London - Newcastle United beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Tuesday to climb out of the relegation zone.

Joey Barton, in his first start of the season, put the Magpies ahead after 10 minutes, converting from the penalty spot after Shola Ameobi had been tripped by Ryan Donk.

Obafemi Martins added a second three minutes before half-time, heading powerfully home from Habib Beye's cross.

Ishmael Miller pulled one back from a Robert Koren through-ball after 64 minutes, but West Brom, as so often this season, looked toothless despite dominating possession.

The victory was Newcastle's first under Joe Kinnear, who replaced Kevin Keegan in a caretaker capacity last month. dpa