Jason Hoffman nets winner for Newcastle Jets vs. Phoenix

A first-half Jason Hoffman goal has given high-flying Newcastle a 1-0 A-League win over Wellington in Auckland.

The result takes the Jets closer to wrapping up second place ahead of the playoffs, while the Phoenix remain rooted to the foot of the table.

However, the home side, in their second outing under caretaker coach Chris Greenacre, put up a spirited performance on Saturday night at QBE Stadium.

The game's decisive moment came in the 43rd minute, Hoffman's initial shot rebounding back and he volleyed home.

Until then, it had been an even contest, with both sides showing positive intent.

Phoenix striker Nathan Burns was thwarted by keeper Jack Duncan in the 15th minute, and he came close again eight minutes later, when he just failed to connect to youngster Sarpreet Singh's cross.

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At the other end, Dimitri Petratos put in a dangerous cross that just eluded Joe Champness.

On the half hour, Jets defender Lachlan Jackson had his shot deflected over the bar.

Down 1-0, the Phoenix came out with plenty of intent in the second half, creating a number of chances, the first to Roy Krishna, who was standing in as skipper after Andrew Durante picked up a hip injury in midweek.

Singh, who again showed his promise with some nice touches throughout the match, squared the ball to Krishna, whose shot was saved by Duncan.

In the 50th minute, Singh and Krishna combined to set up Burns, who put a good chance wide.

Matija Ljujic blazed a shot past a post, before Singh produced a delightful through ball to pick out Krishna, who couldn't find the target.

Having held out the Phoenix, the Jets came close to doubling their lead with 20 minutes to go when Petratos's sharp shot was saved by a keeper Tando Velaphi.

Five minutes later, Jackson hit a post when put through.

But the Jets had to survive some anxious moments before the final whistle, Duncan pulling off a diving save with seconds to go.