Newcastle Jets secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Phoenix in a decisive match on March 15, 2024, showcasing their offensive prowess in the Australian League Men (ALM). This win marks the Jets’ fourth consecutive victory, allowing them to draw level with league leaders Auckland FC on 24 points.
The game began with an explosive start as midfielder Bayliss scored a sensational goal less than a minute in. After a moment of balance on the field, Daniel Wilmering managed to keep possession and find Bayliss, who expertly navigated past the Phoenix defense before unleashing a powerful strike from outside the box.
As the match progressed, the Jets maintained their momentum. In the 56th minute, Clayton Taylor extended the lead, adding to the Jets’ tally. Just 14 minutes later, Eli Adams piled on the misery for the Phoenix, scoring the Jets’ third goal.
Despite the Jets’ dominance, Phoenix managed to score late in the game. Substitute Sander Kartum, who joined the team on loan from Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts, made an impact by finding the back of the net in the 86th minute, denying the Jets a clean sheet. However, the Jets answered quickly, with Xavier Bertoncello—fresh off the bench—restoring the three-goal margin a mere three minutes later.
The Jets, often referred to as the “Box Office Jets” under the guidance of coach Miligan, have shown remarkable improvement, matching their best-ever run with four straight wins. Their last stretch of four consecutive victories was recorded between April and August 2019.
On the other hand, Phoenix has struggled to find their rhythm this season, currently sitting eighth in the league standings after suffering back-to-back defeats. They will face reigning champions and fifth-placed Melbourne City in their next match, which poses a significant challenge.
The Jets had several opportunities to extend their lead further. In the first half, a quality cross from Joe Shaughnessy set up striker Lachie Rose, but he mistimed his run and missed a crucial chance. Additionally, Phoenix nearly found the net in the 28th minute when Ramy Najjarine and Ifeanyi Eze led a promising attack. However, an outstanding triple save from Jets goalkeeper James Delianov kept the scoreline intact.
As the season progresses, the Jets are establishing themselves as serious contenders, and their latest performance has only solidified their growing reputation in the league. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how they will perform in upcoming matches, especially against tough opponents like Melbourne City.
