Newcastle Jets vs Central Coast Mariners at McDonald Jones Stadium
Result: Jets 1 - Mariners 2
In miserable conditions at McDonald Jones Stadium, the mood of supporters was raised to delighted status as the Mariners overcame the Jets by two goals to one.
A much changed team greeted the travelling supporters with a number of players making their debuts. Marcos Urena continued his impressive form of last season as he continually got behind the home team’s defence.
With the result standing at 0-0, the half time talk by new coach Nick Montgomery (Monty) obviously had the desired effect. Within five minutes, and after more than 40 games, Josh Nisbet was set free in the penalty area. He shielded the ball superbly from a singular defender, finding space on the right of Newcastle's goalkeeper Duncan to give the Mariners the lead.
Within five minutes, a corner on the left was floated magnificently to the far side of the goal area where Jacob Farrell hit a bullet header into the net.
The Jets came back strongly and it was no surprise when they clawed one back.
Mark Birighitti had a top game keeping the Mariners in the lead with several important and high quality saves.
This result positions the Mariners at the top of the A-League after Round 1.