A carnival-style drum group gave the pre-match atmosphere something of a cup-final feel but, in reality, this game was much bigger than a cup final with the financial penalty for dropping out of the elite league so severe.
After the match, though, there was relief and a hopeful look towards the future.
Natalie Hall, 17, Birtley, Gateshead, student, said: “I think it’s gone really well for Newcastle, I think it’s boosted everyone’s spirits.
“We can probably stay up now, with the confidence this has given us for the match against Fulham.
“I think everyone’s going to be really pleased.”
And plumber Glenn Thornton, 50, from Dudley, North Tyneside, said: “The atmosphere in there was tremendous, they played their hearts out and they got a result.
“Obviously the confidence will go to the next match and hopefully we can get a point against Aston Villa, so there’s still the hope that we can stay up this season.” Adam Hamed, 23, a marine engineer from Hebburn, said: “Everyone knew this was our last chance.
“To win this is absolutely massive. It looks like Middlesbrough are going down and we have a really good chance of staying up.
“We should have never been in this situation and there’s big changes needed next season but it’s a great result.”
