Jets strike late to deny Gold Coast

Nikolai Topor-Stanley's last-gasp header earned Newcastle Jets a 1-1 draw against Gold Coast United. The hosts dominated possession but United's defensive duo Michael Thwaite and Zach Anderson performed admirably to repel the majority of their attacks. Thwaite and Anderson were particularly impressive in preserving the lead given to them by Daniel Bowles' 24th-minute finish after good work from Maceo Rigters. Gold Coast almost doubled their advantage when Bowles pounced on a loose back pass from Jobe Wheelhouse 40 yards out and raced into the box but this time sent his shot over the crossbar. The Jets eventually scored the equaliser right on full-time after some concerted pressure when Topor-Stanley burst into the box to get in front of Anderson and head home an Ali Abbas free-kick. The draw moves the Jets into fifth spot but allows the Melbourne Heart, Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory the chance to draw closer in the rest of the round.