Newcastle climb out of relegation zone with Crystal Palace victory

Newcastle's Andros Townsend celebrates scoring the winner against Crystal Palace

A magnificent free-kick from Andros Townsend and a dramatic penalty save from Karl Darlow earned Newcastle United a priceless 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace in their battle against English Premier League relegation.

Winger Townsend curled home from 25 yards out early in the second half and that strike proved decisive thanks to the exploits of goalkeeper Darlow, who got down to save a poor penalty from ex-Newcastle star Yohan Cabaye with 20 minutes remaining.

Victory saw the hosts take full advantage of Sunderland's draw at Stoke City to move out of the bottom three ahead of Norwich City's game at Arsenal later in the day.

Rafael Benitez has now accumulated eight points from his last four matches, giving Newcastle a strong chance of avoiding the drop with only two games left to play.

FA Cup finalists Palace have picked up the joint fewest points, along with relegated Aston Villa, among top-flight sides in 2016 and are still waiting to mathematically ensure their own safety after suffering defeat on Alan Pardew's first return to St James' Park since leaving Newcastle.


Watch the goal below