Major Semi-Final (First Leg): Newcastle Jets 2 – 0 Mariners

Source: Newcastle Jets

The Newcastle Jets have taken the first steps to entering the 2008 Grand Final, after defeating the Central Coast Mariners inside a sweltering EnergyAustralia Stadium, which was filled to capacity with passionate supporters.

Both teams set out their stall cautiously, opting for balance in their sides as they began their two-legged tie. A Joel Griffiths free-kick from 20 yards would prove to be the best strike of the opening 10 minutes, as his goalbound effort forced a good save from Danny Vukovic in the Mariners’ goal.

Moments later and it was the turn of the Mariners top striker, John Aloisi, to take aim. But just as it seemed the Socceroo striker’s back-post header was going in beyond Ante Covic, Jets’ Captain, Jade North, made a fine goal line clearance over the bar to deny Aloisi a crucial away goal.

The breakthrough for the Jets would come in the 21st minute after a brilliant diving header from Adam Griffiths had the beating of a helpless Vukovic. Matt Thompson picked the ball up 30 yards from goal and probed for an opening. Thompson then slipped a nice ball to boom midfielder, James Holland, in acres of space. Holland had plenty of time to deliver his pinpoint cross to meet the head of Griffiths, and give the Jets a deserved lead.

There was drama on 25 minutes, as a penalty for foul on Sasho Petrovski inside the area was awarded by referee Matthew Breeze. However, Aloisi sent the ensuing penalty well wide of the goal, sending the home fans into raptures as the Jets maintained their lead.

Mark Bridge then had a chance to add insult to injury, with a good chance to score as the second half began to close. Bridge cut inside his man – something he did particularly well against Mariners’ defender Nigel Boogaard – and gave himself a clear view of goal. His strike from 20 yards, however, failed to really trouble Vukovic, who again held well.

Just as the fans were looking for shade for the halftime break, more drama unfolded. The Mariners had a goal disallowed, with Aloisi being deemed offside before putting the ball in the back of the net.

The Mariners came out after the break with a positive attitude as they looked to break down the Jets’ defence. Adam Kwasnik tried his luck from distance, but his effort sailed harmlessly over Covic’s bar.

On 62 minutes, Joel Griffiths was in the thick of the action again, this time forcing another fine save from Vukovic after playing a neat through ball from James Holland. The angle was tight, but Vukovic had positioned himself well.

The Jets sealed an emphatic victory in the 84th minute after Holland and Joel Griffiths played a superb one-two on the edge of the area. Just as Holland looked to pull the trigger, he was brought down from behind inside the box, and Breeze again awarded a spot-kick. Griffiths stepped up to convert the penalty and made no mistake, slotting his shot away in the top corner.

The Jets will head to Gosford for the game on Sunday February 10th with a 2-0 aggregate advantage, and a huge contingent of travelling fans from the Hunter to spur them on. A win, draw, or even a loss by 1 goal would see the Jets become the first team into this season’s Grand Final.