The Newcastle Jets have sealed their first A-League Men premiership after a shock 0-1 home defeat for Auckland FC to the Central Coast Mariners, with Ali Auglah’s 19th-minute strike proving decisive at Go Media Stadium.
The upset leaves Auckland four points adrift heading into the final round, ending their hopes of overtaking the Jets, who will now celebrate lifting the Premier’s Plate.
Despite dominating possession, Auckland were undone by a swift counter-attack finished by Auglah, while the Mariners produced a resilient defensive effort, highlighted by James Donachie’s crucial goal-line save and a string of stops from Andrew Redmayne.
A storm delay and rising frustration compounded the hosts’ struggles, as they failed to find an equaliser and now face a battle to hold onto second spot with Sydney FC closing in.
