OBAFEMI MARTINS scored both goals as Newcastle United climbed off the bottom of the Premier League table with a 2-0 win against Aston Villa at St James' Park here on Monday.
Their second succcesive victory saw the Magpies rise out of the bottom three and into 14th place to go above local rivals Sunderland on goal difference.
Nigeria international Martins paid tribute to interim manager Joe Kinnear, brought in on a temporary contract while unpopular owner Mike Ashley looks to sell the club after becoming something of a hate figure with supporters following the departure of fans' favourite Kevin Keegan.
"The gaffer is doing his best, for us just to try and push the pace in training," Martins told Setanta Sports. "It helped us a lot today (Monday). We are happy he is here and I hope he stays."
Martins was in no doubt about the significance of Newcastle's first back-to-back successes since April.
"We really needed this match, to put in 100 per cent to win. I hope we continue like this.
"It is very important for strikers to be scoring goals and I'm very happy to score two goals. I have to thank my teammates because we really tried."
But even after this win, and a 2-1 victory over West Brom last time out, Newcastle were left just a point above the relegation zone.
Martins struck on the hour mark from outside the box before making the game safe for the hosts seven minutes from time when he netted from close range following Jonas Gutierrez's fine run and cross.
Victory would have seen Villa go above champions Manchester United and into third spot. But instead they remained in fifth place after suffering their third league defeat of the season.AFP
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