All Whites Striker Chris Wood has given Newcastle United a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League with a second-half penalty to further banish any lingering relegation fears.
Newcastle had lost their previous three games, reviving jitters they may be dragged back into the battle against the drop, as the season heads towards its finale.
But with Newcastle pressing hard against a surprisingly lacklustre Wolves, Woods drew a foul from goalkeeper Jose Sa, before thumping home the spot-kick in the 72nd minute for his first goal in front of home fans at St James' Park.
"I'm so pleased for him," said Eddie Howe of Wood. "He's a really willing lad - that will do wonders for him.
"We still have work to do and it brings us closer to safety, but we're not there yet."
The win put Newcastle 14th on 34 points - a comfortable 10 points above the bottom three relegation spots.
Wood, whose former club Burnley are third from bottom, was thrilled to break his home duck and further banish the relegation spectre.
"It is fantastic," he said. "There is something about playing in front of St James' Park and we want to get them up for it.
"Luckily, today we did. It's nice to get my first goal here, but ultimately, we need points and to get out of the relegation battle, so I'm more delighted with the three points.
"We want this club to go to the next level. We need to get to 40 points and then build."
Wolves looked toothless without the suspended Raul Jimenez and did not even manage to touch the ball in Newcastle's penalty area in the first half. Their best effort was a shot by Fabio Silva that Newcastle's Martin Dubravka dived well to save.
Defeat left Wolves eighth on 49 points, with their hopes of earning a berth in next year's Champions League receding.
Reuters
