Number 1 - Comments

Looks like that could well be the only one.

Lloris must be made of some pretty strong stuff to still be on.

I bet nothing happens in the nine added minutes, mind.

Kevin Nolan and Danny Simpson scored their first Newcastle goals as they got a late victory over relegation strugglers Blackburn.

A tight match looked set to be heading for a draw, after Nolan's opener was cancelled out by Morten Gamst Pedersen.

But with eight minutes to go, Simpson - who was on loan at Ewood Park last season - scored the goal that secured his team a first win in seven league matches and keeps Blackburn firmly in the mire at the bottom of the table.

It was tough to take for the visitors, who had held their own in a fairly even contest.

Sam Allardyce certainly knew that this was a great chance to end his team's own winless run, with their last win seeing them beat Burnley in January some ten games ago.

With both teams arriving on the back of poor runs, neither side was particularly close to troubling the scoresheet in the opening exchanges. A wayward strike from distance by Keith Andrews was the only real opportunity created in the opening 39 minutes of a dreadful contest.

It was very much defences on top, with a superb sliding tackle from Brett Emerton denying Shola Ameobi shooting space, and a similar tackle from former Rover Damien Duff denying El-Hadji Diouf shooting space.

With half-time approaching, it was Blackburn who begun creating some opportunities. Nicola Kalinic saw an effort deflected to Diouf, whose effort was carried out for a corner by Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini.

Moments later, Kalinic was even closer, with an impressive solo run sadly lacking in a finish the run deserved.

Newcastle's first real chance came four minutes after half-time, when Duff picked out Simpson, only for the full back to see his effort just touch the top of the bar on its way over.

But it was the home side who took the lead two minutes later. David Edgar hit the ball out wide for Jose Enrique, who ran before laying it off for Duff. The Irish winger's teasing delivery cued up Nolan, who struck the half-volley beyond Paul Robinson and into the goal.

It was a first Newcastle goal for the midfielder since joining from Bolton last January, and it was a moment to savour for the man after his difficult start to life in the North East.

Blackburn were not out of the contest but should have done better when Andrews sent his free-header wide of the mark.

Despite this, it was Rovers with the game's second goal. Andrews picked out substitute David Hoilett, who hit a firm ball out for Gamst Pedersen. The Norweigan broke away of the visiting defence before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

Newcastle responded by making substitutions, but it was Duff who should have scored when he was played through by Edgar only to find the side netting.

Substitute Andy Carroll was also close to the second goal for his team when he met Danny Guthrie's teasing delivery but couldn't do anything with it.

Blackburn were almost in for a second goal eleven minutes from time but Hoilett's weak shot was an easy one for Harper.

Newcastle were close to a winner when Carroll cued up Duff, who forced a save from Robinson.

Then, with eight minutes to go, it was the home side who forced the breakthrough. A free-kick after a foul by Hoilett on Jose Enrique saw Duff find Jonas Gutierrez, and the Argentine winger was able to cue up Simpson. The full-back opted to hit a powerful strike that flew from his right foot into the top corner, giving him a first Newcastle goal and his team the lead for the second time.

Blackburn offered little but almost snatched a point with 92 minutes on the clock when a corner picked out Hoilett, who could only see his header go out via the top of the bar.

Newcastle could have had a third on 93 minutes when Nolan was teed up only to see an effort deflected wide, while Benni McCarthy's knockdown at the other end could only find Steven Taylor, who was able to head the ball to the safe arms of Harper.

This helped the Magpies hold on for an important three points, as they secure a first victory since winning at Fulham in mid-February and keeps the team's top half place.

But it was another bad afternoon for Blackburn, not helped by Birmingham winning the vital six-pointer with Portsmouth, and they will feel increasingly uncertain of retaining their Premier League status.

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Coloccini, Jose Enrique - Wilshere (Jonas 62), Edgar, Guthrie (Smith 83), Duff - Nolan - Ameobi (Carroll 62)
Subs not used: Krul, Bassong, Ryan Taylor, Mandzukic
Booked: Coloccini

Scorer: Nolan (51), Simpson (82)

Blackburn: Robinson - Emerton, Samba, Nelsen, Givet - Andrews, N'Zonzi, Reid (Khizanishvilli 78) - Diouf (McCarthy 66), Kalinic (Hoilett 45), Gamst Pedersen
Subs not used: Bunn, Jacobsen, Stefanovic, Tchato
Booked: Andrews

Scorer: Gamst Pedersen (61)

Referee: Mike Jones
Attendance: 44,665

Wayne Rooney scored a late winner as Manchester United maintained their faint title hopes with victory at Newcastle.

