The Newcastle Jets have taken a massive step towards securing a play-off top four spot after a heart stopping 2-1 win over Adelaide United. The Jets now lead Adelaide by 5 point with just two games to play.
A James Holland header in the 72nd minute was the winner after Adelaide played the entire second half with 10 men after Fabian Barbiero was sent off in the 44th minute, receiving his second yellow card.
Joel Griffiths returned to the team after serving his suspension, but Scott Tunbridge kept his place in the team. The Adelaide line up had Cassio, Sarkies, Agostino, Burns, Giraldi all missing, Reds fans must be thinking 'if only'. They started with the inexperienced Fabian Barbiero (called up from the local SA State League) who surprisingly started ahead of Jonas Salley.
Griffiths opened the scoring in the 12th minute after he had won a free kick just outside the penalty area. The striker looked set to break the defence after accepting a Scott Tunbridge through ball, before he was brought down by United defender, Milan Susak. Griffiths then scored with a header into the far corner of the net from Holland's free kick. Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek, who again watched on from the stands - would have been impressed. Its 1-0 Jets.
Adelaide responded immediately with Bobby Petta putting Lucas Pantelis through but his effort is just wide of the upright. Travis Dodd then went on a wonderful run skipping past two defenders but his cross/shot is wide.
Joel Griffiths who looked dangerous all night is put through in the 37th minute his low shot is saved by the legs of Eugene Galekovic.
In the 41st minute Bruce Djite holds off two defenders, finds the on running Lucas Pantelis, his shot is saved by Covic, but he is first to react and fires in the equaliser , its 1-1.
The half finishes with Fabian Barbiero receiving a second yellow card, which turns to red, this time for a foul on Adam Griffiths. He his yellow card in the 18th minute was for a fouls on Mark Bridge.
Adelaide commenced the second half a man down, but they dominated possession in the second half, despite being out numbered in the Jets 'attacking third' they were still able to find space and each other - Bruce Djite was continually able to hold the ball despite having two defenders on him, Travis Dodd and Lucas Pantelis showed great pace down the flanks.
Lucas Pantelis in the 56 minute found Travis Dodd but his goal bound shot is saved by Ante Covic. Two minutes later Bruce Djite brilliant run has him leaving two Jets defenders on the ground, he passes to Travis Dodd, who from in front of goal blasts wide. On 68 minutes its Dodd again with a chance but his low shot is saved by Covic.
The telling moment arrives in the 72nd minute, Tarek Elrich crosses for James Holland who heads in from point blank range, its 2-1 Jets and the home fans are going wild.
Adelaide are forced to push forward leaving large gaps at the back, the Jets have numerous chances, Joel Griffiths ties up Mark Bridge the ball falls to Adam Griffiths his goal bound blast is headed wide by the defence. The Jets squander several other chances, Adelaide create chances of their own, a low shot by Petta has Covic diving and Djite can't quite have a clear shot at goal, as the Jets defenders have him well marked.
It finishes Jets 2-1, their first home win since the 14th of October.