Barton strikes as Newcastle gain valuable win

NEWCASTLE (AFP) - Joey Barton justified the faith of Newcastle United manager Joe Kinnear by scoring the opening goal as the Magpies beat West Brom 2-0 for only their second Premier League win this season. Barton, making his first start since being released from prison, struck from the penalty spot in the 10th minute before birthday boy Obafemi Martins added a second three minutes before half-time at St James' Park here on Tuesday. West Brom substitute striker Ishmael Miller pulled a goal back in the 65th minute to fray the nerves of Newcastle's fans but the home side hung on for a first league win since August. Victory took United out of the relegation zone and into 15th place, a point behind the Baggies, although all the other teams around them at the bottom of the table are in action on Wednesday. Barton returned last... [read full story]