Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners did battle yesterday in a preparation match for the upcoming Asian Champions League. Played in Budgewoi on the central coast, it was good chance for both sides to get formations and line-ups right ahead of the lucrative competition.

The Jets managed to win the match 1-0 thanks to a Sasho Petrovski goal, netting against the club he played for just weeks ago.

Petrovski said he was looking forward to having a crack in Asia.

"It was good. The main thing was to keep a clean sheet and we did that. Luckily for me I was on the end of things and that one goal was the difference," he said.

"There's a lot of new guys come in here (at the Jets) and it's important we play these games and gel quickly. We don't have time to waste as we're going into the ACL and we have to get results where they count.

"Things are looking good and we've ticked a lot of boxes. I can't wait for the ACL. It will be a massive test for us and a good stage for Australian football to show where we're at."