17-year-old striker Archie Goodwin scored a brace in his first A-League appearance of the season as a depleted Newcastle side shocked Sydney FC 2-0.
The Jets are out to finish in the top six of the A-League and gave their chances a huge boost with the three points at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night.
Depleted Jets
Newcastle tried to get the game moved to another date as they struggled to get a side together because of injuries, illness and international call-ups.
However after being told they would have to forfeit the game and lose the points, coach Arthur Papas cobbled a side together and they some how got the job done.
Related Newcastle Jets news
Papas happy despite Reds defeat
Papas rues poor defending as Jets slip
Phoenix hit by huge Rufer blow
Goodwin had not played an A-League game in over nine months but struck in the 41st and 43rd minutes to seal the points.
"Just getting one was a dream but to get two feels amazing," Goodwin told Paramount Plus at halftime. "Its been a tough journey for me pre-season and just getting back on the field is a relief and just happy to score goals.”
Papas proud
Meanwhile Papas says forfeiting the game was not an option and spoke of his pride in his players after the game.
"We'd be letting down our members if we didn't have a go, I think we wouldn't be doing the right thing by this community if we just decided to take that route," Papas told reporters. "That was a decision that we made collectively and it's turned out to be a very good night for us.
"The players were outstanding in their effort, their attitude, their togetherness. Very proud of them."
