They say goalless draws can be dull but this one was far from it.

Deep into injury time on a drizzly afternoon with the scores locked at 0-0, one last opportunity presented itself for the Newcastle Jets. Hannah Bromley pumped the ball long and central, the resulting flick on found Adriana Jones who got in behind Checker.

A one on one chance with Williams presented itself, and seeing the Canberra keeper was slightly off her line did wonderfully well to dink her first time shot over Williams. For a brief moment the crowd held its breath but the ball landed on the roof of the net, moments later referee blew her full time whistle.

The round 5 match between Newcastle Jets and defending champions Canberra United provided entertainment from start to finish, complete with a goalkeeping masterclass from Lydia Williams.

Perhaps, in the eyes of Newcastle Jets and Canberra United supporters alike frustrating could replace that description considering where both sides sit on the table, 7th and 8th respectively.

As the halfway point nears in such a short competition three points are vital if you want to play finals football.

The Jets started the much in much the same fashion as their previous home match. Lots of possession and chances but this time they were left scoreless thanks to some Lydia Williams brilliance.

This was highlighted by a wonderful save early in the first half where Williams athletically tipped a Chloe Logarzo long range shot that was destined for the top corner over the crossbar.

For the Jets, their defence has been the best it’s been in a long time, only conceding 2 goals with three clean sheets for the vastly improved Hannah Southwell in goal.

The attack is where the problems are at the moment. They consistently trouble sides but are lacking the finish at the end. Dobson was Newcastle’s best in attack, she constantly troubled the Canberra attack time and time again with her pace and was unlucky not to break her scoring drought. It may only a matter of time before she gets off the mark and the floodgates open.

Chloe Logarzo once again was consistently good in midfield and along with Caprice Dydesco were able to dominate the first half.

For Canberra, It was Ash Sykes and Michelle Heyman who really stood out for the defending champions.

United started slowly, but fought back as all champions do, in the 2nd half they really took it to the Jets and began to turn the screws on the home side. Sykes, as Dobson did for the Jets was able to get in behind the defence and created plenty of chances.

A combination, from both sides, of some good goal keeping, good defending and just some bad luck in front of goal left both sides feeling as if they could have come away with the points but it wasn’t to be.

Finals football has come early for both these sides who must start winning consistently if they want to make the top four.

Up Next

Next weekend Canberra United travel to Lambert Park to take on a resurgent Sydney FC whilst the Newcastle Jets will be on show to the nation as they take on Adelaide United in the television match at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide.

Newcastle Jets 0

Canberra United 0

Saturday 14 November 2015

Magic Park, Broadmeadow, Newcastle

Kick-off: 2pm

Referee: Kate Jacewicz

Newcastle Jets: Hannah Southwell (gk), Georgia Yeoman-Dale, Megan Oyster (Clare Wheeler 90’), Caprice Dydasco, Cassidy Davis, Gema Simon (c), Tara Andrews (Elizabeth Copus-Brown 85’), Rhali Dobson, Chloe Logarzo, Jenna Kingsley (Adriana Jones 64’), Hannah Bromley

Substitutes – Claire Coelho (gk)

Canberra United: Lydia Williams (gk), Kendall Fletcher, Caitlin Munoz, Ellie Brush, Meg McLaughlin (Tegan Riding 68’), Michelle Heyman, Nicole Begg (c), Ashleigh Sykes, Emma Checker, Veronica Perez, Rebecca Kiting

Substitutes – Melissa Maizels (gk), Julia De Angelis, Jenna McCormick

Cautions – Veronica Perez 72’, Rebecca Kiting 78’