Melbourne Victory Men were defeated 0-3 by the Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium in unique circumstances.
Arthur Diles made one change to his starting XI that secured all three points in Perth, bringing Adama Traore into the backline.
The conditions were windy in Newcastle, with Victory beginning the game attacking against the breeze.
However, Victory started strong and applied excellent pressure to the home side.
Santos was a particular standout in the first half, firing powerful shots on target that were stopped well by Noah James in the Jets’ goal.
Victory pushed throughout the half, taking nine shots at goal compared to just one for the Jets while winning the possession and territorial battles.
While Victory seemed bound to open the scoring, the Navy Blues were unable to find the back of the net.
The Vuck remained unchanged at the break as they pushed for an opening.
They continued to lead in possession and break down the Jets’ defensive line – however the home side threatened on the counter attack.
Arthur Diles turned to his bench as the second half progressed; introducing Daniel Arzani, Bruno Fornaroli and Reno Piscopo into the game.
On the 80th-minute mark, a ball played over the top of Victory’s defence found Lachlan Rose and Mitch Langerak collide on the edge of the box.
While the referee initially allowed play to continue, a VAR review found the incident to be a penalty for the Jets.
Shortly after the call, the game was paused due to a medical emergency occurring in the crowd.
Play was eventually resumed after the lengthy stoppage, with Kosta Grozos preparing to take his penalty kick.
Grozos converted his strike from the spot, putting the Jets ahead almost 17 minutes after the penalty was initially called.
Momentum was on the side of the home side, who managed a further two goals in stoppage time through Clayton Taylor and Lachlan Rose.
Just as Victory found themselves entering stoppage time with the game all even, a quick turnaround saw the Jets take an extraordinary three-goal win at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The result is a disappointment for Victory following two consecutive 2-0 wins coming into the game – momentarily finding themselves in 4th position on the Isuzu Ute A-League ladder.
Melbourne Victory will return to AAMI Park in their next match – taking on the Wellington Phoenix on Friday night, February 14.
Tickets are available via Ticketek.
Match Details
Isuzu Ute A-League Round 18
Newcastle Jets 3 (Grozos 90+9′, Taylor 90+14′, Rose 90+20′)
Melbourne Victory 0
Newcastle Jets Starting XI: 21. Noah JAMES (GK), 4. Phil ČANČAR, 7. Eli ADAMS, 13. Clayton TAYLOR, 17. Kosta GROZOS (C), 19. Callum TIMMINS, 22. Ben GIBSON, 23. Daniel WILMERING, 33. Mark NATTA, 37. Lachlan BAYLISS, 39. Thomas AQUILINA
Substitutes: 1. Ryan SCOTT (GK), 6. Matthew SCARCELLA, 9. Lachlan ROSE (46′), 10. WELLISOL, 18. Kota MIZUNUMA (42′), 20. Charles M’MOMBWA (74′), 28. Will Dobson
Melbourne Victory Starting XI: 1. Mitch LANGERAK (GK), 3. Adama TRAORE, 5. Brendan HAMILL, 6. Ryan TEAGUE, 8. Zinèdine MACHACH, 9. Nikos VERGOS, 11. SANTOS, 14. Jordi VALADON, 17. Nishan VELUPILLAY, 21. Roderick MIRANDA (C), 22. Josh RAWLINS
Substitutes: 25. Jack DUNCAN (GK), 7. Daniel ARZANI (70′), 10. Bruno FORNAROLI (75′), 18. Fabian MONGE (90+15′), 19. Jing REEC (90+15′), 27. Reno PISCOPO (75′), 34. Kayne RAZMOVSKI
