It was the hosts that started strongest but the tide turned when Matija Ljujic's inadvertenly found the back of the net in the 28th minute. Former Jet Daniel Mullen doubled Wellington's advantage less than 10 minutes later.

Andrew Nabbout got Newcastle back into the contest just after half-time with his eighth goal of the season but Roy Krishna's 58th minute strike sealed all three points for the visitors. Dimitri Petratos converted a late penalty but it was no more than a consolation for the Jets.

Newcastle Jets

Jack Duncan -4

First match since mid-November and it showed. Looked rusty early and was caught out for both of Wellington's goals.

Daniel Georgevski -6

Had plenty of space and time to venture forward and should've really scored a goal in the first half. Assisted Nabbout's strike.

Nigel Boogaard -5

Was cut open after a head clash with Kaluderovic so wasn't on the field when Krishna scored Wellington's third.

Nikolai Topor-Stanley -5

Not his best match since returning to the Hunter but made three clearances and won three duels.

Ivan Vujica - 6

The left back had more touches than any other player and won eight duels.

Wayne Brown -5

Couldn't control the midfield and was substituted by Kantarovski in the second half.

Steven Ugarkovic -5

Completed close to 80 per cent of his passes but didn't create much after a strong first half. Conceded three fouls as well.

Dimitri Petratos -5

Troubled Wellington with his set piece deliveries but wasn't as effective as he has been this season. But did get the Jets back into the match converting a late penalty.

Jason Hoffman -5

Had a couple of chances early but often made the wrong choice going forward. Was replaced in the 65th minute by Champness.

Pato Rodriguez -6

Began his starting debut in top form, shooting and winning fouls but faded out as the first half dragged on. Was replaced in the 72nd minute.

Andrew Nabbout -7

Finished off a beautiful sequence to get his eighth goal of the season and to get his team back into the contest.

SUBS

Joe Champness -N/A

Replaced Hoffman midway through the second half.

Ben Kantarovski -N/A

Came on for Brown just past the hour mark.

Angus Thurgate -6

Replaced Rodriguez with less than 20 minutes and won a penalty to give his side a sniff.

Wellington Phoenix

Lewis Italiano -7

Wasn't given too much cover by his defence but was more than up to the task when called upon. Couldn't do much to prevent Nabbout's goal but did get a hand to Petratos' penalty.

Daniel Mullen -7

Came back to haunt his former club with his first goal since December 2011. Was then replaced at the break by Scott Galloway.

Andrew Durante -7

Looked agitated early on conceding a couple of unneccesary fouls but was much more settled as the match progressed.

Marco Rossi -6

Conceded a penalty for tugging Thurgate's shirt late on.

Thomas Doyle -7

Doyle produced a very strong defensive effort making plenty of interceptions and clearances.

Michael McGlinchey -6

Solid performance by the former Mariner without doing much of note. Won plenty of duels for the ball.

Matthew Ridenton -6

Looked a bit uncomfortable at the beginning but delivered the corner for Mullen's goal.

Matija Ljujic -7

Marked his starting debut with his second goal in as many games. His crossed-turn-shot deceiving Duncan.

Roy Krishna -7

His speed got the better of the Newcastle defence a few times and the Fijian still netted his fifth goal in eight games against the club.

Nathan Burns -7

Always looked threatening when running with the ball, and delivered a handfull of crosses including assisting Krishna's goal.

Andrija Kaluderovic -6

Didn't have too many chances but should've scored with the one he got deep into the first half.

SUBS

Scott Galloway -6

Replaced Mullen at half time and received a booking half way through. But was hungry for the ball and won a couple of challenges.

Alex Rufer -N/A

Came on for Ljujic but didn't have the same effect on the match.

Adam Parkhouse -N/A

Replaced Burns after Wellington conceded their second.