Jets crash to earth after loss at home to Wellington Phoenix

The Jets had been hoping to close the gap on the top six with a second consecutive home victory, after beating Brisbane 2-1 midweek, but instead remain in 10^th position, five points adrift of the play-off positions.

Newcastle suffered a setback early on when defender Mark Natta conceded a penalty for a clumsy challenge on striker David Ball in the fourth minute.

Alex Rufer blasted his shot from the spot into the top of the net to give Wellington a 1-0 lead.

Newcastle midfielder Kosta Grozos gave the home side hope with two powerful first-half strikes, one of which hit the crossbar, the other forcing a save from Phoenix keeper Alex Paulsen.

But Wellington were still a goal up after an end-to-end first half.

Jets coach Rob Stanton introduced teenage striker Archie Goodwin after the break, replacing winger Daniel Stynes.

Tempers flared in the 62^nd minute when Grozos reacted angrily to a rough challenge from Wellington's Nicholas Pennington, sparking a minor melee.

Then in the 80^th minute, Grozos provided the assist, which substitute Trent Buhagiar deflected into the goal for the equaliser.

Six minutes later, Polish import Oskar Zawada blasted a left-foot shot home to restore Wellington's lead.

The Phoenix clung to their lead until full-time, despite some nervous moments.