Newcastle United's Ayoze Perez, left, celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game during their English Premier League soccer match against Huddersfield at St James' Park, Newcastle, England, Saturday, March 31, 2018. (Owen Humphreys/PA via AP)
The Associated Press
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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Huddersfield Town's Christopher Schindler, right, challenges Newcastle United's Ayoze Perez during their English Premier League soccer match at St James' Park, Newcastle, England, Saturday, March 31, 2018. (Owen Humphreys/PA via AP)
The Associated Press
Huddersfield Town's Elias Kachunga, left, and Newcastle United's Kenedy battle for the ball during their English Premier League match soccer at St James' Park, Newcastle, England, Saturday, March 31, 2018. (Owen Humphreys/PA via AP)
The Associated Press
Newcastle United's Mohamed Diame, left, and Huddersfield Town's Alex Pritchard battle for the ball during their English Premier League soccer match at St James' Park, Newcastle, England, Saturday, March 31, 2018. (Owen Humphreys/PA via AP)
The Associated Press
Newcastle United's Florian Lejeune, left, and Huddersfield Town's Aaron Mooy battle for the ball during their English Premier League soccer match at St James' Park, Newcastle, England, Saturday, March 31, 2018. (Owen Humphreys/PA via AP)
The Associated Press