Newcastle Jets boosted their chance of avoiding a last-place finish in the A-League with a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Perth Glory.
Craig Deans’ side started at 12th place in the league table, one point below Melbourne Victory, who play on Sunday. But they were able to pick up one point against Richard Garcia’s side with 16-year-old Jets player Archie Goodwin starring.
The home team began the game well and enjoyed more possession in the early part of the game. But as has been the case so often this season, their final ball into the box and finishing was inaccurate, and they couldn’t find a way past Tando Velaphi in the Perth goal.
With the game tied and without any clear cut chances from both sides, Glory player Bruno Fornaroli opened the scoring for the visitors with a moment of pure class.
The striker unleashed an unstoppable drive from 25 metres out. The goal came from his side’s only goal attempt in the first half.
The goal sparked the home team into life, but goalkeeper Velaphi denied the very lively Goodwin with a couple of brilliant saves to keep the visitors in front beyond the first period and into the second half.
However, with 70 minutes on the clock, the hosts drew level when substitute Jonathan Aspropotamitis diverted Angus Thurgate into his own net to score his second own goal in as many games.
The result means that Perth Glory end the season in ninth place while the Jets, who will still play Premiers Plate winners Melbourne City in their final game, can avoid a bottom place finish if they win the game or Melbourne Victory fail to win against the leaders on Sunday.