It was harsh on Newcastle, who had took the lead and looked set to hold on despite being under the cosh for the bulk of the contest.

They opened the scoring through Mario Mandzukic, but were pegged back when Owen Hargreaves equalised from the penalty spot.

Manchester United took the lead shortly after half time through Dimitar Berbatov but Newcastle did get themselves level thanks to Mikkel Thygesen.

However, Rooney scored against Newcastle once again to secure a third straight win for United on Tyneside and keep alive their faint glimmer of title hope.

The visitors arrived with no win in seven games in all competitions, and still smarting from their humiliation by Inter Milan in the Champions League and FA Cup exit against Aston Villa in midweek.

They signalled their intent early on with some early pressure, but the only opportunity they could create saw John O'Shea's header easily saved by Steve Harper.

Newcastle's first chance fell to the recalled Ryan Taylor, but the full back spurned his opportunity when he fired a long-ranger into the crowd.

But it was the Red Devils who began to turn the screw. A flying move saw Antonio Valencia cue up Berbatov, whose looping header skimmed the bar on its way out, while a superb stop from Harper denied Johnny Evans.

Despite this, it was the hosts with the opening strike. The ball was played out wide to Jonas Gutierrez, who advanced down the flank before cueing the ball up for Jack Wilshere. A superb ball forward from the Arsenal loanee was collected by Mandzukic, who held off the visiting defence before picking his spot and placing it beyond Edwin van der Saar.

The Magpies' advantage was held on by some firm defending action, but with nine minutes to go of the half, they handed their guests a way back into the contest.

Zoran Tosic's free-kick was only half-cleared to Berbatov, who was tripped by Sebastien Bassong and a penalty was awarded.

Home players surrounded referee Keith Stroud and protested vociferously, but their protests were ignored by the referee. Hargreaves stepped up and converted the penalty, but a quiet end to the half saw the half-time whistle greeted by boos for the referee as the teams walked off.

Sir Alex Ferguson opted to bring on Darren Fletcher and Ryan Giggs at half-time, and his subs almost paid immediate dividends, with a brilliant Fletcher snapshot met by an equally superb stop from Harper.

Rooney should have done a lot better with his chance when he broke away from Steven Taylor only to lash a strike into the stands, but his team were celebrating soon enough.

A quick free-kick saw Hargreaves thread the ball out wide to Giggs, and the veteran Welshman evaded Jonas before flinging a cross in for Berbatov. The Bulgarian striker rose above Bassong before powering his header beyond Harper.

But Newcastle did get an equaliser less than four minutes after falling behind. Wilshere's vision again contributed, with the youngster picking out Damien Duff. The Irishmen's effort was only deflected by van der Saar to Thygesen, who tucked the ball over the line.

It was a second goal against a Manchester team for the Danish midfielder, who scored against Manchester City back in January.

Man United almost retook the lead immediately, with Rooney intercepting Steven Taylor's awful clearance only for his snapshot to be found wanting.

Although the half was quite quiet, the visitors were still creating opportunities, with O'Shea and Rooney wasting chances, but they still had to be vigiliant, with a superb defensive intevention from Nemanja Vidic all that denied Wilshere a seemingly certain goal.

A smart van der Saar save was needed to deny Alan Smith's fizzing long range strike, but with four minutes remaining on the clock, it was the visitors with the game's fifth goal.

Giggs' run down the flank cued up Berbatov, who's angled run into the box yielded a stop from Harper. However, the rebound hit a combination of Berbatov and Bassong, and fell kindly for Rooney, who could not miss an open goal from four yards out.

It was yet another strike against the team that almost signed him in 2004, but more importantly it looked to have given his team a vital win.

A further blow for Newcastle saw Thygesen injured, and although they threw on Shola Ameobi and Peter Lovenkrands, the visitors held out.

It was an important win for Sir Alex Ferguson and his men after a testing period of games, but they'll still be hopeful this can be the springboard of securing that top four position.

