John Carver: 'Newcastle United fought hard to beat Aston Villa'

Newcastle United manager John Carver has praised his side for digging deep and securing a 1-0 win against Aston Villa in Saturday's Premier League clash at St James' Park.

Papiss Cisse's goal in the first half proved the difference between the two sides as the Magpies made up for their 5-0 drubbing away at Manchester City last week.

Carver told BBC Sport after the game: "It wasn't scintillating, it was two nervous sides. It wasn't pretty but it was a nice feeling getting that goal before half time. It was a godsend.

"We kept a clean sheet, which we haven't done too many times. We do have a long list of people who aren't available. We've dug in there and fought every inch of the way to get the result.

"It's been a long week after last weekend. It couldn't come quickly enough. The expectancy of this crowd is massive. I know it's not pretty and not breathtaking but it was a win and that the most important thing."

The win keeps Newcastle 11th in the Premier League table.