The Match Verdict - Newcastle 2-1 Hull City: Magpies hang on to get crucial victory

Newcastle United passed a test of character against Hull City but only after a few scares as fans were left baying for the final whistle at St James' Park.

This was the classic game of two halves as Newcastle hurtled out of the traps to go 2-0 up after just seven minutes thanks to goals from Joe Willock and Lewis Hall, and they should have had the game all but wrapped up by the interval only for Yoane Wissa to miss a penalty at the Leazes End.

Despite the nervous nature of this victory, Toon fans won't care a jot, and the win was worth its weight in gold to Matthias Jaissle. The head coach had asked his players to take losing duels "personally" after the 4-1 mauling at Leeds, and they looked motivated from the early stages.

Like any team in a transitional stage though they needed to be coaxed through parts of this game with Willock in particular getting constant encouragement from his manager. Jaissle applauded Willock's battling skills and pointed to his head on occasion to order focus, and it paid off as the midfielder who could have been sold to Besiktas on deadline day delivered.

Getting a young squad, containing some senior players who need love, is going to be vital for Newcastle now and the Magpies head into a long international break in great fettle.

This is Lee Ryder and Sean McCormick's verdict.

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