Newcastle Jets overcame an out-of-form Wellington Phoenix 3-1 at Hunter Stadium on Sunday to record their first A-League win since October despite seeing Ben Kantarovski dismissed 32 minutes from time.
Jets had not won in nine matches going into the visit of a Wellington side who had taken just two points from their previous five outings.
It was the Jets' first goal since the 1-1 draw with Brisbane Roar in November and Ryan Kitto doubled that lead inside half an hour when he pounced on a rebound after Glen Moss had saved David Carney's shot.
Phoenix remained flat and struggled for ideas despite Kantarovski's second yellow card 13 minutes into the second half for a dangerous challenge on Vince Lia.
Despite being a man down, Carney extended Jets' advantage when he latched onto Enver Alidovic's through-ball to finish soon after, with Matthew Ridenton's late consolation mattering little as the home side joined their opponents on 16 points - four off the top six.
