Joe Allen was ecstatic to be back on the scoresheet as he helped Liverpool keep their Champions League hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Newcastle United at Anfield.

Raheem Sterling had already opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a superb curler past Tim Krul from inside the area, but with the Reds having wasted a succession of good opportunities - John Carver's men began to edge into the game.

Though Allen's effort with 20 minutes to go, lashing into the top corner after the ball bounced fortuitously for the Welshman, sealed what ended up as a comfortable three points for the home side. 

It was the first time Allen had found the back of the net since scoring away at Crystal Palace 11 months ago, as the 24-year-old thrived alongside Jordan Henderson as Lucas Leiva - who also nearly found the back of the net - held the defensive midfield role.

"It was great to score in the Premier League at Anfield for the first time," said Allen, who has only scored four times in 92 appearances for the Reds.

"It gave us that two-goal cushion which was important for the team. It's something I need to add more to my game.

"It's a position I played in during the majority of my time at Swansea so it's one I know well. It gives you more of a licence to play further up the field and hopefully be more involved in creating and scoring goals.

The victory was a much-needed lift for the Reds, even after they secured a FA Cup semi-final berth with a win over Blackburn Rovers in mid-week.

Liverpool had suffered two excruciating losses at the hands of Manchester United and Arsenal, who both look set to finish in the top-four, but Monday's win means the Reds are still in the chasing pack.

"It was crucial after the two league defeats to Manchester United and Arsenal to get back to winning ways," added Allen.

"We have prided ourselves on starting games with great tempo and intensity. We didn't manage to do that for whatever reasons in those two games.

"To get back to that style tonight was great. It wasn't the perfect performance but another clean sheet is brilliant for us.

"The result was probably even more important than the performance tonight. Hopefully this can now trigger another good run."

Liverpool are now just four points away from Manchester City, who currently occupy the final Champions League qualification spot, but Allen believes they will be primed to take advantage of any more slip-ups. 

"Our job is simple - we need to keep piling pressure on the teams above us," he said.

"We have to take care of our business. The teams above know we will give everything and they can't slip up because they know we will be on their tails.

"If any of them do slip up, we have to make sure we are there to take advantage.

"It was important to win and it gives us great self belief and confidence going into a big game this weekend."

Liverpool's next game sees them travel to Wembley Stadium, or "Anfield South" to some - to take on Tim Sherwood's Aston Villa for a place in the final of the FA Cup - and Allen admitted he is relishing the opportunity.

"We can't wait for Sunday," Allen said.

"It will be a great occasion at Wembley, but it's just a semi-final.

"There's a lot of work to be done. We'll go there confident we can ourselves through and get back there for another game in the final."