THE Newcastle Jets have claimed their first win of the A-League season, 1-0 against second-placed Western United in Geelong on Saturday.
The victory was a much-deserved reward for the Jets, who opened their campaign with two defeats and two draws and were without three key players because of international commitments.
Newcastle's goal came from 19-year-old Angus Thurgate, after a clever exchange of passes with Dimi Petratos in the 36th minute.
It was only Thurgate's second A-League goal in 21 appearances, the vast majority of which have been as substitute.
Thurgate's previous A-League goal, against Western Sydney last season, was also a match-winner, breaking a 2-all deadlock.
United appeared to have equalised in the 70th minute through a Josh Risdon header, only for the VAR to disallow the "goal" because of offside play in the lead-up.
Petratos had a chance to seal the result in the 87th minute, only to hit the side netting with a powerful strike.
Jets keeper Glen Moss saved an on-target Besart Berisha shot a minute into injury time.
The Jets were without Abdiel Arroyo, Bobby Burns and Matthew Ridenton, who were all on international duty for their respective countries.
