Newcastle Jets fly by Western United into Round of 32
Newcastle Jets confirmed their place in the 2024 Australia Cup Round of 32 with a clinical victory over Western United.
Newcastle prevailed with a 4-1 thrashing of Western United at Darwin Football Stadium to set up the final tie in the competition’s Round of 32 against Rockdale Ilinden FC.
The Jets were ruthless and burst into a two-goal lead within half an hour.
In the 17th minute, Clayton Taylor dribbled into the left of the box, where United defender Ben Garuccio inadvertently steered in his cross.
Newcastle added their second goal just before the half-hour mark. Thomas Aquilina executed a superb bouncing volley from the right edge of the box that nestled inside the left post.
The side added a third goal three minutes before halftime when Nathan Grimaldi reacted fastest to a free-kick scramble, lashing the ball high into the goal from close in. It was the former Sutherland Sharks defender’s first goal in Jets colours.
Newcastle remained goal-hungry in the second period and scored their fourth 67 minutes in.
The exciting Taylor was released down the left and played an early ball over to the opposite side so that Aquilina could drive home his second of the match.
While the scoreline was heavily in the Jets’ favour, Western created chances in the game.
Some important stops from Newcastle goalkeeper Ryan Scott and the woodwork kept them scoreless however United found a consolation with a minute of regular time to play.
Mark Leonard worked hard to cut a ball back from the right by-line and found Riku Danzaki who blasted the ball into the goal.
The Jets will now move on to face NPL Men’s NSW leaders Rockdale Ilinden in the Round of 32 on Wednesday, 31 July at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre.
