John Curtis' left-foot strike clinched the points for United at the death, condemning the Jets to their third defeat of the season.

"I think what's happened over the last month is behind us," Culina said. "That's no excuse for the loss tonight and I don't want to go there.

At the end of a dramatic day which saw Constantine forced out of the club by the FFA, Culina admitted his delight to have new owner Nathan Tinkler on board but paid tribute to the departing long-time Newcastle owner.

"It's terrific Newcastle Football Club has got someone who believes in the club and wants to help it go," he said.

"But in the same token it's very sad to Con Constantine is no longer involved.

"He's done well for the region and the club over the past decade or so, but life goes on and we must move on.

"For that reason it was important tonight for us to put all that aside and put on a strong showing."

Culina was particularly disappointed with the Jets defending late in the contest before Curtis took his chance.

"I was bitterly disappointed with some of the things in the last couple of minutes," he said.

"The positioning of players, you want to be a bit more desperate when you know the game is nearly finished. If you can't win, at least get a draw."

Culina added: "(Gold Coast) had a go in the first-half and didn't do a great deal so I thought we had a shot in the second.

"We had our chances but we need to be more ruthless. It's disappointing to come away with nothing.

"But I take my hat off to Curtis. A right-back makes a 50-metre run and hits it with his left foot from 30 metres. I've dreamt a lot but nothing like that."

Newcastle's next match is at home to Melbourne Victory on Saturday.

Meanwhile, matchwinner Curtis celebrated his maiden strike for Gold Coast admitting the goal was a rare one.

"I think I have made about 300 senior appearances and scored three goals - so it's one in a hundred," he said.

"And I guess there wasn't much (Newcastle) could do about it with just a few minutes left. If you are going to score, that's the time to do it."

Gold Coast's next match is away to Sydney FC on Sunday.