NEWCASTLE UNITED midfielder Jack Colback believes the performance in their 1-0 win over Leicester City proves the players are fighting for the club after a turbulent few months.

The Magpies registered their first Premier League win of the season in a delayed kick-off at St James’ Park after failing to win any of their first seven fixtures.

Although manager Alan Pardew remains under immense pressure, victory on Saturday could prove crucial going into games against Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool.

Gabriel Obertan’s second-half goal proved enough, but Colback believes the fact the team didn’t cave in to late pressure from the visitors proves they are desperate to lift the club away from danger.

“It took a bit longer than we wanted to get the goal but it was brilliant from Gabby,” the 24-year-old said.

“It took a nick, but that's the bit of luck we have not had. We are delighted to get the win. It felt like it would be one of those days when it didn't happen again.

“When we went 1-0 up and they had a few chances, at that point I thought to myself the way things are going for us they are going to equalise.

“We dug deep and showed everyone is fighting for this club. People were throwing themselves at the ball.”

Newcastle remain in the bottom three but they are now only one point behind Colback's former club Sunderland in 17th place.

Colback admits it was a huge relief to get the win, particularly in front of their home fans, given the ill-feeling that has swamped the club of late.

He said: “It is a massive relief and a huge lift for us. It has been a tough start as everyone knows.

“The fans have their right to voice their opinions and in fairness to them they were fantastic. They have been good and they have stuck with us and thankfully we have been able to give a bit back to them by winning.

“Everyone wants to be successful here, and I think we are in a false position.

“The fans deserve better but hopefully this win can set us off and we can win some more games. We have to build on this.

“In football it’s a lot of doom and gloom all season but a couple of wins can change the feeling.

“We have to focus on Spurs and hopefully get a win there. It is difficult when you are not winning games, really difficult.

“It can get hard when you are playing out here, but in fairness to the fans they have been top drawer.

“They have stuck with us and we have got the win for them. It has to be a platform to move forward.”

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley was in the stands on Saturday as the stadium’s new LED screen almost forced the game to be postponed.

Engineers were called in to fix the plastic housing around the screen meaning kick-off was delayed by an hour.

Ashley spent ten minutes congratulating Pardew and his players in the dressing room afterwards and Colback admitted he was glad the delay didn’t affect their performance.

“In the dressing room after the manager praised us,” Colback said. “He praised our work rate and application.

“It has been tough for him and he has kept us positive. It is good for him. It is a relief for the manager to get that win. Hopefully we can move on now.

“The delay wasn't ideal. You come in at a certain time for a reason to get prepared and get stuff done, so you are not sitting around too long.

“The delayed kick off changed all that. It was unfortunate but the same for both teams. You have to adapt. We came out strong and deserved to win.

“I thought we set the tone at the start. It would have been easy to use the delay as an excuse but we came out fast to get the fans behind us and they did that.”