The Newcastle Jets have maintained second place on the A-League ladder with a 1-0 victory over Adelaide United, continuing their unbeaten run to start the season.

Mark Bridge scored in the 81st minute.

Joel Griffiths found Bridge inside the box after a sweeping cross field move and the Olyroo striker calmly controlled and slotted his shot past Reds goalie Robert Blajic at the near post.

The only other highlight was the A-League debut of Newcastle's marquee signing Mario Jardel.

The two-time European golden boot winner entered the game after 70 minutes to the delight of the entertainment-starved, 13,627 spectators.

But the Brazilian international, who had battled weight problems and a visa mix-up to get onto the field, looked a little out of sorts.

Playing without their injured striker Nathan Burns, Adelaide side took the game to the Jets in the opening 20 minutes, pressing hard and moving the ball swiftly through midfield.

Despite their territorial advantage and dominance of possession though, the Reds were indecisive and wasteful in front of goal failing to push Jets keeper Ante Covic at any stage.

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