NEWCASTLE ................................................................... 1 Perez silences critics with headed goal

NEWCASTLE United ended their 174 day wait for a Premier League win by grinding out a victory against in-form Watford.

It wasn’t pretty and they weren’t always on top during a fraught 90 minutes at St James’ Park - but as the final whistle sounded not one of the black and white diehards in attendance gave a hoot.

Make no mistake, the much maligned Magpies still have it all to do if they are to avoid the drop this season.

However, if a season boils down to defining moments and single incidents, Ayoze Perez’s bullet header mid-way through the second half could well prove to be one of the most significant strikes of his Toon career.

How much could this victory be worth in the long run?

As Craig Pawson blasted his whistle one final time it felt like more than three points.

It not only lifted the spirits of wounded players and Geordie fans, but it also lifted

Newcastle out of the relegation zone.

But it was a victory that had to be fully earned as players put their bodies on the line as Watford refused to give up the points without a fight.

The game had started in cagey fashion as both sides frantically dealt with a couple of early corners.

But when things settled down Newcastle started to create some good chances, although the Hornets looked dangerous on the break.

With eight minutes gone, Kenedy picked up the ball and drove it into the final third but scuffed his shot wide.

Watford were then presented with a chance to open the scoring after Jonjo Shelvey failed to control a simple pass from Kenedy and Paul Dummett ended up heading out for a corner.

It would be the start of a disappointing afternoon for the out of favour England international.

The ball was whipped in for Adrian Mariappa from Jose Holebas but the former Reading star’s effort was hacked away from danger by Jamaal Lascelles.

With 20 minutes on the clock, Mo Diame controlled the ball on the righthand side before rifling in a powerful effort which Ben Foster had to beat away.

Six minutes later, Kenedy got the ball on the r ight- hand side of the box but he was denied by Mariappa who made a fine sliding block. Watford responded through Gerard Deulofeu with the former Barcelona man dragging an effort wide as Martin Dubravka raced out to narrow the angle. As the half wore on, Diame fouled Isaac Success right on the edge of the box but Etienne Capoue curled the ball over the bar. On 39 minutes, Muto made a good run forward but was taken down by Capoue but Shelvey served up a really disappointing free-kick and the scores stayed level. D e u l o f e u struck one into the sidenetting with three first half minutes left as Watford continued to show they were a threat. The Magpies were forced into a late change at the end o f the half as the hard working Muto went off with a knock and was replaced by Ayoze Perez.

There was a second change during the interval as Lascelles was replaced by Fabian Schar.

The Swiss defender got straight into the action and crossed low to the back post for Rondon but Mariappa booted the ball into Gallowgate End.

With 50 minutes gone Watford’s Deulofeu weaved into the danger zone before striking an effort off the crossbar.

Roberto Pereyra followed up and forced Dubravka into a save low down.

United’s injury curse for the day continued as Shelvey hobbled off with Ki replacing him meaning the Magpies had used all three subs before the 51st minute. The Magpies had actually stumbled past the five-hour mark without a Premier League goal. But with 66 minutes played, they were awarded