The Newcastle Jets have emphatically claimed their first A-League premiership, thrashing arch-rivals Central Coast Mariners 4-0 in front of a packed McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday night. It was a historic moment for the club, ending a 21-year wait for silverware.
A dominant first-half display
The Jets came out firing, with Will Dobson opening the scoring in the 21st minute. The 18-year-old latched onto a clever pass from Ben Gibson and smashed the ball into the roof of the net. Three minutes later, Clayton Taylor doubled the lead, flicking a cross from Eli Adams through the legs of goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne for his ninth goal of the season. Adams then made it 3-0 just before half-time, nodding home after Redmayne parried Taylor's cross.
The Mariners had a strong penalty claim turned down early on, but the Jets were unstoppable. The home side's attacking flair and defensive resilience were on full display, typifying their season.
Second-half control and a stunning finale
After the break, the Jets continued to dominate. Kota Mizunuma sealed the victory in the 86th minute with a brilliant low drive after a neat build-up involving Xavier Bertoncello and Lachie Bayliss. The 4-0 scoreline was a fair reflection of the Jets' superiority.
The win took the Jets to 48 points, seven clear of Auckland, who play Sydney FC on Sunday. It was their 15th victory of the campaign, and the 20,930-strong crowd celebrated long after the final whistle.
Team news and injury concerns
Midfielder Will Dobson and defender Joe Shaughnessy returned from injury, but striker Lachie Rose was sidelined with a minor calf strain. Eli Adams limped off in the 55th minute with a minor issue, but coach Milligan will hope he is fit for the finals. The Jets now have a week off before the two-leg grand final qualifier.
The Mariners, who had not lost to the Jets this season, were unable to spoil the party. The Anzac Day ceremony added to the occasion, but the home side's quality proved too much.
