Ronald Vargas opened the scoring in a cagey affair, where Newcastle Jets dominated possession but created little, victims of an increasingly intense fixture list and weather forecast.

Persija Jakarta struck back through Ramdani Lestaluhu's header, as the Indonesian capital-club showed a highly competitive level of individual quality. But Newcastle's physicality allowed them to survive occasional barrages of skill and wear out their opponents.

In a late surge, Nigel Boogard scored a clinical winner, before Mathew Ridenton capped off a dominant finish to the match.

Glen Moss - 7

Solid throughout, kept busy with a flurry of shots from distance, albeit none that he shouldn’t have grabbed as safely as he did.

Johnny Koutroumbis - 7

Caught out late in the match as the defender tired, but he showed significant attacking intent throughout the match.

Nigel Boogaard - 9

Absolute machine-like determination, a solid brick wall defensively, scored the winner with aplomb and was arguably Newcastle’s most effective player.

Nikolai Topor-Stanley - 7

Another strong, workhorse performance at the heart of Newcastle’s backline, but with a few more shaky moments than his skipper-counterpart.

Daniel Georgievski - 7

Slightly at fault for Persija’s equaliser, but although he was often outplayed by prodigious Persija winger Rico Simanjuntak, he played a huge role defensively and offensively, providing a constant forward outlet, ensuring Newcastle were never penned back.

Steven Ugarkovic - 6

His through-balls, which were so effective last season, haven’t hit the same heights. Telling that Persija were so quick to latch on to them.

Ben Kantarovski - 8

Almost equally physically intimidating to Boogard, one of his most impressive performances in a Newcastle shirt in some time.

Dimitri Petratos - 5

Newcastle needed a standout, someone to provide a talismanic impact on the match and, not for the first time this season, Petratos couldn’t abide. His set-pieces were particularly wasteful.

Ronald Vargas - 6

Slightly better than Petratos without playing to his potential, ultimately good value for his goal, yet simultaneously underwhelming in transition.

Kaine Sheppard - 6

A composed, yet nondescript performance. He provided an excellent overhead pass in the lead up to Newcastle’s go-ahead.

Roy O’Donovan - 6

Disregarded the offside rule entirely for the match’s duration, only appearing to offer any confidence or tenacity minutes before his 112th minute departure.

Angus Thurgate - 6

Pushed forward and had a positive impact, thanks to a typically pervasive work-rate.

Mathew Ridenton - 7

Crafted multiple shooting chances and often found himself in dangerous positions, with little end product until the 119th minute, when he sealed the deal for Newcastle with an excellent header.

Nick Cowburn - 8

Immediately impactful, spinning defenders beautifully and sending in excellent crosses, including an assist, exploiting a tepid Persija defence in the final few minutes.

He’s always shown promise but has never translated prodigious glimpses and youth socceroo caps into regular A-League game-time. Still could prove a decent alternative to Petratos, with addition positional flexibility.

Lachlan Jackson – N/A