Newcastle earned a point with a late equaliser from O’Donovan
Western Sydney Wanderers were held to 1-1 by Newcastle Jets, with Roy O’Donovan scoring a late equaliser.
The visitors had a promising chance early on in the game when Valentino Yuel hit his shot over the post despite being in an advantageous position inside the box.
Wanderers had their breakthrough in the 36th minute when Simon Cox’s shot hit the crossbar before being turned into the nets by Bernie Ibini-Isei on the rebound.
Jets could have responded in the added minutes of the first half but centre-back Boogard failed to direct his shot into the nets from the set-piece.
Newcastle enjoyed more possession in the second half while Wanderers were happy to sit back and pounce on counter-attacks.
O’Donovan had a good sight at the goal after being put on the platter by Yuel, but Ziggy Gordon made a vital interception to prevent the ball from flying into the nets.
However, Wanderers suffered a lapse in concentration after defender Mardoukoutas made a silly foul on debutant Luka Prso inside the penalty box. O’Donovan made a meal of it and successfully converted the penalty.
A win would have sent Wanderers to the top of the table as they are currently second behind Central Coast Mariners with eight points.
Meanwhile, Jets narrowly escaped from what could have been their fifth defeat of this season. They will face Melbourne City at home next Sunday.
