The Newcastle Jets have solidified their position at the top of the Isuzu UTE A-League table, achieving their seventh consecutive victory with a commanding 3-1 win over Perth Glory at HBF Park.

Goals from Bayliss, Rose, and Bertoncello

Lachie Bayliss, Lachie Rose, and Xavier Bertoncello each contributed to the Jets' scoring, while Stefan Colakovski managed to net a consolation goal for Perth during stoppage time. Bayliss opened the scoring in the 15th minute, capitalizing on a short corner taken by Eli Adams and Daniel Wilmering. The 23-year-old found a narrow opening at the far post and curled the ball past Perth goalkeeper Matt Sutton.

The first half was characterized by high energy but lacked quality shots on goal, with Will Freney's long-range attempt being the only other effort that tested Newcastle keeper James Delianov.

Perth's Struggles and Kaltak's Red Card

The Jets doubled their lead just two minutes into the second half, again exploiting a short corner. Rose, who now shares the top spot in the golden boot race with Wellington's Ifeanyi Eze, scored his eighth goal of the season after being set up by Dobson and Bayliss.

Perth's situation worsened in the 67th minute when defensive stalwart Brian Kaltak was sent off for a foul on Will Dobson, who was through on goal. Referee Lachlan Keevers issued a red card without hesitation after Kaltak tugged at Dobson’s shorts, marking Kaltak's fourth red card in his Isuzu UTE A-League career.

Final Goal Seals the Victory

Following Kaltak's dismissal, Perth struggled to cope with their numerical disadvantage. The Jets took advantage of the situation, adding a third goal in the 81st minute. Xavier Bertoncello, who came on as a substitute, scored after being set up by Kota Mizunuma, firing the ball into the roof of the net from close range.

Despite their efforts, Perth was unable to mount a significant comeback, and the Jets celebrated another impressive victory, further extending their lead in the league.