Mitch Cooper's fierce drive struck the underside of the crossbar in the 38th minute, with the ball seemingly rebounding across the line.

Cooper celebrated as if he had scored but the referee ruled play on.

Television replays suggested the officials made the right call, with the ball having not crossed the whole of the goal line.

Otherwise, the match proved to be a tame affair, with the Jets and Central Coast Mariners playing out a nil-all draw on Saturday.

The war of words that erupted in local media pre-game failed to inspire either side, as the match failed to live up to the "derby" tag.

Newcastle's new signing Enver Alivodic made his debut for the club, and the Serbian winger made an instant impact for the home side.

Alivodic drew a sharp save from Mariners keeper Liam Reddy with an improvised effort early in the first-half, before dragging a shot across goal shortly after.

Chances dried up for both sides in the second-half.

Jets coach Phil Stubbins made a series of defensive substitutions, which were met with bemusement by the 7900 fans at Hunter Stadium.

The Jets did have a chance to snatch a win but striker Edson Montano sent his header over the bar.