Melbourne Victory ended their five-game A-League winless streak by defeating Newcastle Jets 1-0 on Sunday.
A turgid affair was settled by Fahid Ben Khalfallah's first goal of the season after an excellent counter-attack, set-up by a great run and pass by Kosta Barbarouses.
Victory represented Victory's first win at Hunter Stadium in more than six years and puts them just a point behind both Melbourne City and Sydney FC, who are third and fourth respectively.
In a game of few chances, the first goal was always going to be crucial, but the manner in which the Jets conceded it will infuriate coach Scott Miller.
A swift counter attack from the visitors ended with Barbarouses playing a superb pass through to Ben Khalfallah, who finished clinically with his left foot from just inside the box with 19 minutes remaining.
Defeat for third-bottom Jets extends their winless run to nine matches.
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