ANDREW Nabbout scored his sixth goal in seven games as the Newcastle Jets snatched a drama-charged 2-1 win over Adelaide United in stifling heat at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday night.
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After a lacklustre first half, Nabbout put the home side ahead in the 55th minute. His goal was cancelled out 10 minutes later by George Blackwood.
Just as the game appeared headed for a draw, the Jets were awarded a controversial penalty in the 88th minute for a handball against Ryan Strain.
A Dimi Petratos-shot cannoned off Ersan Gulum and into the arm of Strain and referee Stephen Lucas had no hesitation pointing to the spot.
The Reds appealed against the decision believing the defender’s arm was by his side and the ball had struck his bicep. However, Video Assistant Referee Kris-Griffiths Jones confirmed the main official’s decision.
Petratos stepped up and sent Paul Izzo the wrong way with a clinical spot kick.
Adelaide coach Marco Kurz was infuriated on the sideline. His assistant coach Filip Tapalovic was then given a red card and sent from the field after an exchange with fourth official Ben Abraham.
The visiting coach’s mood hadn’t changed post match.
“We lost the game after a decision from the referee,” he said. “I think everybody else, also the players and coach from Newcastle, said it was not a penalty. For me, I don’t understand the decision.”
Jets coach Ernie Merrick, asked for his thoughts on the decision, said: “Some you win some you lose. The referee says it is a penalty, then they go up stairs and he says it is a penalty, then I guess it is a penalty. I thought Dimi took it really well.”
The win moved the Jets to 23 points, four points clear of third-placed Melbourne City. After 11 rounds they have surpassed their season tally of points for last season (22).
Nabbout’s goal involved a degree of good fortune.
Petratos was in possession at the top of the box when Vince Lia lunged and knocked the ball straight to an unmarked Nabbout, who drilled a shot from close range past a helpless Izzo.
It was the 24-year-old’s fourth goal in four games since switched to the point of the attack to cover for injured Irishman Roy O’Donovan.
Ten minutes later Adelaide were back on level terms through Blackwood. Nikola Mileusnic released Michael Marone down the right and he curled a cross in behind for the striker to tap in at the back post.
It may have been the 30 degree heat, but the home side lacked their normal spark.
Jets coach Ernie Merrick made one change to the XI that beat Perth 2-1.
Johnny Koutroumbis was rewarded for his goal off the bench with a start at right back and Steve Ugarkovic was pushed from the base of midfield into a more attacking role.
For the visitors Marone and Lia came in for suspended duo Ben Garuccio and Daniel Adlung.
Neither side could be separated in a cagey opening 45 minutes short of goalmouth action.
Nabbout was involved in the Jets’ two best chances of the first half.
He got a touch to Ivan Vujica cross which flashed across the goal and past the outside of the right post in the 17th minute.
The in the 33rd minute he was released down the right and centred a low cross. The ball hit the boot of an Adelaide defender and popped over the head of Joe Champness.
Reds midfielder Nathan Kostandopoulos fired the only shot on target, directing a longe-range effort straight at Glen Moss.
The game was in need of goal, and Nabbout delivered.