Mark Natta became the unlikely hero for Newcastle as the defender netted the game-winning goal against his former side, Western Sydney, to power the Jets to a 2-1 comeback win.

Having scored just two goals in his A-League Men’s (ALM) career, Natta was in the right place at the right time at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday 7 March, poking the ball past goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas in the 77th minute to secure victory. 

The goal put leaders Newcastle five points clear of second-placed Auckland FC, who plays Perth Glory on Sunday. 

A busy Eli Adams scored a tap-in from a similar position in the 47th minute to help extend the Jets’ record unbeaten streak to 10 games after their eight-match winning mark ended last Saturday in a 0-all draw with rivals Central Coast. 

It wasn’t smooth sailing for Newcastle though, as in-form Bulgarian Bozhidar Kraev celebrated his 100th match with the opening goal for the Wanderers in the 20th minute. 

A win would have catapulted the Wanderers into the finals conversation with six rounds remaining as they entered the game following a 4-0 win against Macarthur FC. 

But instead, the Wanderers stay at the bottom of the ladder, six points behind the sixth-placed Mariners.

Kraev drew first blood when he headed in a superb cross from Ryan Fraser. 

It took until under two minutes after half-time for Newcastle to score when Clayton Taylor found an unmarked Adams who poked the ball past the keeper. 

The contest opened up after the goal.

And, Taylor almost found the Jets’ second when he sent a shot skimming just left of the post. 

Newcastle was finally rewarded for their persistent efforts when Natta scored in the bottom right corner after the ball clattered through a bunch of players from a free kick. 

Western Sydney’s Kosta Barbarouses had a chance for a quick equaliser when he beat Jets keeper James Delianov.

But, his shot went well wide of the right post. 

A desperate Wanderers pushed for a goal in the dying minutes, but Delianov’s safe hands cruelled their chances.

Newcastle next tackles Auckland FC at home on Saturday 14 March, which is sure to draw another massive crowd.

For more sports stories:

• Newcastle’s major coastal marathon set to sell out
• Newcastle surfer Philippa Anderson inspires the next generation of girls
• Local young gun revved up for a big year in motorsport 

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