To the frustration of the majority of the 19,277 fans on hand, Newcastle was dominated by the Victory but produced a brave performance.

Newcastle finally found the luck that has deserted them in front of goal this season when Montano pounced on a mistake from Victory defender Nick Ansell in the 54th minute.

The Ecuadorian’s shot then took a deflection to beat Nathan Coe at his near post.

The Jets were also well organised at the back, fending off wave after wave of Victory attacks in the dying stages of the match.

Few would have predicted the result, with Victory coach Kevin Muscat likely to have had three points pencilled in for his club as they vied for their first premiership since 2009.

The loss allowed Sydney FC to draw level with the Victory on 44 points.

However, Melbourne have a game in hand on their title rivals.

The one-goal win also boosted the Jets’ hopes of avoiding the wooden spoon as they leap frogged Western Sydney Wanderers on the A-League table. 

The Jets now sit ninth on 17 points, two points ahead of the Wanderers with three matches remaining.

Newcastle’s best all-round performance of the season will give them confidence that they can keep themselves off the bottom of the ladder when they host Sydney FC on Friday night.

The match will have a bearing on both ends of the ladder, as Sydney FC could open a three-point gap over the Victory at the top of the table with a win at Hunter Stadium.