A goal in each half has delivered Western Sydney three points for Christmas as they accounted for Newcastle 2-0 at Pirtek Stadium on Thursday night.
A first Hyundai A-League goal from Alberto Aguilar and a Mark Bridge strike did the damage for the home side, who now sit five points clear at the top of the standings.
The Jets will feel aggrieved not have been awarded a first-half penalty, as well as have a marginal off-side call go against them but have now failed to score in their last four outings.
Tony Popovic made four changes to the eleven that started in Perth last weekend with attacking trio Mark Bridge, Romeo Castelen and Federico Piovaccari all named, while Dimas replaced suspended Spanish compatriot Andreu.
Newcastle had Daniel Mullen back from injury ahead of schedule, with the centre-back having missed the last seven matches, while Cameron Watson replaced the suspended Jason Hoffman.
GOALS
1-0 Alberto (45+2) – In the shadows of half-time Scott Jamieson whipped in a free-kick that found Alberto unmarked at the back stick. The Spaniard made good connection with his header and although Birighitti got his body behind the ball was unable to keep it out.
2-0 Bridge (70’) – Substitute Dario Vidosic made an almost immediate impact when some fine footwork on the edge of the box drew a save from Birighitti. The parry fell to Bridge who produced a deft touch to make space before finding the back of the net with a composed finish.
TEAMS
Western Sydney Wanderers: Redmayne(GK), Neville, Alberto, Topor-Stanley(c), Jamieson, Dimas, Pepper, Nichols (Vidosic 64’), Castelen (Santalab 88’), Bridge (Mebrahtu 80’), Piovaccari
Newcastle Jets: Birighitti(GK), Mullen, Boogaard(c), Kantarovski, Watson, Alivodic, Poljak, Trifunovic, Carney, Cowburn (Jackson 46’), Kitto (Crowley 71’)
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