Newcastle United's belated renaissance under Kevin Keegan gathered pace with an impressive 3-0 defeat of Reading at St James' Park.

Goals from Obafemi Martins, Michael Owen and Mark Viduka made it three wins in a row for Keegan's side, and all but mathematically ensured their Premier League survival.

The manner of Newcastle's victory will have pleased their manager immensely. The home side attacked in waves, chased everything and created chances at will. They could have scored a hatful.

Martins put United ahead after 17 minutes. The Nigerian striker cushioned Nicky Butt's pass, wrong-footed Andre Bikey and sent a neat right-footed shot past Marcus Hahnemann.

Reading, who had started brightly, appeared to wilt after conceding. As Newcastle pressed, the inevitable second duly arrived - providing the impressive Owen his fourth in as many games.

Habib Beye was the provider. The Senegal international clipped a pass into Owen from the inside right channel and the England forward swivelled to shoot home.

It was a strike reminiscent of David Platt's injury-time winner for England against Belgium at Italia 90, and indicative of Owen's blossoming confidence.

With the second half came growing Newcastle dominance. Sanchez Jose Enrique, in particular, orchestrated attack after attack as the Toon Army bayed for a third. They did not have long to wait.

Once again it was the impressive Beye who played supplier - his neat run and cross finding Viduka 12 yards out.

The Australian blasted home and Newcastle were out of sight.

For Reading, there were few positives to glean from a lacklustre performance which lacked their usual grit and determination. They were not without chances however.

Dave Kitson saw his first-half shot well saved by Steve Harper, and John Oster's header also required invention from the Newcastle 'keeper.

As the game drew in Newcastle pushed further forward and invited Reading to counter. They could, and perhaps should, have scored a consolation. Kitson headed wide, and Stephen Hunt's powerful shot was stopped by Harper.

Meanwhile, the home side wasted abundant opportunities of their own - Martins shot wide and Joey Barton was denied by a superb Hahnemann save. When the final whistle came, Reading were clinging on.

Steve Coppell's men now find themselves precariously placed going in to the final five games of their season.

The Royals are just six points clear of Bolton Wanderers in 18th, and with visits to Arsenal and Tottenham to negotiate in a tricky run-in, some way short of safety.

Will Tidey / Eurosport