Melbourne Victory secured their first win of the A-League season, nicking a 1-0 result over Newcastle Jets in the grand final rematch at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The home side dominated for long periods but failed to make the most of their chances, with Victory improving in the second half and getting the three points after a searing drive from Terry Antonis.
Injuries to Victory's marquee striker Ola Toivonen and backup Kenny Athiu meant Jai Ingham got a rare start in attack alongside Kosta Barbarouses, while the Jets went unchanged despite a 1-1 draw against Adelaide.
Victory were looking to bounce back from the shock 3-2 home loss to Perth last weekend, but were caught on the hop by Newcastle, who really should have taken a first half lead.
The majestic Ronald Vargas, who was superb throughout the 90 minutes, struck the crossbar from the centre of the penalty area on 11 minutes , with Victory keeper Lawrence Thomas getting a touch on the shot.
It was all the Jets in the first half but they failed to make their dominance count - Vargas again the most guilty, scuffing a shot after being slipped through on goal.
A Kevin Muscat half-time serve perked Victory, who were the better team in the second half - even if they conceded most of the possession.
Barbarouses had the ball in the back of the net midway through the second period but it was correctly ruled out for offside.
Star marquee Keisuke Honda got more involved later in the game and his slid pass to Antonis saw the former Sydney FC man lash in the winner from outside the area on 71 minutes to score in consecutive matches after his strike against Perth last week.
The Jets put Victory under significant pressure in the latter stage of the match but couldn't create any clear cut chances to secure a vital point.
