Martins brace inspires Magpies
Obafemi Martins fired Newcastle out of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone as the Magpies claimed their second successive victory by beating Aston Villa 2-0.
The Nigeria international condemned fifth-placed Villa to defeat with a sweetly-struck left-foot shot on the hour before making sure with his second of the game eight minutes from time after a brilliant run by Jonas Gutierrez.
Shay Given, making his 450th appearance for the club, had earlier produced a fine save to deny Ashley Young, and Martin Laursen had headed against the outside of the post, but Nicky Butt hit the woodwork at the other end as the home side showed real character.
