Brazilian World Cup winner Romario netted his first A-League goal in his swansong for Adelaide United to help it clinch a first win in five matches, 3-2 over the Newcastle Jets at Hindmarsh Stadium.

The diminutive striker finally delivered the goal United had craved in his fourth and final guest appearance for the club in the 15th minute to thrill the crowd of 12,214.

In his most lively A-League match, he also helped set up Adelaide's 78th minute winner for midfielder Greg Owens to keep United within striking distance of second placed Sydney FC and a double finals chance.

The Jets rallied to level twice in the second half after falling behind without the presence of influential players Nick Carle and Paul Okon, but couldn't hang on despite grand goals from Mark Bridge and Matt Thompson.

United's regular Brazilian import Fernando also netted his fifth goal of the season in the 60th minute with a left foot shot which fooled diving Jets keeper Ante Covic.

After a nervous start, Adelaide winger Jason Spagnuolo wriggled past three defenders on the left and shot to set up one of Romario's easiest goals.

Covic spilt Spagnuolo's shot and the former Brazilian ace pounced to bundle the ball home from two metres.

This seemed to release the tension in the United ranks, though Bridge proved a thorn and forced United keeper Daniel Beltrame to save a firm shot with his leg in the 24th minute.

Romario also set up Young Socceroo Nathan Burns to hit the crossbar in the 38th minute.

But the drama soared after halftime when Bridge found space on the edge of the penalty box to drive in his sixth goal of the season for 1-1 in the 59th minute.

Fernando netted in the next minute for 2-1 before Thompson unleashed a rising drive from inside the penalty area in the 67th minute to silence the crowd again at 2-2.

Then fate stepped in and Romario flicked a first time pass to a free Owens on the edge of the penalty area and he swivelled before curling a dynamite shot into the corner past Covic for the winner.

Romario almost grabbed a second with a deft drive in the 85th minute but Covic pulled off a one-handed reflex save.

The Brazilian was substituted two minutes later to a standing ovation.

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