Sydney FC succumbs to Cowburn sucker-punch as Jets get out of jail

The Jets are still winless after four rounds and it was only after Cowburn's goal that they started to look dangerous. Before that, they were far too ponderous in attack and easy kill for the Sky Blues' defense. Ernie Merrick was not too concerned afterwards.

"The stats show we entered the front line more than they did … we had 13 shots to their five," said Merrick said. "There was some great play from both teams. [although] I was convinced we were going to get another goal out of it and steal the game at the end. "

The draw will probably feel like a loss for Sydney, who was better off. Charles Lokolingoy had the chance to win the game. Goalkeeper Glen Moss to score his team A-League goal.

"To concede a late goal in the game, which we dominated … it's a frustrating finish," Sydney coach Steve Corica said. "It's been a lot of things that we've had a lot of things to do because it's a very difficult place to come back to."

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Both teams had a good time at goal Saturday night in the Hunter. Ronald Vargas had a great chance for the Jets in just the fifth minute when Venezuelan's strike went straight to Andrew Redmayne.

Moments later, a misjudged header from Nikolai Topor-Stanley opened the door for the in-form The Melt to surge forward, but he pushed his shot past the right post. Perhaps he 's after all – this was the first game the Englishman has played for Sydney FC without scoring.

Sydney took the lead in the 20th minute courtesy of another blunder at the back. Brandon O'Neill dished out to an unmarked Rhyan Grant, who had all the time in the world to measure his right flank.

The rebooted Socceroo picked out Brosque, who managed to the ball with a glancing header. It should have been easy work for Moss, but Brosque's effort somehow squeezed under his hands and back on the net.

It continues the Brosque's career goal-scoring against Newcastle. Sky Skipper, skipper, personal record holder at 14 from 29 matches.

Moss's blunder was a deflating moment for the Jets but they largely dominated the remainder of the first half. But for their possession, they are very easy to get along with.

It was more of the same in the second stanza. Supporters started groaning with frustration every time Newcastle made their way to a goal.

Ninkovic showed how it was done in the 65th minute with a terrible curling effort from outside the box. Moss partially redeemed himself with a fine save to keep it going, before Cowburn's late strike got the rest of the team out of jail.