Newcastle Climb Out of Bottom Three

Andros Townsend and Karl Darlow inspired a hard fought, crucial victory for Newcastle as they clawed their way out of the bottom three for the first time since early February.
It was a truly determined display from Newcastle as Alan Pardew’s Palace tried to antagonise and frustrate Newcastle and their fans with cheap tactics in the first half. Pardew himself refuted claims that he set up his side to irritate the St James’s Park faithful but it was pretty obvious to all concerned that Pardew tried to turn the crowd against the home side and quash any momentum they could gain.
It did not work. The Newcastle fans did brilliantly to avoid berating their former boss and decided to instead, proudly and defiantly support their current manager and his team. It was the perfect way to deal with Pardew and his present bunch of mercenaries. Although Pardew did, in fairness, at the end of the game, congratulate Newcastle and the fans on a win, it was definitely through gritted teeth.
It was not Newcastle’s finest performance but it was one of sheer character and the three points gained could turn out to be absolutely vital. Townsend was terrific throughout. His work rate and determination was as exceptional as his free kick. Lauren Robert-like in execution, it was a magnificent strike but what was equally impressive, was when Townsend, with fifteen minutes to go, sprinted back and slid in to deny Palace a counter attack. It was the kind of endeavour that has been lacking in many Newcastle displays this season.
Karl Darlow was brilliant. He made several good stops in the first half and saved a Cabaye penalty to keep Newcastle in the lead. He seemed to grow many metaphorical inches throughout the game and was rightfully celebrated by his teammates when the final whistle blew.
With Arsenal reluctantly beating Norwich and Sunderland dropping points, it was a good afternoon for Newcastle. It could have been so much better if not for Defoe’s late, late equaliser at Stoke.
Norwich and Sunderland may have a game in hand but Newcastle have points on the board and momentum into the final games of the season. Today was a good day.