Andy Carroll has dedicated his goal against Stoke City to the Newcastle United support.

Carroll told the Evening Chronicle: "My first goal was special, but this means so much more to myself, the club and the fans. We all believe we can get out of trouble, but we needed a break and I think this could be it.

"There are only six games left in the league, and with us being down towards the bottom of the table, we need every point we can get.

"Balls were coming in all over the place from out wide, and this one was a great ball by Duffer (Damien Duff).

"I just got on the end of it and hit it back across goal, and luckily it went in. I didn't know it was going to hit the back of the net until it did. As soon as I saw the net move, I was over the moon.

"We piled on the pressure after that, and could have nicked a second.

"Stoke dropped right off, and we took advantage. We had the chances to get a winner. The fans were unbelievable, and it was nice to score the equaliser to get a great point for us.

"We went there to get the three points, but we went behind, and fought back to get the equaliser. We were unlucky not to take the three points."