A revitalised Newcastle Jets upset A-League leaders Adelaide United 4-2 at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Midfielder Nick Carle was outstanding, netting goals in the 22nd and 89th minutes to end the Jets' horror run of three successive defeats.

The inclusion of former Socceroo Ned Zelic, current Socceroo Jade North and striker Ante Milicic proved the difference in turning around their form.

Zelic netted his first A-League goal with a classy header in the 68th minute, just when Newcastle needed to steady against a United comeback.

Adelaide defenders Mike Valkanis and Kristian Rees netted with headers in the 38th and 67th minute to level the score at 2-2.

The Jets took the lead in lucky fashion in the 13th minute after a cross from the right eluded two United defenders.

Milicic hit a low shot which was parried by `keeper Daniel Beltrame but it ricocheted off defender Mathew Kemp and into the net for the opening goal.

Carle walked past defenders before slotting a low drive past Beltrame for a 2-0 lead to silence Adelaide's largest crowd this season of more than 13,000.

Valkanis proved reliable again to give Adelaide hope with his third goal of the season just before half time and a come back looked likely when Rees headed his first A-League goal from a corner whipped in by Chinese striker Shengqing Qu.

However Zelic glanced a header into the top corner to make it 3-2 from a Matt Thompson free kick a minute later.

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