Western Sydney Wanderers’ fightback fell just short on Saturday afternoon as Newcastle Jets ran out 2-1 winners at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Bozhidar Kraev gave the Wanderers an early spark, heading home Ryan Fraser’s precise cross from a short corner routine in the 20th minute – Wanderers’ first shot on target.
Kraev’s effort put the visitors ahead and challenged the home side, setting the tone for a competitive first half.
Despite holding the lead, the Wanderers were unable to build sustained pressure as Newcastle controlled possession and looked dangerous on the counter.
The Jets hit back almost immediately after the restart. Just 103 seconds into the second half, Clayton Taylor’s tumbling cross met Eli Adams at the near post, with Adams beating Steven Ugarkovic to the ball for a clinical equaliser, his fifth goal of the season.
Newcastle kept up the pressure, creating several chances and forcing the Wanderers to defend resolutely.
The decisive moment arrived in the 77th minute when Mark Natta tapped in from a scramble inside the penalty area, claiming his third A-League goal and first since February 2025.
The goal secured the Jets’ come-from-behind victory and extended their club-record unbeaten run to 10 matches.
Wanderers weren’t done yet. In stoppage time, goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas went forward for a late set piece and produced a powerful header that forced a save from Jets keeper James Delianov, the ball cannoned off the crossbar, agonisingly close to an equaliser that would have salvaged a point.
Despite the loss, there were positives to take from the performance. Kraev’s early goal highlighted the threat the Wanderers can pose in attack, while the team’s late pressure showed their resilience and never-say-die attitude.
Wanderers will look to build on these moments as they aim to climb the ladder in the coming weeks, currently sitting 12th with 20 points.
