Stunning Townsend goal pushes Newcastle out of relegation zone

Newcastle - Andros Townsend's stunning free-kick gave Newcastle renewed hope of avoiding relegation from the Premier League with a tense 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at St James' Park on Saturday.

But Rafa Benitez's side was also indebted to unheralded goalkeeper Karl Darlow for a dramatic penalty save that denied ex-Toon midfielder Yohan Cabaye an equaliser 20 minutes from time.

Victory stretched the home side's unbeaten run to four games, as Newcastle climbed out of the bottom three for the first time since early February after taking eight points from the last 12.

Townsend broke the deadlock in the 58th minute with his third goal in five matches, with the England midfielder now having scored four goals for north-east side Newcastle since sealing a £12-million move from Tottenham in January.

But it was third choice keeper Darlow - only in the side because of long-term knee injuries suffered by Tim Krul and Rob Elliot - who ensured a priceless victory when he dived to his left to block a tame spot-kick from France international Cabaye, who was mercilessly booed by Newcastle fans.