Archie Goodwin eyes more minutes after history-making brace for Newcastle Jets in 2-0 win over Sydney in A-League

In what is sure to be remembered as one of the great shows of character from a team in this town, a COVID-hit Jets defied the odds to produce a glorious, spectacular and much-needed 2-0 win over top-six side Sydney.

It left the Sky Blues in shock, Newcastle players and coaching staff - what was left of them - euphoric, and the Jets faithful singing Goodwin's name long after full-time was blown.

In eight appearances for the Jets last campaign, Goodwin set the A-League alight.

But the 17-year-old had not been seen this season after a string of injury setbacks.

Goodwin was called into the Jets squad and starting side after five players, including two goalkeepers, contracted COVID.

The Jets were also without industrious midfielder Angus Thurgate (injury) and Valentino Yuel (international duties).

In all, coach Arthur Papas made seven changes to Newcastle's starting side from their 4-0 demolition of Wellington Phoenix one week earlier.

The Jets, however, did not miss a beat, producing a clinical, structured and defensively sound performance to improve to 21 points and move within three points of the top six as they eye last-placed Perth in Perth on Wednesday night.

Goodwin headed into the net in the 41st minute then slotted into the bottom left corner in the 43rd.

At 17 years and 138 days, he became the youngest player in the history of the A-League to achieve the double. Jeremy Brockie previously held the record for a match brace for the New Zealand Knights in 2005 at 18 years and 28 days of age.

Now, the teenage talent is keen for more match minutes with nine games remaining.

"Mentally, it's been the hardest because I was wanting to get back on the pitch but I physically couldn't," Goodwin, who was named player of the match for his 66-minute effort, said.

"I've been training full-on for the past two months and just building myself back to this type of environment, and I'm just happy I can get back out on the pitch and score two goals for my fans and my team.

"I want to be playing as much as I can, get as many minutes into my legs so I'm physically fit to get through the whole of next season."

It was the first time the Jets had recorded back-to-back wins this season and the performance is sure to leave Papas with some selection headaches.

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