Newcastle United returned to winning ways in the National Soccer League with a 1-0 win over the Brisbane Strikers at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

The Queenslanders travelled south comfortably fourth in the competition on 29 points.

But the home side had slipped to eighth place and were in danger of dropping out of the finals race.

Newcastle's winning goal came through make-shift striker Jobe Wheelhouse in the 21st minute, rising above the pack to glance home a header from a Craig Deans cross.

Wheelhouse made the most of his role alongside Esala Masi in attack, the latest experiment by Newcastle coach Ian Crook to break a goal drought.

Brisbane almost doubled the margin themselves deep into injury time when Chris Scuderi sliced a Wheelhouse cross against his own crossbar.

For all the honest hard work and endeavour which has served them so well this season, the visitors could not find a way through the United defence to repeat their victory round 7 win over the Novocastrians.

Still, Brisbane remain in fourth and are well placed to take part in the finals series.

Newcastle can breathe again, but they must find a reliable way to goal and a consistent run of results if they are to finish in the top six.

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