Newcastle: Harper - Ryan Taylor, Steven Taylor, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Jonas (Nolan 80), Smith (Ameobi 87), Wilshere, Duff - Thygesen (Lovenkrands 90) - Mandzukic
Subs not used: Krul, Edgar, Coloccini, Guthrie
Booked: Steven Taylor, Duff

Scorer: Mandzukic (24), Thygesen (63)

Manchester United: van der Saar - O'Shea (Brown 82), Vidic, Evans, Evra - Valencia, Hargreaves, Anderson (Fletcher 45), Tosic (Giggs 45) - Berbatov, Rooney
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Filipe, Welbeck, Owen

Scorer: Hargreaves (pen 36), Berbatov (59), Rooney (86)

Referee: Keith Stroud
Attendance: 52,387

Newcastle United manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has confirmed he will remain the club's manager after meeting with the board.

There had been speculation on the future of the former England manager after the takeover of Newcastle by Michael Murray, with the new owner of the club reportedly set to appoint Alan Curbishley as their new manager.

But Eriksson confirmed in his pre-match press conference before tomorrow's match against Manchester United that he will remain at the club.

He aid: "I am aware there has been speculation about my future at the club since the takeover of the club. Such speculation is normal in football - of course, when I was England manager I was being linked with a new job every other day.

"But I have met with the new chairman and board,and we had a talk about the situation. We agreed that its best I remain in this position and so I will remain Newcastle manager.

"There is no need to change anyway. We maybe on a winless run, I accept that. But we need stability and continuity at this club, and we're not going to get that with any needles dismissals.

"At the start of this campaign, me and Mike (Ashley, Newcastle's former owner) agreed on a top half finish and so far we're managing it."

Newcastle are currently without a win in six league matches, while the club are under pressure for their poor disciplinary record.

Eriksson also confirmed that he wants to make the loan signing Danny Simpson permanent, but admits they may not have the funds to keep Jack Wilshere at the club on a permanent basis.

He added: "We know the situation with our loan recruits and it would be great to keep both here. But there's a certain economic reality to the situation with Jack that means keeping him here beyond May is likely not to happen.

"However, we have been talking with Manchester United's representatives about buying Danny. We would certainly like to make him a signing at this club as he has impressed for us in his loan spell.

"We have a long way to go but we're certainly looking at it."

Route one at its finest

Hell yes!

I was expecting a hammering but after a poor first half we stepped it up and rode the luck near the end to get a win. That's exactly what we needed after that derby disaster last weekend.

Sissoko on the wing. Again. Jesus.

Much as I'd like to think we might get something, I'm not holding my breath.

Amazingly he still looks less creepy than Robin Thicke.

John Utaka scored the only goal of the game as Portsmouth picked up a vital victory by beating Newcastle.

The Nigerian's goal 18 minutes from time was enough to sink an underwhelming Newcastle display, and in turn gave Portsmouth a first league win in 2010.

It will be a major relief to manager Paul Hart, whose team hadn't won since beating Wigan on December 28th, and it helps his team stay ahead of the relegation drop zone in the battle to beat the drop.

Newcastle arrived after making the 340 mile trip hoping for a tonic after a failure to win in six games in all competitions, and they began the game on the front foot. Jonas Gutierrez saw a firm free kick hit the side-netting, while Mario Mandzukic was also close to grabbing the Toon the opening goal when he received Shola Ameobi's knockdown and saw a firm effort narrowly clip the top of the goal.

Portsmouth were close to the opening strike when Jose Enrique narrowly deflected Tommy Smith's effort past the post, while a swerving Papa Bouba Diop effort couldn't find the target.

Tommy Smith was very close to his own effort, when he received Anthony Vanden Borre's cross and beat Steve Harper but not the crossbar.

Diop was also wayward with an attempt as Portsmouth began to control the contest.

But despite being largely in charge, Portsmouth's accuracy was proof of their relegation problems, with Utaka wasting a great chance.

Newcastle were similarly problematic with their accuracy, with Mandzukic seeing a poor effort deflected away and the visitors duly wasting the corner.

Sebastien Bassong was presented with a chance to get the visitor's the advantage, when his effort trickled off target.

It was the visitors with the first opportunity of the second half, and it was also their first on target, with Shola Ameobi seeing a strike firmly denied by David James.

