Newcastle has continued its unbeaten run in the NSL with a 2-0 victory over Wollongong at Energy Australia Stadium.

Goals by Ryan Griffiths and Tom Libbesson earned the young team all three points and delighted Newcastle coach Ian Crook, who was missing several of his senior players.

The match was delayed by 30 minutes because of concerns over the lighting but the home side was quick off the mark as Griffiths opened the scoring in the sixth minute.

Newcastle looked to have muddled away the advantage of a free kick on the right hand side, but the ball eventually broke square across the edge of the penalty area.

Griffiths struck his shot sweetly with the left foot and Wolves goalkeeper Andrew Crews had barely moved by the time the ball had roared low inside his left hand post.

Newcastle wasted a string of chances and was almost made to pay ten minutes before half time.

Sloppy defending saw the home side concede a free kick 25 metres from goal and John Perosh, in for Young Socceroo Tom Willis, had to be at full stretch to deny Stuart Young.

Substitute Tom Libbesson put the game beyond doubt on the stroke of full-time, heading home a cross from Damien Brown to make it 2-0.

Crook praised defender Adam Griffiths for what he described as an "enormous" performance, among a host of strong players.

"Had we got a second goal earlier it might have been a lot easier for us, but their attitude in the second half was first class," said Crook.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP