Newcastle Jets launched their new era on an anti-climactic note with a 2-1 loss to Western Sydney Wanderers at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night.
It was the first game for Newcastle since a new, interim ownership group took charge of the club on Monday, replacing Chinese businessman Martin Lee.
It was also the first time former Jets coach Carl Robinson had lined up against Newcastle since his controversial departure to the Wanderers in October.
The result leaves Newcastle winless after their first two games of the season.
Robinson claimed bragging rights in what was billed as a grudge match, but the Jets made Western Sydney earn their three points.
The Wanderers opened the scoring in the eighth minute when defender Ziggy Gordon timed his leap to perfection and headed home a James Troisi corner kick.
They appeared to have doubled their lead in the 25th minute when German midfielder Nikolai Muller unleashed a long-range screamer that left Jets keeper Jack Duncan with no chance.
But as Wanderers celebrated, the VAR intervened and eventually ruled that striker Simon Cox had been fractionally off-side in the lead-up play.
The first-half traffic was far from one-way, and the Jets had their share of possession in good areas. In the 24th minute, striker Roy O'Donovan was unable to control a Ramy Najjarine cross and fired over the crossbar.
Three minutes later, Connor O'Toole blasted a fierce strike from outside the box, prompting a save from keeper Daniel Margush.
Wanderers went 2-0 up in the 57th minute when wingback Tate Russell finished off a well-constructed team goal, after a turnover.
Jets skipper Nigel Boogaard brought the vocal crowd of 5374 to their feet in the 72nd minute, nailing home a header from a Najjarine cross.
Minutes later, Angus Thurgate blasted a shot over the crossbar.
The loudest cheer of the night came in the 79th minute when substitute Bernie Ibini - who was granted a release by Newcastle during the pre-season - unleashed a wild strike that landed on the northern hill and then fell flat on his face.
Jets fans gave him another heckling when he received a yellow card in the 90th minute.
