Newcastle Jets and the Mariners players fight for the ball. Source: News Limited
CENTRAL Coast Mariners survived a howler from goal keeper Justin Pasfield to recover from a two goal deficit to draw 2-2 with the Newcastle Jets at Hunter Stadium on Saturday.
Pasfield couldn't find a hole big enough to hide in after gifting the Jets their second goal early in the second half.
He took his eye off a seemingly harmless back pass, only to see the ball dribble over the line before he got a foot to it.
Minutes earlier, Jets fans erupted when the home side took a 1-0 lead after finally breaking a goal drought that had lasted 457 minutes and dated back to late last season.
Skipper Ruben Zadkovich won a free kick outside the box after 51 minutes before finding Nathan Burns, whose shot was spilt by Pasfield.
Pasfield recovered to block Adam Taggart's shot from close range but only into the path of Scott Neville for an easy tap in goal.
It was 2-0 just five minutes later after Pasfield's blooper and the Jets looked to have a stranglehold on game.
But the A-League champions finally found some rhythm in attack, sending bodies forward to put some heat on the Jets defence.
The cracks appeared, firstly with Conner Chapman handling in the box to present Marcos Flores with a gift from the penalty spot after 64 minutes before substitute Mile Sterjovski levelled at 2-2 in the 80th minute.
In a body blow for the home side, the anticipated return from injury of Emile Heskey didn't eventuate with the Jets erring on the side of caution with their marquee striker and giving him an extra week to recover from a knee injury that has sidelined him since the pre-season.
The Mariners dominated all the early possession but their chances were few and far between in the opening half.
Jets keeper Mark Birighitti was rarely called on but rival keeper Pasfield also had a pretty easy time of it in the opening 45 minutes.
Andrew Hoole found space just outside the box on two occasions for the Jets but his first strike sailed wide and his second edged over the cross-bar.
Re-live all the action at our A-League Match Centre, featuring video highlights and statistics.
The Jets led 2-0 only to see their opponents fight back through goals to Marcos Flores and Mile Sterjovski as the points were shared in a thrilling derby.
02 Nov, 2013
-
Source: http://www.news.com.au/national/newcastle-jets-and-central-coast-mariners-play-out-a-thrilling-2-2-draw-in-a-league-f3-derby/story-e6frfkp9-1226752036359?from=public_rss
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com
