Newcastle Jets stun Perth Glory with late rally to grab A-League win

Newcastle Jets scored two goals at the death to snatch a 2-1 win over Perth Glory in their A-League clash at nib Stadium.

Glory looked headed for victory courtesy of a 20th-minute strike from Joe Knowles in Saturday night's game.

But a sweet volley from 19-year-old substitute John Koutroumbis in the 88th minute levelled the scores. And Glory's agony was amplified when defender Jeremy Walker scored an own goal in the second minute of injury time.

The double blow stunned the 8,063 crowd, and left Glory languishing in eighth spot following consecutive defeats.

The Jets remain in second spot, five points adrift of ladder-leading Sydney.

Newcastle struggled for opportunities for most of the match, and can consider themselves lucky to come away with the win.

Koutroumbis made no mistake with his volley after Roy O'Donovan's header fell to him as he surged into the box.

And Walker could only look on in distress as his attempted clearance from a corner came off his left thigh and rocketed into the back of the net.

Star Glory striker Andy Keogh failed to return from a groin injury, but Spaniard Diego Castro was named on the bench after missing three weeks with a calf complaint.

The Jets received a double boost, with Wayne Brown (calf) named to start, and striker O'Donovan (groin) on the bench.

Jets goalkeeper Glen Moss pulled off an important fingertip save to deny a looping strike from Glory midfielder Mitch Nichols in the eighth minute. But the home side were soon on the board courtesy of their two Joes.

Joe Mills set up the opener with a penetrating run down the left and a pin-point cross into the box. Joe Knowles produced the finish with a neat right-foot strike, giving him his maiden A-League goal in his 12th appearance.

Newcastle introduced O'Donovan in the 58th minute in an attempt to conjure a winner. But Glory also had an ace up their sleeve in the form of Castro, whose composure was a standout after being sent on in the 67th minute.

Glory defender Alex Grant limped off with a hamstring injury shortly after, and his absence was keenly felt as Newcastle pounced for two late goals.