It was a scrappy affair at a less than Spotless Stadium on Friday night, but the Jets did enough to earn their first win of the Hyundai A-League season over the Western Sydney Wanderers.
The Jets started strongly, but the Wanderers would have the best of the early chances. Glen Moss was forced into one of the saves of the round in the opening exchanges, as the former Kiwi international produced a stunning one-handed effort to deny Majok from close quarters.
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Nigel Boogaard went close to creating something from nothing, almost catching Vedran Janjetovic off his line from half way with a long shot that floated just over the crossbar.
Mid way through the first half the Jets began to sustain periods of possession in attack, and would break through via Jason Hoffman in the 25th minute. Dimi Petratos was the provider, hitting Topor-Stanley in the box with a superb long ball before the defender unselfishly squared up for Hoffman, who turned it inside the right post.
Ernie Merrick’s side took their lead into the break and flew out of the blocks at the start of the second half, as Vargas and Hoffman caused havoc for the Wanderers defence – both going close early.
The Wanderers weren’t without their own chances, with Majok again going close mid way through the half. Bruce Kamau was scheming in attack, but was unable to break down our defence as the Wanderers pressed for an equlaiser.
Angus Thurgate entered the fray and provided some spark in attack, as the Young Socceroo showed plenty of running in a 30-minute stint.
Ernie Merrick would be forced into a late change, as Daniel Georgievski hobbled off with a groin complaint.
The Wanderers pushed numbers forward in the final ten minutes, but the Jets proved resolute at the back before taking their chance on the counter. Dimi Petratos would again provide the assist for a goal at the death, beating a defender before teeing up Ronald Vargas who delivered the classiest of finishes.
The Venezuelan made it look all too easy, netting his second for the year and helping the Jets finish 2-0 winners.
The Jets will now focus their attention on Melbourne City at AAMI Park in Round 6.
