NEWCASTLE UNITED moved ten points clear of third place by edging to a narrow win over Wigan Athletic at St James’ Park.

There were fears the three points may not arrive when Michael Jacobs equalised soon after the break to cancel out Dwight Gayle’s 37th minute opener.

But Newcastle made sure of the points when Matt Ritchie headed in a second for Newcastle to strengthen their grip on an automatic promotion spot, and stay a point clear of Brighton at the top.

TOP MARKSMAN

Dwight Gayle had got frustrated in the first half. Time and again balls played into the final third often went astray and failed to find his feet.

He was keen to make his mark after a two week international break provided him with the extra time to recover from recent injury frustrations, and he did so.

Gayle’s goal, his 22nd of an extremely productive season, was a simple one, but his movement highlighted why he has scored so many and been named on the shortlist for the Championship’s player of the season.

Unmarked and left with the simple task of tapping in Mohamed Diame’s excellent centre was just what Newcastle needed to ease any growing worries that the opener might not come before the break.

Newcastle might not have had Daryl Murphy, absent with the calf problem picked up with Ireland, to call on, but they didn’t need the alternative big man option. Aleksandar Mitrovic stayed on the bench as Gayle, who was replaced by Ayoze Perez late on, equalled the 22 goal tally Alan Shearer struck in 2003-2004.

ANOTHER MATT FINISH

The best piece of business Newcastle did last summer was the most expensive. Matt Ritchie scored the 14th goal of his own excellent first campaign on Tyneside, justifying the £12m gamble which Rafael Benitez was keen to take on him.

Bournemouth’s loss has certainly been to Newcastle’s gain and this display further illustrated that.

Ritchie was lively from start to finish, the clear man of the match and he had a hand in the opening goal as well as score the second himself.

Ritchie’s deliveries from the flanks, his general play and his desire to receive the ball has driven Newcastle on more often than not this season – and the incredible thing is he was short of his best today.

FIVE HOME WINS

Benitez said before the game that he wanted to win all the remaining matches at St James’ Park and he has got the first out of the way.

Newcastle have Burton to come on Wednesday before visits from Preston, Leeds United and Barnsley.

They will have to play better than they did against Wigan to win all of those matches. Even Benitez didn’t give off a happy persona when he chatted in the media suite afterwards.

The bottom line is that Newcastle, whose home form has been worse than their away performances this season, got over the line against the Latics – and it should fill them with confidence ahead of the remaining matches.

HOME SUPPORT

Something else Benitez was keen to see was the St James’ Park crowd back the players like the travelling section do when they go away.

And while there was no barracking or jeers towards the players on the pitch, there was clearly still a nervousness in the air as Wigan threatened to leave with something.

But Benitez’s calls for the supporters to stick with the team was backed up, even if a largely uninspiring performance from his team did raise frustrations.

The bottom line is that Newcastle, regardless of how they are playing, are on course for a Premier League return – and that with just seven matches remaining is what matters.

MANAGERIAL REACTION

Rafael Benitez said: “The main thing was to get three points. We knew it was difficult, watching Wigan against Aston Villa we knew they do well.

“This mini league of eight games is now seven and we have won the first, the other teams have made mistakes so we have to concentrate on ourselves. The league table for us is that this is three points for us in the league. It was a win, I have to be happy.

“I would like to score five goals and be amazing, but at the moment we showed character, good reaction and personality. We have to take our chances. We can improve on a lot of things, but we do a lot of things well. But when you see Huddersfield losing or Brighton winning 1-0 it shows it is not easy.”

Graham Barrow said: “Disappointed with the result. At 1-1 I thought we were in with a chance. They got the rub of the green on the second goal. But if we can play like that we have got a chance of staying up.

“I do think Newcastle are (destined to go up). The teams that are at the top have that little bit of quality that tells on the day. That can unlock the door for them.

“This is a fantastic place to play football. I know they were under a bit of pressure we hoped to turn the fans against them, but it wasn’t to be.

“Newcastle brought players off the bench, had great pace in the side, but at 1-1 I thought we could win it. We got in good situations and we have to try to perform like that against Ipswich and Rotherham next Saturday. It’s just the result that has gone against us.”