Two goals in the final five minutes has seen Newcastle Jets complete a remarkable 2-1 come-from-behind victory against Perth Glory.
A spirited Perth looked to have won the match before goals from John Koutroumbis and a Jeremy Walker own-goal ensured a jubilant Jets side claim a crucial away win.
Joseph Knowles first goal for Perth Glory had earlier appeared to have the WA team claiming all three points in a high energy encounter at nib Stadium.
Jospeh Mills pinpoint cross allowed Knowles to performed his best Paulo Di Canio impersonation with a classy first time volley.
The Jets toiled hard for the entire ninety minutes and were rewarded when substitute Koutroumbis struck an 89th minute equalizer after volleying home at the back post.
A frenetic final five minutes culminated in a dramatic injury time winner as Glory’s Jeremy Walker failed to control his clearance from a corner finding the back of his own net.
Ernie Merrick should take credit for his inspired late substitutions who both played pivotal roles in each of the Jets late strikes.
It was a heartbreaking finale for Perth whose youngsters performed gallantly with 16-year-old Jacob Italiano continuing to impress.
Johnny Warren medalist Diego Castro was introduced just after the hour mark in what was his first appearance since sustaining a calf injury three weeks ago.
The result sees Newcastle cement second spot on the ladder while Perth linger dangerously in eighth.
Ernie Merrick’s side will surely feel they got out of jail but results like this may well give them the spirit needed to challenge the likes of Sydney FC.
Meanwhile Perth have lost three of its last four with pressure mounting on head coach Kenny Lowe.
Perth Glory 1 (Knowles 21′)
Newcastle Jets 2 (Koutroumbis 89′, Walker OG 90+3)
nib Stadium (8063)
Referee: Adam KERSEY
Assistant Referees: Josh MANELLA and Matthew SOUTHERN
Fourth Official: Adam FIELDING
Perth Glory
33. REDDY Liam (GK), 2. GRANT Alex (68, 5. POSCOLIERO Jacob), 4. LOWRY Shane, 6. NICHOLS Mitch Jake 8. TORRES Xavier (68′ 17. CASTRO Diego), 14. HAROLD Chris, 15. WILSON Brandon, 16. MILLS Joseph, 19. KNOWLES Jospeh (79′ 20. BRIMER Jake), 26. ITALIANO Jacob, 29. WALKER Jeremy
Substitutes: 13. FEELY Nick (GK), 5. POSCOLIERO Jacob, 11. MALLIA Mitchell, 17. CASTRO Diego, 20. BRIMMER Jake.
Newcastle Jets:
20. MOSS Glen (GK), 3. HOFFMAN Jason (58′ 18. KOUTROUMBIS John), 4. BOOGAARD Nigel (C), 5. KANTAROVSKI Ben, 6. UGARKOVIC Steven, 7. PETRATOS Dimitri, 10. BROWN Wayne (58′ 9. O’DONOVAN Roy), 13. VUJICA Ivan, 15. NABBOUT Andrew, 24. CHAMPNESS Joe, 44. TOPOR-STANLEY Nikolai
Substitutes: 30. NECEVSKI Ivan (GK), 9. O’DONOVAN Roy, 18. KOUTROUMBIS John, 22. JACKSON Lachlan, 23. CLUT Devante.
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