Western United Claim Hard-Fought 2-0 Win Over Newcastle Jets

Western United 2–0 Newcastle Jets

January 3, 2025 – Ironbark Fields

Photo Credits: Western United

The A league Women saw an intense clash as Western United hosted Newcastle Jets at

Ironbark Fields on Friday night. The match ended 2-0 in favour of the home side thanks to a

quality performance by Kahli Johnson, whose two goals in the second half secured the win.

Despite the loss, Newcastle Jets showed moments of promise but were outdone by Western

United dominance and a late red card to Natasha Prior just before extra time.

The game started with both teams pressing high and trading counterattacks in an attempt to

gain an early advantage. Newcastle Jets were the first to threaten with Lauren Allen nearly

scoring off a Sheridan Gallagher cutback. Western United responded with Kahli Johnson

rounding the goalkeeper but just missing the target by centimetres from a tight angle. The

Jets defence led by Tiahna Robertson held strong while under pressure from the Green and

Black. United's Claudia Mihocic impressed on her starting debut, helping to stop the Jets

attacking bursts. Neither team could find a breakthrough with Kahli Johnson coming closest

for Western United when her strike hit the crossbar just before halftime.

After a balanced first half, Western United emerged from the break with more intensity. Their

persistence paid off in the 53rd minute when Julia Sardo delivered a pinpoint cross, allowing

Johson to out jump her marker and header the opening goal. Newcastle Jets tried to

respond, with Gallagher and Emily Garnier pushing forward, but Western United’s midfield,

led by Melissa Taranto, shut down their attacks. The Jets chance came from Lauren Allen,

but her effort was blocked by a powerful united defence. The home side doubled their lead in

the 75th minute when substitute Kiara De Domizio, made an instant impact. Her perfect

cross found Johnson at the back post, and the furrowed powered her second header of the

night into the net, all but sealing the result.

As Newcastle pushed for a way back into the game, the task became more difficult when

Natasha Prior was sent off in the closing minutes. With the Jets down to 10 players, Western

United maintained control ensuring their clean sheet and securing an important three points.

For Western United, the win moves them up to fifth on the table, putting them firmly in the

playoff conversation. Kahli Johnson’s form—now tied as the league’s top scorer—bodes well

for the Green and Black as they aim to build momentum.For Newcastle Jets, the loss was a

tough blow, but their first-half performance showed promise. They’ll need to regroup and

focus on tightening their defence while capitalizing on their attacking opportunities if they are

to climb the standings.Both teams demonstrated their competitive spirit, setting the stage for

an exciting second half of the ALW season. Fans of both sides will be watching closely as

the league action continues.