Western Sydney Wanderers have beaten Newcastle 4-1 to claim their second win on the bounce and give their A-League Women season a pulse.
Newcastle defender Tash Prior scored the opening goal in the seventh minute at Wanderers Football Park on Friday.
But the central defender's night ultimately proved an unhappy one, with Newcastle's defence shipping the next four goals.
Bronte Trew equalised in the 28th minute, then a wonderful strike from Ena Harada gave the Wanderers the lead in the 39th.
Amy Harrison scored a contentious penalty in the 74th minute, and Holly Caspers sealed the deal 14 minutes later.
The Wanderers (12 points) are up to ninth but still 12 points outside the finals places, with Newcastle (11 points) only ahead of last-placed Sydney FC
Newcastle opened the scoring when Cass Davis hit the post, but Prior was on hand to bundle home the opener.
The defender will now head to the United States, where the Matildas play Japan, the US and Colombia in the SheBelieves Cup.
Western Sydney responded when Danika Matos released Trew, who burst down the left and beat Danielle Krzyzaniak at her near post.
The Wanderers took the lead when Harada caught Emma Dundas on the ball and nipped in before bursting forward and unleashing a wonderful, fierce strike.
Shamiran Khamis saved a strike from Dundas on the stroke of halftime, batting the ball on to the post.
The Wanderers extended their lead when Harrison stepped up and drove her spot-kick home.
The penalty was a contentious one, because Libby Copus-Brown appeared to have fouled Milly Bennett just outside the area.
The Wanderers made it a sure thing when Prior was unable to cut out a through-ball and Caspers pounced, sliding in to score.
Both teams now have the international break.
The Wanderers next face Central Coast away on February 28, before the Jets return to action against Perth Glory at home on March 1.