A simple stop from the veteran English goalkeeper was also required to deny David Edgar as Newcastle had the best of the second half's opportunities, with a fizzing drive from Ameobi pushed clear by James.

Portsmouth's first chance of the half came just shy on 20 minutes into the half, with Linvoy Primus hitting it wide.

But just as the game seemed to lose its spark, it was the home side that found the opening goal.

A free-kick was awarded a foul on Hamed Namouchi, and Vanden Borre pinged in the free-kick. It picked out Utaka, who nipped in ahead of his markers to flick the ball into the back of the net.

Newcastle flung on attacking substitutes as they attempted to find themselves an equaliser, but it wasn't to be for the visitors, who created next to nothing in their attempts to level.

As a result, it was Portsmouth who held on to secure an important victory. It was a vital result for the South Coast side, who have been in freefall amid rumours of financial hardship, and they will hope it can spark a run to stave away demotion worries.

Portsmouth: James - Vanden Borre, Ben-Haim, Wilson, Hreidarsson - Mokoena, Hughes (Primus 45) - Tommy Smith, Diop, Namouchi - Utaka
Subs not used: Steele, Pulido, Reynolds, Wilkinson, Yebda, Dindane

Scorer: Utaka (72)

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson (Lovenkrands 88), Steven Taylor, Bassong, Jose Enrique (Guthrie 72) - Jonas, Edgar, Wilshere (Nolan 64), Duff - Mandzukic, Ameobi
Subs not used: Krul, Coloccini, Ryan Taylor, Alan Smith
Booked: Simpson, Bassong

Referee: Lee Mason
Attendance: 17,088

Antics at Port Vale are worse given they're now asking the local Stoke paper for £10,000 a year in covering fees just for asking "When can fans expect their anniversary shirts given they're already late?"

Robin van Persie scored as Arsenal registered a comfortable victory over ten man Newcastle.

The Dutch striker's 15th goal in the league this season was his team's opener, and within eight minutes, William Gallas made it two as they kept alive their faint hopes of Champions League qualification.

Theo Walcott added some late gloss for the Gunners, while Newcastle saw Joey Barton sent off for the third time this season.

Discipline remains a major problem for Sven-Goran Eriksson's side, who received their eighth red card of the campaign.

It was also not a performance Eriksson was happy with, following the club's takeover by Michael Murray amid reports in the media that the new owner wants to appoint Alan Curbishley as the club's new manager.

But it was a happier day for Arsene Wenger, whose team have not been at their best this campaign as they face missing out on Champions League football for the first time since 1997.

The Gunners were on the front foot from the start. A wonderful pass from Cesc Fabregas picked out van Persie, who broke free of the back four but couldn't keep his effort on target.

Newcastle should have taken the lead inside ten minutes when Mario Mandzukic was played through but could only find the gloves of Manuel Almunia, and they almost paid the price within minutes when Steve Harper was called upon to deny Tomas Rosicky.

Rosicky was only presented the opportunity after a terrible backpass from Danny Simpson, and poor Magpies defending put them behind on 16 minutes. A needless foul by Barton on Fabregas gave the Gunners a free-kick, and van Persie's delightful delivery landed in the top corner.

Arsenal were clearly in the mood for more, with an excellent Harper stop denying Eduardo.

But the resulting corner duly led to another goal. Eduardo rose highest to meet Andrey Arshavin's corner, and his header across goal struck Gallas before finding its way over the line.

The Arsenal captain was credited with the goal, and the Frenchman led the celebrations as his side established their cushion.

Newcastle almost got a goal back just after the half hour when the ball landed for Barton, who saw a crisp effort beaten away by Almunia.

But the visiting defence remained vulnerable, with Arshavin seeing a good effort land inches wide of the mark after Barton's needless free-kick concession.

Arsenal still looked more likely to score. They had two free-kicks deflected wide in the closing stages of the first-half, and in stoppage time at the end of the half, Eduardo's firm cross picked out Arshavin, who was well denied by Harper.

A quieter second half saw Newcastle carve out the first real opportunity and they should have done a lot better with it when Mandzukic met Mikkel Thygesen's delivery but could only head it wide.

The misery for the visitors then increased when they were reduced to ten men. Barton had been walking a tightrope after a first half booking for tripping Arshavin, and sure enough the former Man City midfielder pulled back Fabregas, which saw him given a second yellow and the inevitable red.

