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Jets beat Glory

A dominant performance by the Jets led to their first win of the season, thanks to an early volley from captain Michael Bridges and a late goal by substitute Labinot Haliti, despite the underwhelming attendance of 6,977.

This victory was crucial for Branko Culina’s team, especially as doubts about the Jets’ future lingered due to owner Con Constantine’s financial struggles.

With the club’s situation expected to become clearer early next week, the players upheld their commitment to remain focused despite the challenges, showcasing a spirited display.

The final score could have been more flattering, as they were denied twice by the woodwork and Glory’s goalkeeper, Tando Velaphi.

Bridges, the former Leeds striker, made a remarkable start for the Jets, launching a beautifully struck volley into the top left corner from a tight angle.

Glory struggled to handle one of Kasey Wehrman’s perilous corner kicks; after Jeremy Brockie couldn’t control the ball, Bridges capitalized with a first-time finish.

Not willing to simply defend their lead, the Jets continued to press and were unfortunate not to score again before the break.

In the 13th minute, only the left post saved Glory from an own goal after they mishandled another set piece, with both Nikolai Topor-Stanley and Ruben Zadkovich thwarted by Velaphi’s diving saves.

Robbie Fowler had the best opportunities for Glory in the first half, though the former Liverpool striker often found himself isolated.

Even after losing Tarek Elrich to a thigh injury, the Jets maintained their attacking efforts in the second half, with Zadkovich striking the crossbar in the 51st minute.

In the second half, Glory midfielder Steven McGarry posed a threat to Newcastle’s goal twice, but ultimately the visitors never seemed likely to avoid a second consecutive defeat.

After being substituted in, Haliti looked vibrant and scored in the 89th minute, smoothly placing the ball past Velaphi to secure the three points.

Before the match, A-League chief executive Lyall Gorman expressed confidence that a resolution to the club’s challenges was near, assuring that Newcastle’s upcoming match against Gold Coast at Skilled Park on Wednesday would proceed as planned.

Football Federation Australia is scheduled to meet with Constantine again on Monday.

The relief among the Jets’ players was evident as they celebrated their victory with a lap of honour to appreciate the attending fans.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Zadkovich.

“For the team, it means a lot; for the fans as well, and for the club because we’ve been navigating a tough period, but the boys have remained united.”

Culina expressed his pride in his team’s efforts.

“I’m so pleased for the players; until you’ve been in a situation that the players have faced … you don’t realize the tremendous effort it took over the past few weeks,” said Culina.

“I felt we weren’t far from achieving a good result, and to the players, thank you; you deserve all the accolades.”

In contrast, Glory coach Dave Mitchell acknowledged that his side may have faced Newcastle at an inopportune moment.

“They were very hungry and had their backs to the wall,” he stated.

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