Goals either side of half time to Matthew Leckie and another contender for goal of the season from Marcos Flores ensured the Reds claimed maximum points, but not without a final few tense minutes for the home side.

Newcastle's Sean Rooney was gifted a goal on 90 minutes after a calamitous mix up in defence between Cassio and Iain Fyfe allowed the substitute an easy tap in from close range.

In the 23rd minute Cassio set off down the left, charging past two defenders before whipping in an inch-perfect cross for the unmarked Leckie.

The speedster nodded home a powerful header from 10 metres, giving United the lead and leaving Ben Kennedy no chance in the Jets' goal.

On the half hour, Kiwi international Jeremy Brockie almost pulled Newcastle level after the Jets countered quickly.

Brockie was left unchecked inside the box and his curling shot had Eugene Galekovic beaten but not the post.

Adam D'Apuzzo blasted the rebound on target but Galekovic managed to tip it over the bar.

Newcastle opened well after half time in search of an equaliser and pressured the Reds' defence, before Flores took the wind out of the Jets' sails.

The Argentine collected the ball in midfield, fended off a challenge before setting off on a 40 metre run, rounding two Jets' defenders and smashing the ball into the top corner to make it 2-0.

Rooney pounced after some poor passing from Fyfe and Cassio left Galekovic stranded.

Adelaide United 2 (Leckie 23, Flores 65)
Newcastle Jets 1 (Rooney 90)
Hindmarsh Stadium; 9571