"Every game for us is like a final. Winning is massive because it gives us more confidence. There is still a long race ahead but we are doing well and hopefully we can continue that.

"We needed to win and to perform well. The players did it and were amazing in terms of effort, organisation and team spirit.

"We were working in the week trying to manage Burnley's two big centre-forwards and the players did really well.

"The main thing for us is to make sure we can get something out of these games. We have confidence now and the players will continue pushing and working hard.

"Our away fans are amazing. At home, they are really good but, away, they are even better because they come here just to support the team and enjoy the game. 

"So, when you go back with three points, it's the best thing you can do for them.

On Ciaran Clark - who captained the side:

"I think he did well. The three centre-backs had to adapt to two strong strikers, and after they put more big lads on the pitch. 

"I think they did really well. For someone who was not playing to play at the level he played, I'm really pleased with him."

On Matt Ritchie's point-blank miss:

"I need to see the replay! I couldn’t believe it. I will watch the replay and hopefully we can have a laugh. If not, we will be talking with Ritchie seriously."

Matt Ritchie:

"Horrific miss, horrendous, but that's life, it's football.

"Luckily enough it's not cost us and I can smile about it...but inside it hurts.

"It's a miss that I'll probably remember for the rest of my life, but I'll make sure it doesn't happen again.

"I'm sure it'll last forever (the teasing). I'll move on. I'm a strong character and I'll make sure it doesn't affect me. I've dealt with setbacks in my career and this is a minor setback."

Newcastle chalked up a third successive victory with a memorable success at Turf Moor to finally banish their Monday night curse, although in their own inimitable fashion, Rafa's side made harder work of the task than they really should have.

Two ahead inside the opening 23 minutes and with the hosts showing no tangible threat, Clarets striker Sam Vokes was allowed to head his side back into the game and spark five minutes of mild panic before half time.

Following an incredible Matt Ritchie miss from two yards out after the break, Magpies substitute Joselu then saw his shot cannon back off a post before Burnley almost stole a point when Vokes headed over deep into injury time.

Within seconds though, the final whistle blew to signal scenes of jubilation on and off the pitch and a first away win of the season that took United up into 13th position in the Premier League table.

The scheduled kick-off was put back half an hour due to a medical emergency and that delay seemed to work in Newcastle's favour, with the home side caught out in only the fourth minute. 

A half-cleared free-kick fell to Federico Fernandez and the defender's snap shot from the edge of the box flicked off defender Ben Mee to give Joe Hart absolutely no chance.

Things got even better for United in the 23rd minute, Ritchie whipping over a cross from the right following a corner kick that Ciaran Clark glanced inside the far post from eight yards for 2-0. 

With United dominating possession and firmly in control, the Clarets looked to have no way back and it was a major shock when they scored five minutes before the break. Vokes heading Mee's hopeful diagonal ball to Vokes over Martin Dubravka and into the net in front of the away end.

Rafa's side were suddenly under the cosh but crucially made it to the break without further calamity; Dubravka denying Chris Woods with one fine stop.

Ritchie's miss came in the 50th minute following great work by DeAndre Yedlin who intercepted the ball and drove into the box (and was fouled) before Hart saved his effort. Ritchie then somehow sliced his shot into the side netting with the goal gaping - with replays revealing the merest of bobbles on the ball as he made contact. With no advantage gained, no penalty award followed.

As the half wore on it, seemed like that would prove costly and Dubravka denied Wood again before substitute Joselu was unlucky to see a shot hit the inside of the post after Ayoze Perez had done well to play him in.

Possession was continually gifted back to the home side as they pressed for a late equaliser and when Hart was sent forward for two late set pieces, heartbreak for Newcastle seemed inevitable.

In the fourth and final minute of added time, Ritchie was booked after illegally halting Aaron Lennon on the right edge of the box, Vokes thankfully fluffing his lines though and heading over to sum up what had been another inept display by Burnley that singularly failed to stir their own followers.

As ourselves and Stoke have found to their cost, the novelty of a Europa League campaign is soon replaced by genuine concerns over the effect of those additional games on a limited squad and the extra half dozen games including trips to Scotland, Turkey and Greece has left Sean Dyche's side looking jaded - incapable of fully executing an uncomplicated howk it up to twin strikers game plan.

That ineptness allowed Newcastle to make light of the absence of Paul Dummett and successfully field a back three with wing back combo, aided by the efficiency of Ki and increasing effectiveness of Mo Diame - like last season taking an elongated run of games to get his eye in.

Rondon did his bit without any clear sight of goal, while both Perez and Joselu flattered to deceive - the latter adding to the feeling of mild peril in the closing stages by a reluctance to chase lost causes down. Collective spirit though - and a better executed game plan - allowed us to get and stay ahead of another bang average Premier League team, despite missing two glaring chances./

Victory was enough to leapfrog Huddersfield Town and move ahead of Saturday's opponents, West Ham, 13th being their highest position since the draw at Cardiff City in August left them 12th.

And let the record show that we wore black socks...
 
Biffa

This report is dedicated to the late John Delap. RIP.