Gray, Southampton's caretaker manager who has conducted himself with great dignity since taking over from Hoddle, was entitled to feel proud of his players' performance.
He said: 'After going five games without scoring, I don't get too excited when we have one-on-ones any more, and I had a feeling of disbelief when I saw Marian's header hit the net.'
For Newcastle, the season cannot end quickly enough and the prospect of qualifying for the Inter-Toto Cup now seems unrealistic.
Gallacher had given them the lead after 25 minutes when he lifted the ball over Paul Jones following an error by Tahar El Khalej. But Southampton refused to be cowed and were kept at bay only by a series of fine saves from Shay Given.
