Newcastle Jets beat Brisbane Roar to remain second in A-League

Newcastle Jets have continued their A-League rise from cellar dwellers to title contenders with a 1-0 victory over Brisbane Roar at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Playing their fourth match in 15 days, the Jets maintained their hold of second spot on the ladder and edged closer to the club's first finals appearance since 2009-10.

It is Newcastle's 10th win of the campaign, equalling the team's record for most wins outsidetheir grand-final season of a decade ago, and they have collected 16 of a possible 21 points since Dec. 9.

There were several near-misses and saved opportunities on Friday night but Jets defender-turned-attacker Jason Hoffman provided the match winner in the 11th minute.

The 28-year-old netted his third of 2017-18 and extended Newcastle's goal-scoring streak to 16-straight games. The left-footed strike was slotted past Roar goalkeeper Jamie Young.

The goal came courtesy of a transition from deep in the host's own territory, including long balls from Dimitri Petratos and Daniel Georgievski, before a deft flick inside from Andrew Nabbout along the 18-yard line.

Four yellow cards were issued, including Roar defender Avram Papadopoulos, who was returning from a seven-match suspension for spitting at an opponent in November.

In the 14th minute, the crowd of 12,137 stood and applauded as a mark of respect for Queensland schoolgirl Amy "Dolly" Everett, who took her own life on Jan. 3 after being bullied online. She was 14.

Earlier at Newcastle, W-League title aspirants the Jets were upset 2-1 by last-placed Adelaide. Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.