The Newcastle Jets had its first chance in the opening five minutes, with a David Carney cross finding Enver Alivodic at the far post, who squared it in front of goal for defender Nigel Boogard. However, a tussle with two Wanderers defenders in the box denied Boogard the opportunity to celebrate an early goal.
The visitors dominated proceedings for the majority of the first period but lacked the clinical finish needed to convert their chances.
The action heated up just before half-time with a reflexive save from Birighitti denying Dario Vidosic’s shot from point blank range. Only seconds later, a counter-attack from Newcastle showed promise but was ultimately thwarted by a save from custodian Andrew Redmayne.
The Newcastle Jets started the second half the more positively of the two sides, taking control of the midfield and opening up space in the front third. Early on, a perfectly weighted pass from Carney set up defender Boogard, who shanked his shot much to the dismay of the home crowd.
Two refereeing decisions would change the complexion of the match, with a free kick from Lee Ki-je smacking the cross bar and landing into the path of Alivodic, who put the ball past gloveman Redmayne. After some confusion between linesman and referee, the goal stood despite appearing to be well offside.
The controversial decision would balance itself out only minutes later, with striker Milos Trifunovic punished for a shoving substitute Brendon Santalab in the back. Spanish midfielder Andreu pulled one back from the Wanderers, coolly converting from the spot.
It was Red and Black midfielder Mitch Nichols who would decide the match, benefiting from a neat pass outside the box from Mark Bridge to unleash a well-placed shot that found the net in the 84th minute.
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