range effort is saved by Vukovic.

On the hour the best chance of the game falls to Hoffman who has just replaced Jardel, he beats two defenders on the edge of the penalty area and has only Vukovic to beat, his low hard shot beats Vukovic but hits the upright and bounces out directly to the on coming Deni with an open goal his reflex header is over the cross bar, much to the frustration of the home fans.

Aloisi responds immediately for the CCM who have at least 2,000 travelling fans that have made the 70 km journey up the F3, Aloisi tests Covic from a tight angle but the goal keeper covers the shot.

Elrich is looking sharp at right back, his through ball puts Joel Griffiths away but with two players in front of goal his cross is too soft. Then Elrich tries a 25 meter chip it is just over the cross bar as Vukovic is off his line.

With 10 mins left Simon goes for a 20 meter dash down the middle of the park his shot is straight at Covic, as the Mariners fans brake into song, seemingly content with the draw.

With time running out Joel Griffiths is presented with a glorious chance, he is in the clear put through by Spencer, but takes the ball too far and wide and his shot from a tight angle is easily saved.

The final chance falls to Adam Griffiths who like Elrich tries a 25 meter chip but like Elrichs it is just too high.

It finishes 0-0, the first ever such score line in Newcastle.