This duly ended the game as a contest, with Arsenal content to play keep ball and Newcastle unable to get anywhere near the goal that would have made the second half a tighter contest.

Arsenal duly had the third to their name with nine minutes to go. A slick move down the left flank saw Gael Clichy thread the ball for Samir Nasri, who laid the ball off for Nicklas Bendtner. The Danish forward held the ball up before playing in Walcott, who evaded feeble Newcastle defending before slotting home.

Newcastle had a great chance moments later when Damien Duff was denied by Almunia, but it was too little too late for the visitors, and Bendtner should have done better when he wasted his header.

With 95 minutes on the clock, Arsenal were very close to getting the fourth goal to their name when Walcott's delivery immaculately picked out Nasri, but the French winger could only hit the woodwork.

Luckily for Nasri, it didn't matter as they already had registered a comprehensive victory and provided some joy for an Arsenal fanbase beginning to question the merits of manager Arsene Wenger.

Indeed, pressure now turns to the occupant of the away dugout, who hasn't won in six matches in all competitions and could use a tonic for next weekend's clash at Portsmouth.

Arsenal: Almunia - Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy - Rosicky, Song, Fabregas - Eduardo (Walcott 69), van Persie (Bendtner 80), Arshavin (Nasri 74)
Subs not used: Fabianski, Gibbs, Murphy, Freeman
Booked: Fabregas

Scorer: van Persie (16), Gallas (24), Walcott (81)

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Jonas, Barton, Thygesen (Duff 81), Lovenkrands (Edgar 63) - Mandzukic, Ameobi (Guthrie 45)
Subs not used: Krul, Coloccini, Ryan Taylor, Nolan
Booked: Barton
Sent Off: Barton (62)

Referee: Dean Coventry
Attendance: 60,361

Newcastle United have confirmed Michael Murray's consortium has bought the club from Mike Ashley.

The firm's holding company St. James' Park Holdings has been in negotiations with Ashley's representatives since December, and there had been speculation the deal to take over the club had broken down.

But after a break through was made earlier this week, Murray and his firm have purchased the club for an undisclosed fee.

The two companies confirmed that the deal is for the entire club, and that Ashley, who bought 100% of the club in 2007, is no longer involved with the set up.

Mr. Murray will be bringing in a new structure to the club, with Mark Shaw, Dave Collins, Anthony Battersby and Craig Jones all appointed as directors in the new structure at the club.

Murray said: "We have previously made an attempt to take over Newcastle United Football Club, and on that occasion, we were rebuffed but I did remain on board.

"This time, we were able to get the ball rolling in a way that suited both parties, and now we have made our full arrangements.

"I am pleased to be the man in charge of a Premier League club, not least a fine one such as this.

"I hope now that the uncertainty is over, we will be able too build a successful team that our fans can be proud of."

It is as yet unknown what the move means for Newcastle United manger Sven-Goran Eriksson, who was appointed on a two year contract in the summer.

The team currently sit 9th in the Barclays Premier League table ahead of today's game away at Arsenal.

In a brief statement, Ashley said: "Today, I announce my departure from Newcastle United.

"It has been an eventful ride full of moments I take pride of and moments that I regret, and I am pleased that, at the second attempt, Mr. Murray has been able to guarantee a deal in the best interests of all three relevant parties.

"Despite everything that has gone on, I wish the club and its fans all the best for the future, and hope to see one or two games in the future."

Ashley bought the club in 2007 from the Shepherds and Halls families. It is reported he spent a total of £130M on the purchase of the club at the time.

He has been through four permanent managers and almost oversaw relegation to the Championship in 2009, with the club surviving on the final day of the season.

Tim Cahill and Yakubu struck as Everton secured a vital three points in a tight game at Newcastle.

The Toffees needed three points to help their aspirations of Champions League football, and two goals in six minutes at the end of the first half et them on their way to victory.

Newcastle had got a way back through Mario Mandzukic, but a late own goal from Sebastien Bassong sealed their fate, despite Andy Carroll's late consolation.

It was a testing afternoon for the Magpies, who have only won two Premier League home games since beating Spurs at St. James' Park just after Christmas. They remain the last team to beat Harry Redknapp's side as the men from North London have taken the advantage in the Premier League title race.

