The Breakers took the game to Sydney United from the whistle and forcing an early corner on the left the ball fell into a mass of players in the box. As it invitingly bobbled from the ensuing skirmish Glenn Moore got a foot to it to force it over the line for a 2nd minute, and what was to be the solitary, goal.
Sydney United had to come out and at Newcastle but in the first 25mins they only got within range twice. Even those opportunities were wasted with one weak strike picked up easily by Bob Catlin and Nick Bosevski skying one over from long range without pressure. They were nearly caught out when Newcastle captain Shane Pryce twice got forward on the right, but firstly blasted a similar unforced shot over from long range, and then in a better move his pin point cross found Harper on the edge of the area. Harper's free header was not far over the bar but was an indicator that perhaps the sharpness wasn't there.
Sydney United gradually started to use the extra men at the back from the formation mis-match and play opened up a little; with Bosnar coming up and Pondeljak and Genc using their mobility to slip their markers and tear holes in the Newcastle midfield. At the 30th min acting Captain Aytec Genc got forward on the right and his curling head high cross was perhaps fortunately cleared by Pryce off the back of his head and out of danger. Shortly after Catlin was forced to stretch to his left for a well hit but long range ground shot from Bosnar.
Whilst Sydney United were moving the ball around well their aggressive attempts at closing down were quite clumsy and Andy Harper especially was getting disturbed by the attention and lack of intervention by referee Dwight. It was ironic then that, in what at first appeared a 50/50 race for the ball with Sydney United keeper Steven Tolios, he showed too much studs, collecting Tolios and earning the first yellow card. For a while it looked like the keeper couldn't continue but fortunately after treatment he was able to contribute solidly to his teams defence. Buonavoglia was also a target of course and he was crudely brought down just outside the box but no card or any other joy ensued to the Breakers as Wilson hit the free kick wide.
The big crowd was still in holiday mood and were surprisingly forgiving of the flat nature of the first half. Newcastle came out with a bit more fire but a series of attacking moves broke down. Tolios was forced into a great reflex save at point blank range of Harper, who though in the process of going to ground was still able to get a boot to a cross from the right. At the other end danger man Tom Pondeljak's long range shooting power was generally well shackled during the match but he had an opportunity at the 57 min when he hit a vicious free kick from way out which forced Catlin to parry; however the ball was quickly put out of danger by the defence. At the other end new Olyroo Bosnar was well in charge for long periods as he swept and then got forward seemingly all in one gliding motion.
United's smooth flowing midfield play forced Sterrey to swap Tancheski for Trpcevski and gradually the Breakers were able to move into range. The score may have been doubled however soon after if Andy Roberts surging run from his own half had ended with any ideas of what to do when he got there. Mark Wison got forward to hit a powerfull close range shot but Kain Rastall's body intervened to only concede a corner. Within minutes Wilson was again forward but was only able to lobb the keeper from a sweet pass from Trpcevski.
The game continued with United dominating general play and possession but Newcastle forcing turnovers and counter attacking. It is hard to remember any clear chances for United as Catlin just kept plucking long range attempts out of the air all night, especially from Bosnar. Just as the crowd was settling for the points in stoppage time the game came alive with the Breakers hitting the upright three times with the keeper beaten; Buonavoglia the main culprit. In the best chance Wilson sent the ball through to Sprod who placed the cross from the left away from the keeper and to Buonavoglia who slammed the ball onto the right post, with it falling back in rebound to Pryce at the edge of the area whose volley passed just a metre over.
Finally a "well done Newcastle" for a holiday weekend crowd of 6,816 which (despite the weather difference) must be noted was bigger than metropolitan clubs Northern Spirit and Marconi, both also playing at home.