The line-up
It was an unchanged starting eleven for the Green and Black.
Sebastian Pasquali returned to the squad via the bench after a long-term injury lay-off.
Tonight's starting XI, brought to you by @SimondsHomes! #NEWvWUN #RiseUp #WUFC
— Western United FC (@wufcofficial) April 5, 2021
The match
United got off to the perfect start, scoring after just 36 seconds at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Dylan Pierias played in Lachie Wales who finished past Jets keeper Lewis Italiano for his second goal in as many weeks.
It was remarkably United’s first ever goal against the Jets.
Two in two for Lachie 😍 #NEWvWUN #RiseUp #WUFC pic.twitter.com/At6ltRlXG8
— Western United FC (@wufcofficial) April 5, 2021
Newcastle dominated the first half however couldn’t capitalise on their chances.
United had the first chance of the second half and it was Alessandro Diamanti involved in the play, just minutes after coming on.
Diamanti played a superb long ball to Connor Pain who forced a good save from Italiano.
United thought they had doubled their lead with 20 minutes remaining after Besart Berisha finished from close range.
It was disallowed for offside however following a VAR review.
United held on for the narrow win in the Hunter – its first ever victory over the Jets.
What Mark Rudan said
On the match
“Very good start, we needed to keep going but we didn’t and we were poor in the first half.
“It’s the first time I couldn’t wait until half-time to go and speak to the boys. As it’s just about certain tactical movements, additional things that we had to change as well.
“Much better in the second half and it’s our first win outside of Victoria as well.
“The most pleasing thing is that we grinded our result.
“We were better in the second half but we grinded it out and that was pleasing. A win when we don’t play well is always a good sign.”
On consistency
“You can see how tight the league is. We’re one of the teams who have played the least amount of games so that win now gives us back-to-back wins over two difficult opponents for different reasons.
“After the City game we didn’t get carried away and we want to continue on with the momentum. We know we’ve got games in hand and we know what we can do.”
On Lachie Wales
“The most pleasing thing for me about Lachie today was not just his goal but was his work ethic. He really put in a shift today. He worked hard off the ball as well and effort is something that we like to promote.”
On Seb Pasquali
“Really proud of Seb, he’s worked extremely hard to get back to this level.
“He’s had a tough run of injuries. We just need to create a really good environment for him where he wants to come to work and love the game again which is key.”
Next game
Western United will travel to Wollongong to take on Wellington Phoenix on Sunday, 11 April. Kick-off is 7:05pm.