The Toffees arrived in the North East on the back of a disappointing UEFA Cup defeat by Lazio, and they were looking for a tonic to help resurrect their Champions League cause.

Stung by David Moyes' criticism, it was Everton who had the early play and looked the likelier to make something happen with the ball. But it took them a few failed attacks to create the game's first opportunity, with Leon Osman seeing a free-kick easily halted by Steve Harper.

Everton were still the most likelier to make things happen during a cagey half, but were unable to create much in the way of opportunities. They were close with their only real opportunity, but Javier Garrido's effort was a fraction too high.

Newcastle's first real opportunity came on the half hour mark, with Jose Enrique playing in Jonas Gutierrez only to see a powerful effort ripple the side-netting.

It looked as if the two teams would enter the break level following a midfield battle, but Everton soon began to apply some pressure, as Garrido's first time volley was well halted by Harper.

The Toffees were then even closer from the resulting corner, with Marouane Fellaini rising high to meet Mikel Arteta's delivery only to see his effort cleared off the line by Jose Enrique.

Newcastle should've scored from a resulting counter attack, with Mario Mandzukic's cross almost diverted into his own net by Lucas Neill, but the Magpies failed to heed the warnings and were behind from the resulting corner.

The poor delivery was cleared by ex-Magpie Sylvain Distin. A counter attack saw Yakubu and Arteta run down the flank, which allowed Yakubu to be set clear by the wide midfielder. A fine pass from Yakubu picked out Cahill, who ran clear of Steven Taylor before flicking the ball beyond Harper into the bottom corner.

Newcastle should have equalised minutes before the break when Mandzukic picked out Carroll, but a poor connection from the giant striker meant the ball trickled wide of the mark and then, to rub it in, Everton were two up in first half injury time.

Fellaini collected the ball in the middle of the park, and he laid the ball off for Jack Rodwell, who was able to slide a ball up to the top for Yakubu. The giant striker's run duly led to a firm strike into the back of the net.

It was two goals in quick succession for the Toffees, whose fans were in dreamland up at the top of St. James' Park, who were bouncing back from heartache in Rome on Thursday night in fine style.

Newcastle opted to make a change at half-time, with the poor Coloccini sacrificed in favour of Bassong, but it was an Evertonian that almost gave the hosts a way back when Joey Barton should have done a lot better with his free-kick.

Another attacker to do poorly was Neill, who should have done better with a strike that fell too him.

The Toffees were close to putting the game to bed a few moments later, but Harper was able to make a solid stop to deny Yakubu his second goal.

Everton still looked the more likely to get the game's next goal, with Rodwell seeing a bold strike fly over the top, but the Toffees had to be wary of Newcastle's attack.

The Geordies fired an initial warning shot that they were still in the game when Distin had to clear Bassong's goal-bound header, and an even bigger one when Tim Howard had to make a fine save to deny Mandzukic, but their defence was breached with less than 20 minutes of the contest to play.

A long ball from Steven Taylor was flicked on by Peter Lovenkrands for Jack Wilshere. The Arsenal loanee passed the ball out to Barton, who sent a firm ball up forwards to Mandzukic, who broke free of a feeble offside trap to finish with aplomb.

It was another one in the bag for the Croatian forward, who is creating a good reputation in his debut season in English football.

But Everton almost got a two goal lead back on them, when an excellent Cahill ball played in Yakubu, whose effort was bundled off target by Harper.

Despite conceding, the Toffees still looked likelier to score, with Cahill doing very poorly from Osman's delivery with his header.

With four minutes to go, a Newcastle player was on the scoresheet. Unfortunately for the home fans, it was into his own net.

A free-kick was awarded for a foul by Barton, which was worked into the box by substitute Leighton Baines. His cross was aimed at Yakubu, who was beaten to it by Bassong. Unfortunately for Magpies fans, the defender's presence could only send the ball into his own net.

Newcastle did at least make the final moments interesting when they got a second strike. A firm ball down the channel from Danny Simpson picked out substitute Shola Ameobi, who progressed through the rain to get into a crossing position.

His delivery picked out Carroll, who tucked the ball home.

Everton almost made it four in second half stoppage time but for a superb double stop from Harper to deny first Fellaini and then Baines in quick succession of one another.

