Ronald Vargas kicked Newcastle to a 2-1 A-League win over the Central Coast, after the Jets scored twice in 16 minutes to pile further misery on their rivals.
After they trailed 1-0 at the break in front of 8,923 fans at Central Coast Stadium, Newcastle dominated the second half before taking the lead in the 82nd minute through Vargas.
Desperately needing to find form themselves in front of goal, Newcastle were in danger of a shock loss before defender Jason Hoffman headed home a Jair corner in the 66th minute. Hoffman could easily have been the villain just three minutes earlier when he was dispossessed at his own end, allowing Connor Pain to go one-on-one with 'keeper Glen Moss who batted a shot away.