Newcastle Jets supporters were treated to a Boxing Day spectacle of breathtaking goals and high drama, but ultimately left heartbroken after a controversial 96th-minute winner handed Macarthur FC a 5-4 victory at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night.
A Boxing Day Classic Defined by Controversy
The match, which had everything from a late warm-up withdrawal to a last-gasp decider, saw the Jets fight back from deficits of 1-0, 2-1, 3-2, and 4-2, only to be denied a hard-earned point in contentious circumstances. The home side thought they had salvaged a draw when replacement Ben Gibson bundled home an 83rd-minute equaliser to make it 4-4.
However, the visitors stole all three points deep into added time through Luke Vickery. The decisive moment was mired in controversy, with the Jets adamant Max Cooper was fouled in the build-up after being pulled back by Harry Sawyer. The Video Assistant Referee did not intervene, leaving Newcastle coach Mark Milligan furious.
"Apparently the foul was too far back to check," a frustrated Milligan said post-match. He contrasted the decision with a round one incident against Central Coast, where a free-kick and yellow card were overturned by VAR. "Tonight, two passes is too far back to go and check, which I didn't think was allowed." Milligan conceded his side's defensive frailties contributed to the loss, but the manner of the winner left a bitter taste.
Adams' Moment of Magic for the Highlights Reel
While the result will dominate headlines, the match will be long remembered for a moment of individual brilliance from Jets striker Eli Adams. With his side trailing 1-0 in the 42nd minute, Adams stood over a free-kick 25 metres from goal and produced a contender for goal of the season.
After initially shaping to curl the ball around the wall, Adams noticed Macarthur keeper Filip Kurto shift his weight and audaciously changed his plan. With his left foot, he unleashed a stunning, dipping outswinger that fizzed into the top left corner, leaving Kurto rooted to the spot. The spectacular strike brought the home crowd to its feet and levelled the scores, albeit temporarily.
The goal was a rare bright spot in a frustrating first half for the Jets, who were off the pace and missed the thrust of the injured Daniel Wilmering down the left flank. They fell behind again just before halftime when a Dean Bosnjak effort rebounded off his thigh and past goalkeeper James Delianov.
A Rollercoaster Second Half and Costly Defending
Milligan's double substitution at the break had an immediate impact, with substitute Trent Buhagiar scoring a superb solo goal just three minutes into the second half to make it 2-2. The parity was short-lived, however, as Bosnjak tapped in his second two minutes later to restore Macarthur's lead.
The Bulls then appeared to have sealed the points when substitute Harry Sawyer tapped home in the 68th minute to make it 4-2, capitalising on a parried save from Delianov. The Jets, showing tremendous spirit, mounted a thrilling comeback. Academy product Lucas Mauragis struck a sweet half-volley in the 75th minute, before Gibson's late tap-in seemed to have earned a share of the spoils.
The defeat leaves the Newcastle Jets in seventh place on the A-League ladder with 12 points, a disappointing return from a match where they showed great attacking verve but were ultimately punished for defensive lapses. The match also featured A-League debuts, with Richard Nkomo coming in as a late replacement for the injured Wilmering.
For Macarthur, the victory was a welcome boost, with teenager Dean Bosnjak's double highlighting their attacking improvement. The Bulls are also set to welcome Socceroos striker Mitch Duke in the January transfer window. For the Jets and their fans, the memory of Adams' wonder goal will be forever linked to the frustration of a classic match decided by a controversial late call.
