Michael Owen was delighted to be on the mark for Newcastle United again in Saturday's victory over Fulham.

Owen said: "You know me. You don't make a living out of scoring goals if you miss a chance and then go hiding.

"I know there were over 50,000 people here - there could be five million here and I wouldn't go hiding if I missed a chance.

"You have always got to be ready for that next one and that came along in the second half and, thankfully, I put it away and it gave us a bit of breathing space.

"We have been one up a few times over the last couple of months and it is always edgy with the situation we are in.

"But we managed to get that cushion, and it was probably the most enjoyable eight minutes after that we have had all season."

Although Newcastle know they are not yet safe relief was the overriding emotion on Tyneside - not least for Owen's wife Louise.

The striker said: "I am delighted for everyone. When you are winning games, there is no end to it.

"You go home happy, you can go out for a meal with the wife and you can be happy.

"For the past couple of months, you are just going home and twiddling your thumbs, watching the telly, going to bed and waking up with a sore head.

"It has not been nice but now we can go home, be pleased with the result, pleased for the fans, the manager and the staff.

"Everyone works so hard to get us right on matchday tactically, physically, mentally and everything else - so it is good for everyone."