Newcastle could have completed an unlikely comeback with 93 minutes on the clock when Lovenkrands picked out Carroll, but the striker's finish was poor and off target.

Ultimately, Carroll's strike proved to be all Newcastle had in the tank, as they suffered a disappointing defeat in front of their home fans.

But it was an improvement for the Toffees, who were disappointing in midweek but now feel that a lack of European distraction could help them in their crusade for Champions League qualification next year.

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Coloccini (Bassong 45), Jose Enrique - Thygesen (Lovenkrands 64), Barton, Wilshere (Ameobi 83), Jonas - Mandzukic, Carroll
Subs not used: Krul, Ryan Taylor, Nolan, Duff
Booked: Carroll

Scorer: Mandzukic (71), Carroll (89)

Everton: Howard - Neill, Yobo, Distin, Garrido - Arteta (Baines 72), Rodwell, Fellaini, Osman - Cahill - Yakubu
Subs not used: Nash, Jagielka, Heitinga, Hibbert, Bilyaletdinov, Jo

Scorer: Cahill (40), Yakubu (45+2), Bassong (og 86)

Referee: Lee Mason
Attendance: 51,376

Nathan Delfouneso scored a controversial winner in the last minute of extra time to send Aston Villa past ten man Newcastle in the FA Cup.

Villa's reward for their late victory will be an away trip to Manchester United in the FA Cup Quarter Finals.

But Newcastle were furious, with manager Sven-Goran Eriksson and his players angry at the award when the young Villa striker had appeared to stray offside in the build-up to the strike.

Newcastle had midfielder Alan Smith sent off in extra time - his second red against the West Midlands side this season - but looked as if they would take the game to penalties, until the late winner.

It turned out to be a long night for both teams, after it had started fairly quietly. Just one opportunity was created in the opening 20 minutes, although it was a decent attempt when Brad Friedel made a very smart stop to deny Danny Guthrie.

Villa felt they should have had a penalty when Stiliyan Petrov went down under pressure from youngster Tamas Kadar, but Lee Probert disagreed and instead booked the Bulgarian midfielder for diving.

The game quickly became a series of half-chances and niggly opportunities, with neither team able to trouble the opposite goalkeeper.

The first real concrete opportunities in a long time came eight minutes before the break, with Ashley Young's powerful free-kick deflected wide and Nigel Reo-Coker firing wildly off target from the rebound.

There was almost a strike for Curtis Davies, with the centre back taking advantage of two missed Newcastle interceptions to reach a corner but unable to get his attempt header past Steve Harper.

Villa had another chance just before the break but Reo-Coker couldn't make the most of it, with his effort flying wildly off target.

The second half continued to be as quiet as the first, with just one concrete opportunity in the first 25 minutes of the half.

It fell to Newcastle, who should have done a lot better when Peter Lovenkrands could only strike a poor effort in the crowd.

Much closer were the home side. A vital defensive block from Fabricio Coloccini denied Emile Heskey, and from the resulting corner, Richard Dunne saw his effort gathered by Harper at the second attempt.

Shooting accuracy was still proving a problem. James Milner was provided a great shooting opportunity for a free-kick, but his attempt was wildly off target.

Milner was much closer with his next attempt, but the former Newcastle wideman saw his header from Heskey's cross easily held by Harper.

Villa were creating the chances. Dunne was cued up to strike a powerful effort at goal, only to hit the ball over.

Newcastle were then handed an opportunity to get the goal, but Smith's dribble was followed up by a poor effort off target.

Villa almost struck with one of normal time's final kicks, but substitute Delfouneso saw his powerful strike rattle the bar.

There was then almost a late winner at the other end of the park, with Newcastle pressure finally yielding a chance only for Smith to get his angles wildly off the mark.

The game moved into extra-time, and Newcastle had the earliest opportunity during this period when Kadar's cross picked out Shola Ameobi, who headed wildly off target.

Similarly inept with his shooting boots was Petrov, who took a firm free-kick wildly into the crowd.

Much closer was Milner just shy of the 100 minute mark, when his attempt forced a marvellous stop out of Harper.

But just before half-time in extra time, Villa were presented with a man advantage. Smith, who had been booked some 70-odd minutes previously, got in trouble with Probert after holding onto Stephen Warnock's shirt, and the Newcastle captain was duly dismissed.

