Gayle puts Toon in sight of the promised land
NEWCASTLE moved a step closer to making their Premier League return by defeating relegation- threatened Wigan at St James’ Park.
Striker Dwight Gayle struck his 22nd goal of the season nine minutes before half-time, but Wigan cancelled that out when Michael Jacobs levelled early in the second half.
However, Matt Ritchie headed Newcastle back in front in the 57th minute and that was how it remained to move Rafael Benitez’s side closer to promotion.
The win saw Newcastle end a threematch run without a victory and preserve a point lead at the top of the Championship and, crucially, they are now 10 ahead of third-placed Huddersfield after their shock 1- 0 defeat at home to lowly Burton.
Wigan’s chances of avoiding the drop were hit once again despite encouraging signs under the interim guidance of Graham Barrow.
Newcastle looked full of intent in the opening moments when Jonjo Shelvey made a bursting run from deep and had a shot blocked from distance. Wigan settled after that and the home side did not have it all their own way.
Despite a pre-match gap of 44 points
dividing the two teams at either end of the Championship, Newcastle found it difficult to test goalkeeper Matt Gilks even though leading scorer Gayle was leading the line again after Daryl Murphy missed out.
Wigan, with it all to do if they are to avoid dropping back into League One, initially made it hard and the nearest the home side had come to scoring before the opener was when Shelvey struck a couple of hopeful efforts from distance.
Just as it seemed Wigan might get to the break on level terms, Gayle struck and he had Mohamed Diame to thank for picking him out with nine minutes remaining of the opening period.
Ritchie found Diame on the right and the Senegal international turned towards the byline and delivered a cross to the back post where Gayle was on hand to convert first time.
It remained that way until half-time and Wigan, who had not recorded a shot on target in that period, had done enough to be still in it, with Newcastle hardly free- flowing in the opposite direction.
Things got better for the Latics immediately after the restart. Newcastle started nervously and the visitors made them pay by pulling level when Jacobs got in behind Jamaal Lascelles before chipping Karl Darlow.
Big Wigan defender Dan Burn and Jacobs went close to putting Wigan ahead soon after too, but it was Newcastle who edged back in front with 33 minutes remaining.
Ritchie had seen his initial half volley hit the woodwork and when it rebounded back to him he cleverly headed back into the net from a difficult angle to secure the points .
A relieved Toon boss Rafael Benitez said: “I would like us to score five goals and be amazing, but at the moment we showed character, good reaction and personality to manage the situation and get the win.”