Key Points
- In-form Newcastle Jets defeated Wellington Phoenix 4-1 in the men’s A-League at McDonald Jones Stadium on January 23, 2026.
- Lachlan Bayliss, New Zealand U-23 midfielder for Jets, scored the opener after just 21 seconds, the side’s quickest goal of the season.
- Jets led 1-0 at half-time but dominated the second half with goals from Clayton Taylor (56′), Eli Adams (70′), and Xavier Bertoncello (89′).
- Wellington Phoenix’s new signing, Norwegian Sander Kartum, scored a consolation goal in the 86th minute with a curled shot into the roof of the net; he nearly added another with a reflex shot just over the bar minutes later.
- Match statistics: Jets had 24 shots (10 on target) versus Phoenix’s 11 shots (5 on target), underscoring Jets’ dominance.
- Victory marks Jets’ fourth win in a row, bringing them to 24 points from 14 matches, within a goal’s difference of leaders Auckland FC (also 24 points from 13 matches).
- A disappointing night for Phoenix defender Manjrekar James and his team, who sit 8th with 18 points from 14 matches.
- Full-time score: Newcastle Jets 4 (Bayliss 1′, Taylor 56′, Adams 70′, Bertoncello 89′) – Wellington Phoenix 1 (Kartum 86′).
- Table updated at 11.30pm NZT on Friday, January 23, 2026: Auckland FC top on goal difference; Jets second; Sydney third with 22 points.
- Story first published on January 23, 2026.
Newcastle (Manchester Mirror) January 23, 2026 – In-form Newcastle Jets delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over Wellington Phoenix at McDonald Jones Stadium, positioning themselves on the cusp of the men’s A-League summit. The home side struck first after a mere 21 seconds through Lachlan Bayliss, setting the tone for their fourth consecutive win. Jets’ relentless second-half performance overwhelmed a resilient Phoenix outfit, who managed a late consolation via Sander Kartum.
What Triggered the Jets’ Lightning-Fast Start?
From the opening whistle, Newcastle Jets exuded confidence, capitalising on an early opportunity to stun Wellington Phoenix. New Zealand U-23 midfielder Lachlan Bayliss netted his side’s quickest goal of the season at the 1-minute mark, firing past the Phoenix keeper after a swift counter-attack. This early breakthrough, as detailed in the official match summary, disrupted Phoenix’s rhythm and allowed Jets to control possession throughout the first half.
Despite their lead, Jets could not extend the advantage before the interval, with Phoenix holding firm defensively. Manjrekar James, the Phoenix defender, was prominent in repelling several Jets advances, though the visitors struggled to create meaningful chances. The half-time score of 1-0 reflected Jets’ superiority in territory but Phoenix’s stubborn resistance.
How Did Jets Unleash Havoc in the Second Half?
The restart saw Newcastle Jets emerge with renewed vigour, dismantling Wellington Phoenix’s defence methodically. Clayton Taylor doubled the lead in the 56th minute, slotting home from close range after a well-worked move down the right flank. Eli Adams extended the margin to 3-0 on 70 minutes, finishing clinically from a through-ball that exposed Phoenix’s tiring backline.
As reported in post-match analysis from A-League archives, Jets generated 24 shots overall, 10 of which tested the Phoenix goalkeeper, compared to the visitors’ 11 attempts (five on target). This statistical dominance painted a clear picture of the home side’s control, with Phoenix unable to muster a sustained response until late.
Who Was Wellington Phoenix’s Late Spark?
Wellington Phoenix salvaged some pride through a spirited cameo from new signing Sander Kartum, the Norwegian forward introduced from the bench. In the 86th minute, Kartum showcased his class by curling a sublime shot into the roof of the net, reducing the deficit to 3-1 and igniting brief hopes of a comeback. Minutes later, he unleashed a reflex volley that clipped the crossbar, a moment of brilliance amid his team’s struggles.
Kartum’s impact offered a glimmer of optimism for Phoenix, who had been second-best for much of the contest. Defender Manjrekar James, enduring a tough night, could only watch as Jets responded swiftly.
What Sealed the Jets’ Convincing Triumph?
Xavier Bertoncello put the result beyond doubt in the 89th minute, rifling in Jets’ fourth goal to cap a clinical display. The late strike extinguished any faint Phoenix revival, ensuring the home side’s fourth straight victory. McDonald Jones Stadium erupted as Jets fans celebrated a performance that propelled their team to 24 points from 14 matches, level with Auckland FC but trailing on goal difference.
Phoenix, now on 18 points from 14 outings, slipped to eighth, their -4 goal difference a stark reminder of defensive frailties.
Where Do the Teams Stand Post-Match?
The updated men’s A-League table at 11.30pm NZT on January 23, 2026, highlights the tight race at the top:
| Club | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland FC | 13 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 19 | 13 | +6 | 24 |
| Newcastle Jets | 14 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 30 | 25 | +5 | 24 |
| Sydney | 12 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 18 | 9 | +9 | 22 |
| Brisbane Roar | 14 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 13 | 13 | 0 | 21 |
| Melbourne City | 14 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 14 | 12 | +2 | 20 |
| Macarthur | 14 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 15 | 18 | -3 | 20 |
| Adelaide United | 13 | 6 | 1 | 6 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 19 |
| Wellington Phoenix | 14 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 22 | 26 | -4 | 18 |
| Melbourne Victory | 13 | 5 | 2 | 6 | 16 | 18 | -2 | 17 |
| Perth Glory | 13 | 5 | 1 | 7 | 16 | 18 | -2 | 16 |
| Central Coast Mariners | 13 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 16 | 21 | -5 | 12 |
| Western Sydney W’s | 13 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 16 | -6 | 12 |
Auckland FC cling to top spot via superior goal difference, while Jets’ +5 edges them ahead of Sydney’s +9 but fewer matches played. Phoenix’s position underscores the need for defensive solidity.
Why Are Jets Now Title Contenders?
This result catapults Newcastle Jets into serious contention, their eight wins from 14 matches and +5 goal difference signalling genuine threat. Four straight victories have transformed them from mid-table also-rans to summit challengers, with 30 goals scored reflecting attacking prowess. Wellington Phoenix, conversely, must regroup after a humbling defeat that exposed vulnerabilities against top sides.
The match, first published on January 23, 2026, encapsulates the A-League’s competitiveness, where momentum can shift standings overnight. Jets’ fans dream of glory, while Phoenix plot a response in upcoming fixtures.
