The local hero turned in a man-of-the-match performance against the Magpies' fellow strugglers, scoring his side's first goal to send them on their way to a vital win in the north-east derby.

The result keeps alive Newcastle's hopes of staving off relegation from the Barclays Premier League, lifting them out of the bottom three on goal difference above Hull City.

Taylor said: "We were magnificent tonight. It's massive and three points definitely helps us.

"We need to take this and build on it. We are full of confidence now and can't wait until the next game.

"It was the best feeling ever to get back in the game. Things haven't gone our way recently but it was different tonight."

Newcastle moved out of the relegation zone for the first time in seven weeks and Taylor paid tribute to temporary manager Alan Shearer's impact.

He added: "He deserves it. He and Iain Dowie have been fantastic for us. They've worked hard and everyone is doing a good job.

"If we stay up it will be the best feeling ever. This is a big club which should be in Europe, not in this position. But we've only got ourselves to blame for where we are."