Newcastle get first win under Keegan

By Martyn Herman

LONDON (Reuters) - Newcastle United eased their relegation fears with a 2-0 home win over Fulham on Saturday as attention focused on the battle to stay in the Premier League.

Sunderland, Reading and Middlesbrough also claimed important wins but nowhere was there more relief than at a wintry St James' Park.

Mark Viduka's early shot and a late Michael Owen header gave Kevin Keegan the winning feeling for the first time since returning as Newcastle manager in January.

"It was a great result," Keegan told Sky Sports television. "We showed character...and when we had to dig in we stuck together and that's what these players have been criticised for in the past.

"Michael Owen has been magnificent, not just his goals but his leadership on the pitch."

Viduka, who has recently returned to the side after niggling injuries, fired past keeper Kasey Keller after six minutes and Owen should have made the points safe before finally ending Fulham's resistance seven minutes from time.

Newcastle rose to 13th, six points above third from bottom Bolton Wanderers who snapped a run of five consecutive league defeats by drawing 0-0 at home to Manchester City.

Fulham remained four points from safety.