The Newcastle Jets earned a 1-1 draw against Wellington Phoenix in their A-League Women round-three clash at Porirua Park on Sunday, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season. However, coach Stephen Hoyle acknowledged his side remains a work in progress.
Wellington dominated the early stages, taking the lead in the fourth minute through English forward Brooke Nunn, who finished from a tight angle after being set up by 17-year-old debutant Pia Vlok. The Jets struggled to contain Phoenix's attacks down the right flank.
Newcastle equalised in the 22nd minute when referee Anna-Marie Keighley awarded a penalty after Lauren Allan was brought down in the box by Mackenzie Barry. Melina Ayres stepped up to convert the spot kick, scoring her first A-League goal in 582 days. Ayres, a 26-year-old striker, had taken last season off and returned to action this campaign.
The Jets had a chance to take the lead just before halftime when Claudia Cicco intercepted a pass and found Ayres, whose searching ball almost set up Josie Allan, but the chance was nullified. Lauren Allan then fired wide from a corner. The second half was tightly contested, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances.
Goalkeeper Anna Leat made a crucial save in the 55th minute, denying Alyssa Whinham from close range. Substitute Kelli Brown almost scored a winner with a free kick nine minutes from time, but it was saved. In the dying stages, Cicco produced excellent cover defence to prevent Manaia Elliott from shooting.
The Jets have four points from two matches and sit in the top six. They will host Western Sydney Wanderers next Saturday before facing Brisbane Roar on November 30. Captain Cassidy Davis returned from a foot injury, replacing Claire Adams in the starting lineup, while last season's player of the year Sophie Hoban remained sidelined with a quadriceps strain.
