Preston Lions 3-2 Newcastle Jets: Giant-killing act sends A-League side crashing out of FFA Cup

In one of the standout shocks of the 2026 FFA Cup, National Premier Leagues Victoria side Preston Lions produced a stunning performance to knock out A-League outfit Newcastle Jets with a 3-2 victory at BT Connor Reserve on Tuesday night. The Lions, representing the proud Serbian-Australian community in Melbourne's northern suburbs, came from behind to seal a famous win that will be remembered for years in Australian cup folklore.

Match overview

The FFA Cup has long been celebrated for its David-versus-Goliath stories, and this contest delivered exactly that. Newcastle Jets, fielding a strong lineup including several first-team regulars, took control early but were undone by a combination of Preston's relentless pressing and clinical finishing. The hosts' triumph was built on a high-tempo second-half display that left the Jets chasing shadows.

Key moments

• 12' – Newcastle open the scoring: A well-worked corner found the head of Jets defender Mark Natta, who powered his effort past Preston goalkeeper Chris Oldfield.
• 38' – Preston equalise: Against the run of play, Lions winger Anthony Duzel latched onto a long ball, shrugged off a challenge, and slotted calmly under the advancing Jack Duncan.
• 52' – Jets regain lead: A defensive mix-up allowed Newcastle forward Trent Buhagiar to poke home from close range after a deflected cross.
• 68' – Lions strike again: Substitute Liam Boland made an instant impact, heading home a pinpoint cross from the right to make it 2-2.
• 83' – The winner: A sweeping counter-attack ended with Preston captain Robles curling a superb left-footed shot into the top corner, sending the home crowd into delirium.

Tactical story

Newcastle Jets dominated possession in the first half, using wide overloads to test the Preston defence. However, the Lions stayed compact and looked dangerous on the break. In the second half, Preston manager John Markovski switched to a more aggressive 4-3-3, instructing his midfielders to press higher. The change disrupted Newcastle's rhythm and forced errors, particularly in the build-up to the equaliser. The Jets struggled to cope with the intensity of a lower-league side playing for a famous scalp.

Standout players

Anthony Duzel (Preston Lions) – The right winger was a constant threat, scoring the opener and winning the corner that led to the second goal. His pace and direct running unsettled the Jets defence all night.

Chris Oldfield (Preston Lions) – The veteran goalkeeper made several crucial saves, including a one-on-one stop early in the second half that kept his side in the contest.

For Newcastle, Lachlan Bayliss controlled midfield for spells but lacked support in the final third as Preston's back line held firm.

Season impact

For Preston Lions, this victory marks their first-ever win over an A-League side in the FFA Cup and sets up a fourth-round tie against either Melbourne City or a regional qualifier. The result also highlights the growing depth of Victorian state-league football. For Newcastle Jets, the early exit is a bitter blow as they had aimed to use the cup to build momentum for their A-League campaign. Manager Arthur Diles will face questions about his team's mental resilience after surrendering a lead twice.

The FFA Cup continues to deliver drama, and on a cool July night in Preston, a new chapter was written in the competition's history – one where the Lions roared loudly enough to silence an entire A-League club.