And so it proved to be that one of Chris Hughton's Newcastle United signings played a major part in thwarting his current Norwich City side in taking something away from the North East yesterday afternoon.

Centre-back Mike Williamson, signed by Hughton from Portsmouth at the end of 2010, produced a vital headed clearance off the line from Robert Snodgrass' first-half header – moments after Demba Ba had put the hosts ahead against the run of play.

Ba's goal ultimately earned United all three points and left Hughton's Canaries still searching for the first win of their Premier League campaign.

'I didn't really know if it was going in or not,' said the 28-year-old. 'I just tried to get it away and defend. That's my job and luckily we kept a clean sheet and we played well as a team.

'I thought we ground it out and showed our character. We were glad to get three points and it was a good day's work.'

Newcastle were last in Premier League action with a 2-2 draw at Everton on Monday night, before travelling to Madeira in the Europa League on Thursday and following that goalless draw with victory over City.

'We've had a lot of games and it's taken its toll on the squad with quite a few injuries but the lads who have came in have done brilliantly and I think we're finding our feet,' added Williamson.

'I didn't really have time to catch up with Chris, but he's a lovely guy and I wish him all the best. He's a fantastic manager and I'm just thankful to him for bringing me here.'