St James' joy for Newcastle

Last updated : 08 April 2022 By C. Morris

Magpies enjoy home return after tough away run

Newcastle United ended a run of three defeats in succession on Friday evening when they beat Wolves at home on Friday evening. Having played their last four matches on the road, the support of the home crowd was very much welcome and Eddie Howe’s side responded to the Toon faithful by taking the game to the visitors.

A bright start saw an early shot from Saint-Maximin blocked and plenty of possession in the Wolves half but the home side were dealt a blow inside 10 minutes when Fraser picked up an injury that he couldn’t shake off and had to be replaced by Almiron.

The injury setback didn’t alter the flow of the game and midway through the first half it looked as though Wood had given Newcastle the lad when he bundled in from close range after good build up play by Bruno, only for VAR to rule that the Brazilian was offside when he received the ball.

Wood headed wide from a Targett cross just before half-time and Wolves will have been delighted to go in level at the break after an uncharacteristic off-key first 45 minutes.

Wood headed into the path of Dan Burn shortly after the break but his tame shot was easy for Sa to field in the Wolves goal. Just after the hour mark Saint-Maximin came to life, first firing over the bar and then hitting a low cross-shot agonisingly off target and out of reach of anyone in a black and white shirt.

With 20 minutes to go the home side finally found the breakthrough they deserved, via the penalty spot. Wood beat Sa to a Joelinton through-ball and the keeper brought down the striker at full stretch. The New Zealand striker dusted himself down and tucked home the penalty to the delight of the home crowd.

Wolves belatedly came to life in the closing stages with Silva heading a good chance off target before forcing Dubravka into a good save with a shot from distance. At the other end Joelinton was denied by Sa in the last minute but Newcastle were able to see out stoppage time without too much trouble to take a well earned three points.

The result moves the Magpies 10 points clear of the relegation zone ahead of the weekend games.