Obafemi Martins brace in front of nearly 45,000 at St James' Park gave Newcastle a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. The match certainly look like it wouldn't amount to a victory by the home squad as 'Villa nearly scored eleven minutes after the opening whistle when Martin Laursen nodded Gareth Barry's off the woodwork. Before the break both Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor were unable to finish and the match went to the break scoreless. On the hour Obafemi Martins accepted a pass just outside the box and with a perfect turn struck a left-footed drive past 'Villa keeper Brad Friedel for the 1-0 lead. Obafemi added the second of his night to the delight of the home fans as he accepted a pass in point-bland range from Jonás Gutiérrez seven minutes from time.With two victories in a row, the Magpies are out of the Premier League basement and sit at fourteenth in the table. They return to action next Sunday against Fulham.
Newcastle:
Given, Beye, Coloccini, Taylor, Jose Enrique, Gutierrez, Barton, Butt, Duff, Martins (Cacapa 88), Ameobi (Owen 90).
Aston Villa:
Friedel, Luke Young, Cuellar, Laursen, Shorey (Sidwell 72), Milner, Reo-Coker (Harewood 85), Barry, Ashley Young, Agbonlahor, Carew.
