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Tarek Elrich had plenty to smile about at the conclusion of the game, scoring a quality goal in the first half that eventually secured the match for the Jets.
Man of the match Francis Jeffers assumed the role of playmaker throughout the game, setting up an unmarked Elrich for success as Elrich fired the ball through the legs of Reds defender Nigel Boogard and past the 'keeper for the only goal of the match.
With Adelaide’s finals hopes resting on a win, the team left the field disappointed and frustrated by their efforts.
Speaking directly after game United defender Nigel Boogard said his team need some serious self-reflection after their mediocre performance.
“I think everyone should have a good look in the mirror and pull their finger out.
“If there is a mathematical chance [of making the finals] we will try as hard as we can, as we did tonight. But I think it’s just not good enough, it needs to be better from everyone”.
Adelaide coach John Kosmina lamented his side’s lack of finishing in the game.
“I don’t think Newcastle were good enough to win the game tonight but a draw would have been a fair result, certainly football wise there wasn’t much between the two teams, if you take various aspects of the game.”
The loss for the visitors has virtually ended their season, as they must win their next four matches to have any hope of qualifying for the finals.
"We've gotta win four in a row. We have Perth on Thursday and I’m still confident we can still win that game at home. We are due a win at home, by the sheer law of averages.
"Then we are off to Uzbekistan and maybe things will turn for us there? Then we can come back and beat Brisbane and win the last two at home” said Kosmina.
The loss to Newcastle places the Reds in ninth position on the Hyundai A-League ladder, seven points clear of the wooden spoon which is currently held by Gold Coast United yet only two points behind eighth placed Melbourne Victory.
On the other hand the win for the Jets keeps their finals aspirations alive, but could still leave them out of the top six by the end of this round should results not go the Novacastrians way.