Newcastle has leapfrogged Perth into third place on the A-League ladder after defeating a lacklustre Glory 1-0 in a cagey battle at Members Equity Stadium.

Midweek signing Vaughan Coveny scored on debut in the 47th minute to stretch Newcastle's unbeaten run to seven games, the last of five which have been away from home.

The result moves the Jets three points ahead of Perth, behind second-placed Sydney FC - which plays league-leaders Adelaide on Sunday - on goal difference.

The Glory were the last team to beat the Jets - a 5-1 thrashing in Newcastle last month - but it was completely different script as the visitors capitalised on one of the rare chances afforded to both sides.

Former Glory player Jade North took advantage of an out-of-sorts Jamie Coyne on the right wing to deliver a pin-point cross to new recruit Coveny in the box two minutes after half time.

The unmarked New Zealander duly headed the ball home to give the Jets the lead.

The game, however, was not without controversy, with Jets midfielder Richard Johnson looking to have handled the ball in the penalty box deep in stoppage time.

Referee Simon Przydacz picked up offence, but instead awarded the Glory a free kick outside the area, which the Jets were able to defend.

Open, clear-cut chances that are often found in Perth were hard to come by for both teams.

Perth and Newcastle both struggled to penetrate their opponents stingy rearguard and the two teams movement off the ball was at times quite sluggish.

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