Mark Bridge has inspired Newcastle to its second win on the trot after nailing a late goal to lead the Jets to a 1-0 victory over Adelaide United in their Hyundai A-League clash at EnergyAustralia Stadium on Saturday night.
Adelaide dominated the contest for the majority of the match and was in complete control before a lapse in defensive pressure allowed Bridge to slam home the winner in the 81st minute.
The second-placed Jets now have eight points from four games, while Adelaide has just three to its name after starting its season with three consecutive draws.
Adelaide entered the match without in-form striker Nathan Burns and Bobby Petta through injury, while Newcastle started star Brazilian recruit Mario Jardel on the bench.
The visitors controlled proceedings in the opening half but couldn't find a way past Newcastle's resilient defence, despite Kristian Sarkies firing a number of dangerous crosses into the box.
Bruce Djite, Paul Agostino and Robert Cornthwaite all spurned chances on goal for the visitors in the opening 20 minutes, while Mark Bridge's long range attempt for the Jets in the 15th minute sailed straight into the arms of United keeper Robert Bajic.
Adelaide continued to attack, forcing Newcastle coach Gary van Egmond to replace attacking midfielder Denni for Tarek Elrich to add a bit of defensive stability. But the move did little to stifle Adelaide's run.
The best chance of the first half fell to Agostino a minute before the break. Sarkies found a running Agostino in the box with a deft left-footed chip, but Jets defender Jade North was right on the scene to pressure Adelaide's stand-in skipper into a wayward shot.
Adelaide midfielder Angelo Costanzo almost broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when his glancing header from a Sarkies free kick had Jets keeper Ante Covic well and truly beaten, only for the ball to drift just inches wide of the target.
The near miss seemed to wake the Jets from their slumber. Matt Thompson let loose from outside the box after combining with Jason Hoffman for a clever one-two pass, while Bridge fired another shot on target in the 58th minute, both forcing Bajic into a save.
With the game needing a spark, Brazilian striker Jardel was introduced into the fray in the 71st minute to the approval of the crowd.
But it was an Australian who had the fans cheering the loudest eight minutes later when Bridge putting the home side ahead.
Jobe Wheelhouse broke through the midfield and, after a series of passes, the ball came to Bridge down the left on the edge of the penalty box.
The 21-year-old striker dribbled around Adelaide defender Richie Alagich before calmly slotting the ball home with his right boot, beating Bajic at his near post.
The goal breathed life into the game and, despite Adelaide's best efforts to find an equaliser, the Jets escaped with all three points.
Newcastle 1 (Bridge 81')
Adelaide 0