For Adelaide, they just wanted to get back to winning ways, having not brought home three points since their 2-1 victory over Perth Glory five weeks ago. This run of form has seen them drop to 5th –  and just two points ahead of the fast finishing Brisbane Roar.

With so much on the line it was bound to be a tense opening and it took both sides time to settle. The visitors had an unfamiliar front three whilst the Reds needing to get used to the presence of Johan Absalonsen again.

Two first half Daniel Adlung strikes had Marco Kurz feeling like it was all falling into place, before the Jets dragged one back to threaten.

Three goals in eleven minutes from the Reds then saw them cruise to a vital victory which also improved their goal difference which still may come into calculations in the finals race.

Adelaide’s foreign legion were simply outstanding tonight. See how we rated them below. Final score from Coopers Stadium Adelaide defeating Newcastle 5-2.

Paul Izzo – 6.5

A reasonably quiet night but was beaten twice from set pieces which has been a criticism of his this season.

Michael Marrone – 7

Didn’t have a lot to do defensively but did it well. When he had the chance to cross for Johan Absalonsen, time stood still as the crowd waited for it to drop onto the Dane’s left peg.

Jordan Elsey – 6.5

Some poor marking but overall not a very challenging night for the central defender.

Taylor Regan – 7

Gave away a nervy free-kick early and put in a typically physical performance. Without any known strikers in the opposition side didn’t have much to deal with.

Ben Garuccio – 7

Had a night out on his left boot with some gorgeous looking crosses into targets Dzengis Cavusevic and Nikola Mileusnic.

Isaias – 8

A simply sublime ball through the lines for Johan Absalonsen who teed up Daniel Adlung for the finish on 15 minutes. The ever-present fulcrum controlled the pace and his distribution was first class. When his side was up by three goals he was brought off for a well earnt rest.

Nathan Konstandopoulos – 7.5

ashed a shot wide in the early stages. An extremely positive thrust forward before a nice through ball to Ryan Kitto led to his side's fifth goal.

Nikola Mileusnic – 7

Made himself a nuisance throughout including a very early bolt forward to commence the second half. Tired and was replaced by Ryan Kitto which was an inspired substitution from Marco Kurz.

Daniel Adlung – 8

Clinical finish to put his side up 1-0. Had a signature long range shot which Jack Duncan did well to keep out. On the stroke of half-time he sent in a free-kick with perfect trajectory to get his second.

Johan Absalonsen – 9.5

Signaled his side's intent early with some warning shots before getting clear on the left and cutting the ball back perfectly for Daniel Adlung to drive home and finish for the opening goal. Was threatening all night and signed off with an absolute wonder strike from a Michael Marrone cross. Perfect balance, exquisite execution. Put Adelaide up 4-1.

Dzengis Cavusevic – 8.5

The Slovenian got himself up and about for the Reds with some clever touches and movement for a big man. His movement in fact helped Daniel Adlung score from a free-kick as Jack Duncan fell for his attempted header. Has he found form at the right time? A calm finish for his first A-League goal may suggest so!

SUBS

Ryan Kitto – 8

Came on for Nikola Mileusnic just after the Reds conceded. Didn’t take long for him to make the impact Marco Kurz wanted as he skinned Nikolai Topor-Stanley who was left for dead, Kitto burying his 6th goal of the campaign. Was a huge threat every time Adelaide sprung forward. Assisted Cavusevic’s goal.

Tarek Elrich – 6.5

Replaced the brilliant Absalonsen but didn’t get to contribute too much bar one shot in anger which went over the crossbar.

Vince Lia – 6

Came on for Isaias when the result was put beyond doubt.

Newcastle Jets

Jack Duncan – 4

Beaten from a long way out for the second goal as he pre-empted a deflection which didn’t come. His night only got worse as he and his side shipped five goals.

Jason Hoffman – 5

Tried very hard to turn his side's fortunes in what was his 100th appearance in a Jets shirt. His efforts won the corner that led to the Jets opener. Couldn’t contain Ben Garuccio any longer and accumulated his second yellow, to end an unhappy milestone night.

Nikolai Topor-Stanley – 5

Has to really lift with Boogard’s absence. Won the header which Ben Kantarovski flicked in to bring the Jets back to 2-1 but shortly after was left behind by the fleet footed Ryan Kitto who buried the Reds third.

Lachlan Jackson – 3

A sigh of relief when his early foul led to a free-kick which sailed over the top. Hard shoes to fill in for the injured Nigel Boogard but if Newcastle are to kick on this year he must improve.

Daniel Georgievski – 5

Struggled to deal with the pace of Mileusnic and was almost embarrassed at the start of the second half when he had to chase him down to prevent a third Adelaide goal. Adelaide’s ball movement meant he was pinned back most of the night.

Steven Ugarkovic – 3

Didn’t settle and gave the free-kick away that led to Adelaide’s second. A rare off night for the season and he was hooked by Ernie Merrick just before the hour mark.

Ben Kantarovski – 5

Didn’t win the midfield battle from the likes of Isaias and Adlung but he flicked the ball over the line to ensure his side scored in their 24th game in a row. Also scooped in a late consolation goal for his side.

Riley McGree – 4

Tried to keep busy but couldn’t get into the pockets he usually does and Ernie Merrick has some work to do with the absence of Petratos, Nabbout and O’Donovan. A quiet night against his first professional club.

Ronald Vargas – 5

A first start since a horrific injury in Round 3. Didn’t waste any time with a deft free-kick which hit Paul Izzo’s cross bar. Had some nice touches but also gave the ball away often. Needs more football to get back to his best and got given 64 minutes tonight before succumbing to fatigue.

Joey Champness – 4

Playing as the No.9 his first involvement was drawing a foul at the top of the box which almost led to a Ronnie Vargas opener. Struggled to have an impact in the unfamiliar role and was subbed at half-time.

Pato Rodriguez – 4.5

A few thrusts forward but didn’t have the space or time on the ball to have any impact.

SUBS

Nick Cowburn – 5

Replaced Joey Champness at half-time to allow the Jets to push McGree and Rodriguez further forward but unfortunately for the Jets, the move didn’t come off with Cowburn failing to make an impact.

Wayne Brown – 5

Replaced Ugarkovic in the centre of the park with about 30 minutes to make an impression. By the time he came on the game was turning and his side simply got overrun.

Angus Thurgate – 5

Replaced Ronnie Vargas on 64 minutes after the Venezuelan tired in his first start for nearly 6 months. Not enough ball for the Jets speedster to turn the game.