NewsBite

Jets fly as A-League clubs dominate FFA Cup

International signings Wes Hoolahan and Abdiel Arroyo both scored on debut as Newcastle cruised into the FFA Cup quarters.

Edgeworth FC’s 42-year-old star Daniel McBreen becomes the FFA Cup’s oldest scorer with a spectacular goat against Newcastle Jets at Jack McLaughlan Oval
Edgeworth FC’s 42-year-old star Daniel McBreen becomes the FFA Cup’s oldest scorer with a spectacular goat against Newcastle Jets at Jack McLaughlan Oval
AAP

International signings Wes Hoolahan and Abdiel Arroyo both scored on debut as Newcastle Jets cruised into the FFA Cup quarter-finals with a confident 5-1 win over Edgeworth Eagles.

It was a tougher night at the office for fellow A-League sides as Melbourne City outlasted Marconi Stallions 2-1, while Adelaide United narrowly avoided disaster with a late win over Olympic FC 3-2.

But it was the Jets who impressed the most with some sparkling attacking combinations from their international pair, as well as another new arrival in Nick Fitzgerald.

Panamanian striker Arroyo took just nine minutes to get his Jets’ scoring underway and was a lively presence throughout.

Former A-League championship-winner Daniel McBreen drew Edgeworth level via a spectacular long-range strike, making the 42-year-old the oldest goalscorer in the FFA Cup.

But former Republic of Ireland forward Hoolahan and Dimi Petratos fired home to put the Jets well clear at the break.

Second-half goals from Fitzgerald and a lucky deflected second from Petratos rounded out the scoring in front of 4297 spectators at Jack McLaughlan Oval in Newcastle.

Melbourne City appeared to be cruising after Socceroos forward Jamie McLaren netted with a glancing header after just 90 seconds against Marconi Stallions.

New attacker Craig Noone doubled the lead just before halftime with a sweet left-foot strike, only for the former National Soccer League club to set up a tense finale as Martin Fernandez pulled a goal back.

Adelaide United were made to sweat before outlasting Olympic FC at Perry Park in Brisbane.

The home side came from two goals down at halftime to draw level only for George Blackwood to convert the match-winner from the penalty spot with six minutes remaining.

An early double from rookie teenage forward Al Hassan Toure had Adelaide seemingly well on their way as they sought to avoid a repeat of their upset FFA Cup defeat against Brisbane Strikers three years ago.

Melbourne side Moreland Zebras rounded out the matchday with a comfortable 4-0 home win over Mackey-based Magpies Crusaders, becoming the first third-tier side to reach the last-eight.

AAP

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/football/jets-fly-as-aleague-clubs-dominate-ffa-cup/news-story/9a9bf67e643c09597a8d896b3111cbca