AFTER 11 long weeks the Newcastle Jets finally picked up their first three points of the season on Friday night.
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The 2-1 win over high-flying Adelaide United was welcomed by a crowd of just over 10,000 fans on a night that celebrated the club’s 10th anniversary.
Adelaide old boy Jeronimo Nuemann was the hero on the night, with the Argentine scoring the winner for Newcastle in the 81st minute.
Although Adelaide dominated possession throughout the match, Newcastle were well organised and looked dangerous going forward.
David Carney and James Virgili linked up well on the right flank, and Edson Montano was a constant threat up front.It took until just after half-time for the deadlock to be broken.
Adelaide failed to properly clear a Jets corner before Zenon Caravella lofted an angled cross into the box and full-back Scott Neville was at full stretch to poke the ball past United goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic in the 49th minute.
Adelaide hit back in the 70th minute through Craig Goodwin, who was released by the Jets just weeks before the start of the A-League season.
The goal marked the sixth time this season Newcastle had squandered a lead and you could be forgiven for thinking the Reds would go on to spoil the Jets’ night.
However, Newcastle were not to be denied, with Jeronimo pouncing on a rebound and producing a classy finish from a tight angle in the 81st minute to hand Newcastle all three points.
Under-pressure coach Phil Stubbins’ decision to change to a back three paid dividends and the Englishman was elated with the win.
"I’ve been involved in football for a long time and this is up there with the best feelings I’ve had."
Newcastle next face a rampant Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Saturday night.