Newcastle raced into a 2-0 lead at EnergyAustralia Stadium but then found themselves pegged back to 2-2.

However, the home side battled back and secured all three points with an 83rd minute winner from Jason Naidovski.

"I was always felt that we were a few weeks away from where we would like to be, but to win first up was very, very pleasing and the credit goes to the players," said Culina. " Some of the football that we played today was very good for a side that is a few weeks underdone."

As well as his delight at claiming the three points, Culina was also impressed by the spirit his team displayed as they dug deep to find the winner late in the game.

He added: "We showed enough to get ahead two-nil but the real test was for us to bounce back after Wellington equalised, and it's a credit to the players.

"We bounced back and that's a sign of a decent side, one that can actually go out there and play good football then have to start all over again, as we did when the score was level. It's a positive, it's encouraging to see that we have got what it takes to come back as well."