Jets share points with leader

THE Jets have proved they are up for the fight, after holding table-topping Sydney FC to a 1-1 draw at McDonald Jones Stadium.

After a night of frustration for the home fans, they were rewarded at the death with an equaliser from Nicholas Cowburn, a goal that could yet kickstart Newcastle’s season.

Holding the premiers gives the Jets something to build on after an underwhelming start to this campaign, though the Sky Blues bossed much of the contest after taking an early lead.

Sydney’s goal was highly fortuitous and yet somehow inevitable, given its scorer was Alex Brosque – 14 times in 29 games now the striker has hit the back of Newcastle’s net.

This was possibly the least deserved of the 14, for Brosque’s contact with Rhyan Grant’s cross shouldn’t have been enough to trouble Jets keeper Glen Moss. Somehow though, Moss – one of the most experienced custodians in the league – let it slip under his hands and over the line.

After their stumbling start to the season, a self-inflicted wound was the last thing last year’s runners-up required.

Their major issue continues to be a lack of goals, and a dearth of firepower with Roy O’Donovan’s suspension still to run another four weeks.

The combinations of last season, the thrilling and highoctane forward passing, don’t have the same fluidity this year, and those chances that do get created are not being converted.

There was an early sight of goal that could have calmed any number of home nerves, when Jair’s meandering run opened space for a Dimi Petratos shot, half blocked but falling into the path of Ronnie Vargas. With time to steady himself, the Venezuelan shot straight at Andrew Redmayne.

The confidence of some players also looks to have dipped.