The Newcastle Jets have found their first loss in seven games against their F3 derby rivals, the Central Coast Mariners, at McDonald Stadium on Saturday evening, May 15.

The F3 derby is the original local derby in the A-league, and passions between the two teams remain as high as ever.

The Mariners’ surprise return to form this season continued with another clean sheet after a single goal to veteran Mariner Matt Simon to see the boys from the Coast defeat an unlucky Jets squad 0-1.

An early chance was presented to the Jets from a mistimed header by Kye Rowles, but Jason Hoffman’s initial strike found Mariner’s keeper, Mark Birighitti, in the way before a second shot from Angus Thurgate was deflected by defender Ruon Tongyik.

A third attempt from the ensuing corner by Nigel Boogaard was also thwarted as his header skimmed wide past the post.

The momentum stayed with the Jets for most of the opening 20 minutes, with the Mariners succumbing to the pressure conceding several fouls and giving to the Jets multiple chances to attack.

But the home side was unable to make the most of them, and throughout the second quarter, the Mariners were able to find more possession and control in the midfield space.

In the second half, the Mariners found more energy, with Joshua Nisbet posting a shot on target within the first 60 seconds.

Eventually, a questionable foul on Daniel Bouman in the box, one which somehow survived the VAR review, gave away the most crucial set piece of the game.

The Mariners leading goalscorer, Matt Simon, stepped up and nonchalantly drove the ball hard and low into the back left corner, giving Jets keeper Italiano no chance.

The trademark shakas from the Mariners’ skipper roused the large cohort of Mariners fans who made their way up the F3(M1).

Jet’s maestro, Roy O’Donovan, came close to an equaliser in the 59th minute with a shot curling under the top crossbar forcing the dive save from Birighitti.

Another chance for the Jets came in the 87th minute via a lobbed through ball by Ramy Najjarine for Valentino Yuel to chase.

The ball trickled forward dangerously to the edge of the penalty area, forcing Birighitti out of the box to cut down Yuel’s space and forcing the youngster into an errant shot.

The next F3 derby will be next season after the Jets have sunk to the bottom of the table, rendering them out of finals contention.

Haakon Barry