AS the Socceroos returned from the FIFA World Cup with their heads held high after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Argentina, the Hyundai A-League resumed in Australia.

The Newcastle Jets, who have made Coffs Harbour their home from home, defeated a Central Coast Mariners team featuring three Socceroos returning from Qatar.

Beka Mikeltadze scored the winning goal which elevated the Jets into sixth place on the ladder.

The Jets now face the Brisbane Roar on Friday 16 December at McDonald Jones Stadium in a bid to climb the ladder and make their mark on the A-League.

Port Macquarie’s Angus Thurgate has started all six matches this season and has been an influential figure in midfield making box-to-box runs and featuring in the first goal against the Mariners last week.

Georgian striker Beka Mikeltadze, who scored a swag of goals against the Coffs Coast representative team, has been their most prominent goal scorer again this season.

The Jets have strengthened the squad who defeated the Coffs Coast All Stars 17-1 with right-wing speedster Trent Buhagiar and Georgian playmaker Beka Dartsmelia.

The match is televised live on Paramount+, tickets are available from Ticketmaster, children under 12 have free entry, adult tickets start at $22 with juniors $10.

By David WIGLEY