Woods penalty fires Newcastle to win over Wolves and closer to EPL safety

Chris Wood’s second-half penalty was enough to give Newcastle victory over Wolves at St James’ Park and surely allayed any lingering relegation fears.

Wood had the ball in the net for the hosts in the first half, turning home from close range after Miguel Almiron had latched onto Bruno Guimares’ smart flick, but VAR ruled the Paraguayan was inches offside.

The former Bunrley striker won the decisive penalty himself when he was played in by Joelinton and taken down by Jose Sa, before sending the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot for his first home goal as a Magpie.

Martin Dubravka saved Wolves’ only real decent effort to get back on level terms, tipping wide Fabio Silva’s shot that was heading inside his near post.

The win leaves Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side ten points clear of the relegation zone.

Wolves are eighth and missed the chance to break into the top six.