Apostolos Stamatelopoulos scores 16th goal as Newcastle Jets defeat Brisbane Roar 2-0 at Suncorp Stadium

Newcastle Jets secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium in a thrilling Australia Hyundai A League clash. The away side’s forward, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, notched his 16th goal of the season in a standout performance.

Brisbane Roar started the match with hopes of closing in on the top six but were left disappointed as second-half goals from Clayton Taylor and Stamatelopoulos sealed the win for the Jets. Stamatelopoulos is now just one goal behind Adam Taggart of Perth Glory, who leads the Golden Boot race with 17 goals, while Melbourne Victory’s Bruno Fornaroli tops the chart with 18 goals.

The Jets had their chances early on, with Reno Piscopo coming close from a corner and Antonee Burke-Gilroy’s effort cleared off the line by Daniel Wilmering. Despite Brisbane’s pressure, it was the Jets who took the lead in the second half through Taylor’s composed finish from the edge of the area.

With the momentum on their side, the Jets doubled their advantage thanks to Stamatelopoulos’ precise header from Kosta Grozos’ free-kick. This goal not only secured the win for Newcastle but also saw Stamatelopoulos equal the club record for most goals scored in a season, joining Taggart in the history books.

The victory propels Newcastle Jets up the Australia Hyundai A League standings, while Brisbane Roar will be left ruing missed opportunities as they continue their quest for a place in the top six. The result highlights the competitive nature of the league as teams battle it out for supremacy on the field.

Overall, it was a memorable night for Stamatelopoulos and the Jets as they showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity against a resilient Brisbane Roar side. The stage is set for more thrilling encounters in the Australia Hyundai A League as the season reaches its climax.