Premier League: Newcastle 4 Wolves 1

Newcastle eased their relegation worries but intensified Wolverhampton?s with a 4-1 win at St James? Park.

The home side had the first chance after just five minutes after Joey Barton was fouled by George Elokobi in his own half. The midfielder picked himself up to float in a deep free kick that Mike Williamson headed towards the bottom corner only for Wayne Hennessey to palm the ball away.

Hennessey was in the right place at the right time again, as Barton found Kevin Nolan with another free kick but the captain?s header was directed straight at the Wolves stopper.

Hennessey was finally beaten on 22 minutes after Williamson’s free kick from well inside his own half was flicked on by Ameobi to find Kevin Nolan, who ghosted between both centre halves and poked the ball through the goalkeeper?s legs.

Newcastle doubled their lead just before half-time when Peter Lovenkrands crossed from the left and Ameobi rose highest to power home a header.

The hosts had a pair of chances to kill the game off after the interval. Barton’s shot from six yards was deflected wide, and Lovenkrands hit the post from a tight angle after going around Hennessey.

Lovenkrands did not have to wait much longer to get his name on the scoresheet, however. Fabricio Coloccini did well to steal the ball on the halfway line before feeding Barton, who crossed for the Dane to complete the move.

Wolves found a way back into the game on the hour mark, with England winger Matt Jarvis crossing for Sylvain Ebanks-Blake on the edge of the six yard box to steer past Steve Harper.

But it was a case of too little too late, as Newcastle added insult to injury with a fourth goal in injury time by Jonas Gutierrez.