Substitute Thierno Barry scored a dramatic late winner as Everton stunned Newcastle United in the Premier League to maintain their push for a European place.

Everton manager David Moyes insisted beforehand that his side were not about to give up on their dream of qualifying for the Europa League or the Europa Conference League, but the Scot acknowledged they needed to "win some really big games on the journey".

This trip to St James' Park certainly fitted the bill and Everton rose to the occasion - just as they have so many times on the road this season.

Even when it looked like Everton might have to settle for a share of the spoils after winger Jacob Murphy drew Newcastle level in the 82nd minute, Barry stepped up with a close-range effort to leave Moyes punching the air on the touchline.

Moyes reacted similarly after defender Jarrad Branthwaite opened the scoring with a glancing header at the near post in this topsy-turvy clash after stealing a march on marker Sandro Tonali to get on the end of James Garner's corner.

Disjointed Newcastle found a way to equalise after Jacob Ramsey's shot took a deflection off the sliding Branthwaite and looped over goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

But Newcastle were only level for a couple of minutes after keeper Nick Pope spilled Dwight McNeil's swerving long-range effort, and Beto reacted quickest to tap home on the rebound.

It was the perfect way for Beto to repay the faith of Moyes after being handed his first start since December.

Newcastle, who were fresh from booking their place in the last 16 of the Champions League in midweek, looked stunned.

Head coach Eddie Howe demanded a response after the break as he turned to his bench, and substitute Murphy drew his side level with a deflected volley from Joelinton's scooped cross.

But Everton showed their powers of recovery once again to immediately retake the lead after the falling Barry managed to connect with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's cross.

The visitors managed to see the game out after Pickford made a flying save to palm Tonali's volley on to the crossbar.

They move up to eighth in the table, while Newcastle stay 12th.

There was understandably plenty of chatter before this game about Newcastle's mouth-watering upcoming Champions League tie against Barcelona.

But this was a huge game in its own right.

Howe's side are running out of matches to kick-start their league season, yet you would not have known it judging by this display.

Howe made six changes following the win against Qarabag this week, but too many square pegs were placed into round holes as Joelinton was shifted out to the left, Nick Woltemade dropped into midfield and Anthony Gordon led the line.

It was rather telling that Howe moved the trio back into their natural roles after a poor opening half an hour.

The tweaks paid dividends when Ramsey drew Newcastle level, and the midfielder did not even celebrate as he led his team-mates back into their half for a quick restart.

But any semblance of momentum quickly evaporated - not for the first time this season.

There is a reason this leaky side have now conceded 23 goals in all competitions since they last kept a clean sheet last month.

Having found a way to draw level again, through Murphy, Newcastle quickly fell behind once again.

It brought back memories of a bruising 3-2 defeat against Brentford at this stadium earlier this month.

Just like that evening, there were a smattering of boos at full-time.

This domestic campaign is going up in smoke following a damaging run of five defeats in six games.

Everton's strikers have not exactly been prolific this season.

Beto has netted five goals in all competitions, while Barry has bagged six after only finding his shooting boots in recent months.

But this was an afternoon when the pair delivered for their side.

Just as Moyes got the reaction he wanted from Beto on a rare start, so too did he when Barry came off the bench to score the winner.

It was not necessarily a vintage finish, but the substitute gambled and was in the right place at the right time to get some form of contact on Dewsbury-Hall's delivery to the back post to send the Everton supporters bouncing in delight.

The travelling support have certainly been rewarded for their trips up and down the country.

In fact, only Premier League leaders Arsenal have picked up more points (29) on the road than resilient Everton (24).

After successive home defeats against Manchester United and Bournemouth, this was the perfect response from Everton.

Newcastle welcome Manchester United to St James' Park on Wednesday before another home game against Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round on 7 March.

Everton host Burnley at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday before travelling to Arsenal on 15 March.