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Thursday, 04 Dec 2008
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Adelaide break Jets hearts late

Monday, 01 December 2008
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A goal to Adelaide defender Sasa Ognenovski in the dying seconds salvaged a 1-1 A-League draw against Newcastle at EnergyAustralia Stadium yesterday.

Matt Thompson's 54th minute goal had a youthful looking Jets team heading for a much-needed win before Ognenovski leapt to head home a Paul Reid free kick three minutes into injury time.

It was a cruel blow to the Jets who had put in a gutsy performance without suspended stars Joel Griffiths and Mark Milligan, as well as injured midfielder Jin-Hyung Song.

They remain equal last with Perth and face a huge task to make the finals after winning the championship last year.

Adelaide remain in second place, two points behind leaders Melbourne.

There was barely a chance for either side in a dour first half, played mostly in the centre of the park.

The first genuine chance was not until the 28th minute when teenage Jets striker Marko Jesic had his shot cleared off the line by Scott Jamieson.

He could be forgiven for failing to convert that one but should have put the home side up when he fired wide from close range on the stroke of halftime after good build up from Thompson.

Adelaide wasted some early second-half chances but the deadlock was finally broken when Thompson, usually a defender but playing in midfield, netted his first goal of the season.

Young Socceroos striker Jason Naidovski capitalised on some sloppy defending and a bizarre backheel by United defender Angelo Costanzo before setting up Thompson, who steadied before firing the ball in off the left upright.

The Jets continued to press forward after the goal and Ben Kantarovski should have doubled the lead three minutes later, but failed to latch on to a Jesic cross.

Brazilian Alemao came close to an equaliser for United in the 64th minute and also could have scored in the 72nd minute if not for a late diving effort from Jets goalkeeper Ante Covic.

United forward Travis Dodd looked certain to grab a late equaliser in the 86th minute but Covic made two crucial stops, one with his leg, and the Jets looked set to hold on.

But Covic was at fault when he came off his line to allow Ognenovski to steer home the equaliser.

-AAP


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