Toni Pressley’s second half winner has helped Canberra United claim a come from behind win for the second week in a row.
Newcastle look the lead early in the first half through Emily Van Egmond, but a goal to Ash Sykes early in the second laid the foundation for Pressley to score her second goal of the season.
Newcastle looked strong early and had the perfect chance to go ahead after just seven minutes. Arin Gilliland was sent in to the box by a through ball and Aoife Colvill tangled with her as she went past, and Maddison Kennedy pointed to the spot as Gilliland went to ground.
Emily Van Egmond made no mistake as she stepped up and sent Haley Kopmeyer the wrong way in goals to give the Jets the lead.
That was the only blight on Kopmeyer’s day though, as the American keeper played brilliantly across 90 minutes, keeping United in the contest at times.
The hosts continued to create more chances as the game wore on, with Arin Gilliland and Katie Stengel pressuring the United defence constantly.
In the 18th minute Van Egmond squared the ball to the unmarked Gilliland, but Kopmeyer did well to get down low and save at the near post.
Cortnee Vine struck the bar inside the final 15 minutes of the half, and Stengel had another chance late but the Jets could not capitalise and lead by only a goal at the break.
That would cost them just three minutes into the second half as Sykes grabbed her first goal of the season. Grace Maher’s touch pass fed Sykes into the area and she took a touch before prodding the ball home from close range.
With just over 20 minutes left Ellie Carpenter sent Maher away down the left, and Britt Eckerstrom could only palm her shot away for a corner. Maher whipped the ball in from the set-piece and Pressley found the airspace to nod the header into the back of the net for the lead.
United were content to sit back after taking the lead and aim to hit the Jets on the counter, while a strong defensive effort ensured that the hosts were unable to find an equaliser.
The win moves United into the top four for the first time this season ahead of a clash with Perth Glory next weekend, while the Jets drop to fifth before their clash with Adelaide next Sunday.
