What started with such promise finished with the Jets in dreamland, which hasn’t been seen in the Hunter since their Championship winning season of 2007/08.

The win against the Wanderers puts them two points behind league leaders Sydney FC, building significant space on the rest of the chasing pack, and with new recruits on the way, the future looks bright in Newcastle.

Check out the player ratings below to see how it unfolded:

NEWCASTLE JETS

Glen Moss – 7.5 - Really commanding in his area when needed, which wasn’t a tremendous amount, but he put his body on the line and was quick to react.

Johnny Koutroumbis – 7.5 - Is becoming a regular in the backline for Merrick and may be for some time after a wonderful goal to get the Jets underway. His forward runs in the first half set the tone for the rest of the night.

Nigel Boogaard – 7.5 - Route one tactics helped early, with some quick free-kicks from deep in his own half. Another clean sheet and another big reason the Jets are flying.

Nikolai Topor-Stanley – 7 – With Kantarovski and Ugarkovic in front of him, Topor-Stanley is loving life in the Hunter. He didn’t have a lot to do, but he did it well when called upon.

Ivan Vujica – 8 - Contributed to the Jets press and was involved in many a foray forward. Had Kusukami to deal with and did it well. The timing of his runs down the left were impressive and purposeful. A wonderful all-round performance.

Ben Kantarovski – 8 - Played as the pivot that kept pressuring high on the opposition, while his partner in crime Ugarkovic did the creative work. It was just deserts that his header put the Jets three goals clear.

Dimitri Petratos – 10 - Caused absolute havoc in midfield, and was centimeters from providing an opening assist to Nabbout before it was ruled offside.

Put an effort just wide in the 36th min, and delivered a wicked corner that sent Jets’ fans into raptures when Kantarovski headed home. Topped it off with a back-heel assist to Steven Ugarkovic.

Steven Ugarkovic – 8.5 - The underrated midfielder likes a shot from distance and he hit the post with an effort in the 29th min. Pressed forward well with some clever balls in and around the box, and accelerated through a gaping hole in the defence to finish beautifully for the Jets fourth. A night out for the midfielder.

Jason Hoffman – 7 - A collector’s item for the wing-man with a wonderful goal to put his side clear by two, which started the avalanche that buried the Wanderers.

Andrew Nabbout – 7 - For a temporary number nine, he’s doing good things for the Jets, and nearly dinked over Janjetovic in the 13th min for a 2-0 lead. He takes and makes space so easily for himself and others.

Joey Champness – 7.5 - Had so much of the ball on the left and set up a good chance for Ivan Vujica in the first half. His youthful exuberance got the better of him a few times with some needless giveaways, but a few touches away from an outstanding performance.

Mario Shabow – 7 - Given some time off the bench against his old club. Just missed a tap-in and then had a chance to punish the Wanderers on the counter. Worked hard to try to impress, and may need to with the Jets’ back-up brigade arriving in January.

Wayne Brown – N/A - Came on to give Kantarovski a late ovation.

Devante Clut – N/A - Subbed late to waste some time, brought on for tonight – and many other night’s – hero, Dimi Petratos.

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS

Vedran Janjetovic – 4 - Made a brave save before almost gifting the Jets a second with a strange pass. Stood firm for a double save before being soundly beaten from the corner for Ben Kantarovski’s header. Should have performed better, but didn’t have much support.

Brendan Hamill – 5.5 - You wouldn’t have thought Josh Risdon was out bar the height difference. Got through a lot of work, so much so he was subbed at half time.

Michael Thwaite – 4 - Misdirected passes, turned around by the attackers too often. Timing of challenges off all night.

Jonathan Aspropotamitis – 4 - His scrambling defending was admirable, but was torn apart by a rampant Jets’ attack.

Raul Llorente – 4 - Didn’t have a great game, and was dragged out of position all night.

Roly Bonevacia – 6 – Involved, but just didn’t do enough. Had to drop back into the defensive line just to get the ball.

Keanu Baccus – 6 - Was overwhelmed in the first half. Freed in the second, and set-up a great chance on the back of a positive run for Oriol Riera. You can see what the fuss is about though, with plenty more to come.

Alvaro Cejudo – 5.5 - Tried to deliver some set-piece magic to help his side, but it was more ‘Hocus Pocus’ than ‘The Prestige’. He’s trying but doesn’t seem to fit the system at the moment.

Mark Bridge – 5 - A header on target was a rare involvement for the veteran late in the first half. Rarely involved in a tough night for the captain.

Brendon Santalab – 4 - Tried to drop deep to offer help, but difficult for him to do much, such was the Jets’ dominance. Sacrificed at half-time so they could try something different.

Jumpei Kusukami – 5 – Busy, but he lacked quality and time on the ball.

Steve Lustica – 4 - Given 45 minutes. Couldn’t find his range and didn’t work hard enough to add the spark his team needed.

Oriol Riera – 4 - Half-Time substitute to try and spark the Wanderers. Still looked sloppy on his return, and missed a golden opportunity just after the Wanderers went 2-0 down, but like Santalab could not get any service.