Magpies see off 10-man Birmingham

Steven Taylor first Barclays Premier League goal in two years ended Newcastle's relegation fears as they secured a 2-1 victory which left 10-man Birmingham looking anxiously over their shoulders.

The central defender marked his return to the starting line-up with a 43rd-minute header after Shola Ameobi had opened the scoring from the penalty spot following Liam Ridgewell's 35th-minute dismissal for deliberate handball.

Former Magpie Lee Bowyer pulled one back on the stroke of half-time, but City had goalkeeper Ben Foster to thanks for a series of fine saves which prevented a heavier defeat.

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.