Jets Equal Club Record with Electrifying Victory After Historic Fast Start
In a breathtaking display of football, the Newcastle Jets have surged to a record-equalling fourth consecutive A-League win, overpowering Wellington Phoenix 4-1 at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night. The match was ignited by a moment of sheer brilliance that will be etched into club folklore.
Blink-and-You-Miss-It Opener Sets the Tone
The game had barely begun when Lachie Bayliss wrote his name into the history books. With just 21 seconds on the clock, Bayliss weaved past three defenders, cut inside, and unleashed a thunderous strike into the top right corner. This stunning effort shattered the previous record for the fastest goal in Newcastle Jets history, previously held by Danish striker Morten, who scored in 37 seconds back in April 2016.
The season-high crowd of 8,207 spectators were left in awe, barely having time to settle into their seats before the home side took the lead. Bayliss's goal, his second in 50 A-League appearances, set the stage for a dominant performance.
Jets Dominate in End-to-End Thriller
Despite the early breakthrough, the Jets faced a resilient Wellington side in a match that resembled a basketball game with its relentless pace. Both goalkeepers, James Delianov for the Jets and Eamonn McCarron for Phoenix, were in exceptional form, making a series of spectacular saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
Delianov, in particular, produced a stunning triple save in the 29th minute, denying multiple attempts to preserve Newcastle's slender advantage. The first half was a frenetic affair, with the shot count heavily favouring Phoenix, yet the Jets held firm.
Second-Half Surge Seals the Victory
The Jets finally extended their lead in the 56th minute when Clayton Taylor doubled the advantage with a powerful shot into the roof of the net. Eli Adams added a third in the 70th minute, expertly finishing a pass from Bayliss, who turned provider after his earlier heroics.
New arrival Sander Kartum pulled a goal back for Wellington, offering a brief glimmer of hope, but replacement Xavier Bertoncello sealed the win for Newcastle with a late strike in the 89th minute, ensuring a comprehensive 4-1 triumph.
Historic Achievement and League Standing
This victory equals the Jets' longest winning streak, set 16 years ago in 2009, when they defeated Sydney, Adelaide, Gold Coast United, and North Queensland Fury in consecutive matches. The latest win propels Newcastle to second place on the A-League ladder with 24 points, trailing only Auckland on goal difference.
Bayliss's performance was nothing short of immense, serving as a fantastic audition for potential selection in the All Whites. The team's cohesive play and attacking flair have positioned them as serious contenders in the competition.
As the Jets celebrate this milestone, fans are left wondering if this record-equalling run can be extended, with the club's form suggesting even greater achievements may lie ahead.
