But the win went further than simply ending an unwanted run of poor form, with Townsend suggesting it affords the Eagles the breathing room to 'look up the table'.
"We've done it with a few games to spare," he said, "and now we can look up the table and focus on getting as many points between now and the end of the season to hopefully end on a high and hopefully climb a few more places.
"We've had a little blip of late and there was a chance we could have got dragged into the relegation dogfight but this win I think secures our place in the Premier League for another season. But as a team, as a group of players and staff, we want more than that. We're better than that and deserve more than that, the fans deserve more than that so we're going to push now for the end of the season and see where we can finish."
Palace's approach made the game a tight affair, defending resolutely and striking Newcastle with an ultimately successful outcome and Townsend praised the Eagles' competence at getting the result they needed.
He said: "I think especially this season we've done that very well where we've soaked up pressure and where the home team have got momentum we've stayed resolute.
"We've stayed compact as a team and we've not conceded and you just know with the pace we've got on the counter and the quality and thankfully Wilf did what he does best and Luka did what he does best and it's a well deserved three points for us."
Luka doing what he does best has now resulted in 10 converted penalties this season, with Townsend saying he's 'never seen anything like it': "How can he score double-figure penalties and still send the 'keeper the wrong way? It's incredible technique and incredible ability and we're thankful we've got him for the big moments."
To watch an interview with Townsend and more post-match reaction, make sure to keep an eye on Palace TV by either clicking here now or 'Palace TV' in your official Palace app.
