NEWCASTLE, England (AP) - Ayoze Perez fired Newcastle to the brink of Premier League safety with his fifth goal of the season securing a 1-0 victory over Huddersfield on Saturday.
The Spaniard slid home Kenedy’s 80th-minute cross to break the deadlock on a tense afternoon at St. James’ Park, much to the relief of the bulk of a crowd of 52,261.
Dwight Gayle and Matt Ritchie had earlier passed up good opportunities to give their side the lead, but on a day when loan signing Islam Slimani belatedly made his debut as a substitute, the drama came amid a tense conclusion.
The Magpies eased themselves seven points clear of the drop zone, leaving the visitors four points behind in the pursuit of a second season in the Premier League.
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