Howe admitted he had felt unusually anxious before the match but said the result significantly lifted the mood around the club.

"From an emotional level, that was a massive win for us," he said. "There was an anxiety going into the game just wanting the team to perform.

"Your outlook on things changes, as much as you try to stay level, things just look a bit brighter with winning."

Goals from William Osula and Dan Burn put Newcastle in control at half-time. Brighton responded through Jack Hinshelwood in the second half, but Harvey Barnes sealed the win deep into stoppage time.The result lifts Newcastle to 13th in the table, five points behind Brighton in seventh with three matches remaining, keeping their slim hopes of European qualification alive.

Howe said the performance had been building despite recent results.

"I think we've been building towards that for a few weeks," he said. "The training has been really strong, really committed, very competitive.

"I'm a big believer that you always end up getting your rewards for that if your work continues to be strong."

The win came during a significant week off the pitch, with Howe having met chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan to discuss the club's future plans.

Newcastle were not without fortune, with Brighton creating several chances and missing key opportunities, while goalkeeper Nick Pope endured an uncertain display.

"At times we rode a little bit of luck today, but I think we more than deserved that in recent weeks," Howe said.

He also praised the unity within his squad during a challenging period.

"Credit to the players for sticking together, staying united. Behind the scenes they've been excellent," he added.

Captain Bruno Guimaraes said the result was vital to their ambitions.

"We knew today was important for chasing European football next season," he said. "We keep dreaming and believing. The points are crucial."

Burn, who scored against his former club, said the players were determined to respond amid scrutiny on Howe and the veteran centre-back dedicated the win to the manager.

"The gaffer has taken a lot of stick, so that was for him," Burn said. "It wasn't the greatest performance, but it was important to get the win."

Newcastle face Nottingham Forest, Fulham and West Ham in their remaining fixtures as they attempt to close the gap on the European places.

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Fall of Wickets	Player	Score	Overs	Bowler	Out
4	Jannillea Glasgow	199	33.2	Aimee Maguire	Catch OUT
3	Deandra Dottin	189	31.6	Aimee Maguire	Catch OUT
2	Hayley Matthews	159	25.6	Louise Little	Catch OUT
1	Realeanna Grimmond	1	0.6	Orla Prendergast	Catch OUT

Finished West Indies Women in Ireland ODI Series