Instead of Brisbane putting one hand on the minor premiership, lowly Newcastle maintained their grip on the A-League ladder leaders with a 1-0 win at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

The Roar had a chance to kick 10 points clear on top of the table with a victory over a Jets side that was second-last in the competition when it ran out in muggy conditions under previously winless new coach Clayton Zane.

Thomas Broich of the Roar and Ruben Zadkovich of the Jets Credit:Bradley Kanaris

However, Newcastle dug deep to extend their unexpected dominance over the two-time champions and sealed the result with a 59th minute Adam Taggart penalty goal.