The Mariners had been awarded a dubious penalty in a derby that hung on a knife’s edge.

Jets keeper Ben Kennedy was in the shooting gallery.

The much-maligned gloveman had the Mariners supporters – the Yellow Army – at his back yelling abuse as former Jet Troy Hearfield lined up the spot kick.

But in a moment that is bound to feature on F3 derby highlight reels, Kennedy launched his giant frame to the left and parried Hearfield’s attempt to safety. ‘‘It is nice to save a penalty in any game, but to do it in a derby is always better,’’ Kennedy said.

‘‘I was confident when I saw Troy step up. I used to practice penalties from him when he was playing with us.

‘‘I had a feeling he was going to go to my left.

‘‘I went that way and luckily is was a good height for me and I saved it.’’

The Mariners went on to snatch a second-half equaliser and a share of the points.

For the Jets and Kennedy it was another improved performance.

It has been an up and down season for the man known as BK, but he appears to have finally found his rhythm.

‘‘The last few games I feel like I have been improving. That is all I can ask for,’’ he said.

Kennedy and back-up gloveman Matt Nash are among 11 players off contract.

Adelaide and Olyroos shot-stopper Mark Birighitti has been strongly linked to a move to Newcastle, possibly in the transfer window, meaning in all likelihood someone will be squeezed out.

Kennedy, a local junior in his sixth season at the club, said his focus was solely on what he could control, his own form.

‘‘You try not to listen too much to what is being said but it obviously keeps you on your toes,’’ he said on the contract speculation.

‘‘All you can do is worry about yourself. If you are performing well you will get a contract, and that is what I am looking to do.’’

New goalkeeping coach Bob Catlin has been happy with the progress of Kennedy, Nash and apprentice Jack Duncan but believed there was scope for improvement.

‘‘We have been pushing them hard,’’ Catlin said. ‘‘BK’s confidence is growing. ‘‘He just has to impose himself more on the game, both physically and verbally.

‘‘That comes with age.

‘‘The older you get the more confident you get with that.’’

Catlin, a former Newcastle Breaker, replaced Clint Gosling in November.

Kennedy had worked with Gosling since he was 11.

‘‘It was tough when Goose left. I was close to him,’’ Kennedy said.

‘‘Hearing a different voice does take you out of your comfort zone.’’