Martins double earns Newcastle victory over Villa

Obafemi Martins struck twice in the second-half to earn Newcastle a well-deserved 2-0 over Aston Villa at St James' Park.

Going into the game Newcastle were bottom of the Premier League table, while a win for Villa would have put them third behind Liverpool and Chelsea.

Those facts went out the window as Joe Kinnear's men thoroughly deserved their victory over a disappointing Villa side.

It was also the first time that Newcastle have won back-to-back games this season, and there were signs that confidence is coming to the side after a turbulent time on and off the pitch.

The first-half was even affair, although Martin O'Neill's side will feel they should have entered the interval in the lead after Martin Laursen had hit the outside of the post with a header from a Gareth Barry corner in the 10th minute.

Gabriel Agbonlahor then missed a golden opportunity when he completely air-kicked after being set up by James Milner.

Shay Given saved well from Ashley Young shortly before the interval, while Newcastle's best opportunity came when Steven Taylor failed to connect with an inviting Habib Beye cross.

The home side took the lead 13 minutes into the second period when Martins picked up a pass from Joey Barton, turned Laursen and rifled a low shot past Brad Friedel from 20 yards.

Nicky Butt went close for Newcastle with a free-kick which crashed off the outside of the post, as the home side dominated the proceedings.

They had to wait until the 82nd minute to wrap the game up, however, and again it was Martins on hand to register his fourth goal of the season.

The Nigerian was on hand to tap home after good work from the impressive Jonas Gutierrez.

In the end it was an impressive performance from the home side, and the result moves them up to 14th place in the table.