A moment of pure individual brilliance from substitute Charlotte Lancaster has propelled the Newcastle Jets to a dramatic, last-gasp victory in the A-League Women's competition.
Injury-Time Heroics Steal the Points
With the match seemingly headed for a draw, 22-year-old Charlotte Lancaster produced a stunning strike from over 25 metres out in the 91st minute to break a 1-1 deadlock and secure a precious 2-1 win for the Newcastle Jets over Sydney FC. The crucial mid-week clash took place at Leichhardt Oval on Tuesday night, January 13, 2026.
The super-sub, who once played for APIA Leichhardt, made her decisive impact just ten minutes after entering the fray in the 81st minute. Gaining possession near halfway, Lancaster drove forward before unleashing an unstoppable shot that clinched what could be a season-defining three points for her side.
A Game of Momentum Swings
The match's narrative swung back and forth. Sydney FC struck first in the 18th minute after a Jets turnover, with Amelia Cassar finishing expertly from distance. Newcastle hit back just 11 minutes later through the returning Melina Ayres, who pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area.
The second half saw both teams create chances, with Jets striker Haley Johnson hitting the post in the 58th minute. Newcastle also survived a scare in the 81st minute when defender India Breier conceded a dangerous free-kick on the edge of the box, earning a yellow card.
Jets Climb the Table Amid Fixture Crunch
The victory was a significant boost for the Jets, who were playing the second of four matches in a demanding 10-day period. Coach Gary van Egmond made seven changes to the starting line-up that lost to Central Coast just days prior, successfully managing his squad's workload.
The result lifted Newcastle from ninth to seventh on the ladder, now level on points with sixth-placed Brisbane Roar. With the campaign at its halfway point, skipper Cassidy Davis emphasised the importance of the win.
"Amazing strike," Davis said of Lancaster's winner. "Charlotte does it at training all the time, so I'm really not surprised. It's nice to get three points, it's been a hard few weeks. We're halfway through now... we can't afford to let points go begging."
The win comes at a cost, however, with defender Claudia Cicco's late yellow card ruling her out of the Jets' next fixture due to suspension.
Newcastle now faces a quick turnaround, travelling to Melbourne to take on City this Friday before hosting Adelaide United the following Wednesday.
