Phoenix down Jets, snap ALM losing streak

Wellington have broken a three-game losing streak courtesy of two wonder goals in a 2-1 home A-League Men win over Newcastle.

The Phoenix had a magnificent start thanks to the magic of Kosta Barbarouses with a 45m pearler in the second minute.

Paulo Retre unleashed with a right-foot rocket from just outside the box in the 59th to secure Wellington's first home win of the season.

Moments after kick-off, Jets defender Mark Natta gave the ball away inside the centre circle with a wayward pass.

Barbarouses intercepted and was alert to spot goalkeeper Ryan Scott well off his line.

The 34-year-old unleashed a pinpoint, long-range floating strike to send the home crowd into raptures with his 99th ALM goal.

Unmarked Jets defender Daniel Wilmering had a shot on goal that went just wide as the Phoenix backline failed to communicate.

Newcastle forward Eli Adams had four shots inside the opening quarter of the match as the pressure increased and the visitors had the first five corners of the match, but were unable to score.

Two left-foot rockets by Josh Bayliss were turned away by Wellington goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi, who had a brilliant first half.

The hosts came out after the break with a more aggressive mindset and it paid dividends.

Retre let rip for his sixth ALM goal, and first for the Phoenix, in his 199th match.

Newcastle's Ben Gibson scored from close range in the 73rd minute with Wellington caught ball watching inside the box.

Gibson had a snap-shot saved brilliantly by Oluwayemi who gave his defensive line a spray for their sloppiness as the visitors finished strongly.

The win took Wellington to 13 points and just outside the top six, with the Jets languishing in 11th.