Though trying to establish a possession-first approach this season, Newcastle were happy to remain compact at the back in Coffs Harbour as Andrew Nabbout’s brace proved the difference.

“We knew on the counter we could hurt them,” Jones told Fox Sports.

 “We knew if we sat they would over-commit and we thought we could pick them off and score two or three goals. It’s worked out that way.

“We blocked a number of shots, we hung in the game and I thought we should have put it to bed (earlier).”

Nabbout stars as City Coffs up chance to close on Victory

Nabbout’s two goals – the first a composed one-on-one finish, the second laced from outside the area – boosted his tally to seven for the season.

The winger’s stellar breakout season comes as no surprise to Jones, who was part of the coaching setup at Negeri Sembilan during Nabbout’s stint with the Malaysian outfit.

“He had plenty of potential, he just needed to play regular football,” the Jets boss said.

“He’s playing regular football and he’s showing what he can do.

“In Malaysia we pushed him to get up and back and work hard and that’s carried over to here.”