Newcastle United secured their first victory under Kevin Keegan with a comfortable 2-0 win over struggling Fulham side on Saturday.

Mark Viduka scored only his sixth goal of the campaign to give Newcastle the lead in the 6th minute. Fulham tried to stage a come back in the second half but Michael Owen put the result beyond doubt by scoring his second goal in as many matches.

With both the teams struggling in the league, it was a must win game for Newcastle if they were to avoid slipping closer to the relegation zone. Newcastle started the game on the cautious note, allowing Fulham to have a lion's share of the possession in the opening few minutes but the visitors were unable to take advantage.

Viduka calmed early nerves for Newcastle fans in the 6th minute when he latched on to Geremi's pass before smashing the ball into the bottom corner of the net. The goal seemed to have lifted the hosts as Owen twice came close to doubling the lead but was unable to beat Kasey Keller who also denied Obafemi Martins with a diving save.

Newcastle settled down in the second half with some neat passing moves, though Fulham were in with a chance to collecting at least a point before Owen doubled the lead in the 83rd minute when he heading home Geremi's free kick to hand Newcastle their first win in over 14 matches.