It could have been worse when a vigorous tackle from Coloccini left Heskey needing some treatment, but the referee opted not to hand the Argentine defender a second yellow card.

Despite their disadvantage, Newcastle continued to hold firm, with the home side creating all of one wayward Milner free-kick.

It looked as though penalties were about to take place, but Villa then began to create chances, with Delfouneso and Carew both seeing strikes saved in quick succession, while Delfouneso also saw one attempt land over the top..

Then, with 119 minutes on the clock, the home side made the controversial breakthrough.

Petrov outmuscled Jonas Gutierrez and hit the ball out to Heskey, who found Carew. The Norwegian cued up Delofuneso, who lost his marker before firing a strike into the bottom corner.

It was a humungous sucker punch for the Magpies, who had defended so well for so long. Black and white shirts surrounded the referee angrily protesting the decision, but the referee was not interested in the protests and the goal stood.

Newcastle will feel painfully aggrieved of the way the contest finished, with Magpies fans feeling they were controversially punished, but Villa fans will feel the goal reflected their superiority during the contest.

They will also feel confident of giving Sir Alex Ferguson's boys a run for their money in the Quarter Final contest in 10 days time.

Aston Villa: Friedel - Beye (Warnock 73), Dunne, Davies, Bouma - Milner, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Delph (Heskey 45) - Young (Delfouneso 73), Carew
Subs not used: Guzan, Collins, Sidwell, Gardner
Booked: Petrov

Scorer: Delfouenso (119)

Newcastle: Harper - Ryan Taylor, Steven Taylor, Coloccini, Kadar - Thygesen (Nolan 75), Smith, Guthrie (Jonas 45), LuaLua - Ameobi, Lovenkrands (Mandzukic 75)
Subs not used: Krul, Bassong, Jose Enrique, Carroll
Booked: Steven Taylor, Coloccini, Smith
Sent Off: Smith (105)

Referee: Lee Probert
Attendance: 42,640

Carlton Cole came off the bench to score an equaliser as West Ham came back to draw with Newcastle.

It had looked like being a frustrating afternoon for Gianfranco Zola's side, after a seven minute spell saw Mario Mandzukic score twice either side of a Daniel Gabbidon equaliser.

But Cole - a half-time substitute - was able to produce a share of the points for the Hammers.

Both sides were able to create opportunities for an equaliser, but ultimately neither side was able to find the killer fifth goal of the contest and the points were ultimately shared.

With Newcastle looking for a second successive victory in London after their recent win in Fulham, the Toon Army created the game's earliest opportunity. It came when a well-weighted cross from Danny Guthrie picked out Andy Carroll, but the giant striker couldn't find the target.

Carroll was close to another attempt only for some last ditch defending by former Mag Scott Parker denying him from reaching Mandzukic's cross, as Newcastle were on top but struggled to trouble Rob Green.

West Ham almost hit the Magpies with the sucker punch moments later when Dean Ashton hit a firm free-kick that landed in the stands.

But it was Green who had to make the game's first save, with the England goalkeeper doing well to stop a Jonas Gutierrez effort, while Carroll's rebound ultimately landed in the side-netting.

Radoslav Kovac came close when he saw a long-range attempt deflected over by Steven Taylor, as the two teams traded attempted blows.

But it was the Geordies who found the opener just over ten minutes from the break.

Jack Wilshere collected the ball just inside the Newcastle half and was able to hit the ball out wide to Jonas, who hit a first time ball inside for Carroll. The giant striker escaped the defence before firing a firm ball up to Mandzukic, who ran free of the Hammers defence to go one on one with Green.

The in-form Croatian striker was never going to miss. A crisp finish into the bottom corner from the Croatian put his team in front.

But Newcastle didn't hold on to their lead for long. Luis Jimenez's corner picked out Gabbidon, who hit a fine strike into the top corner beyond Steve Harper.

It was a fine finish from the Welsh centre back, yet within minutes he and his team were behind again.

Carrol's initial effort hit Parker, so he hit the ball backwards to Mandzukic, who laid it off for Wilshere. The loan signing from Arsenal wandered through the middle of the park before returning it to the Croatian forward, who buried home his second strike of the afternoon.

With Zola's words ringing in their ears, the Hammers had the second half's first opportunity when a curling Jonathan Spector effort was well cleared by Harper.

West Ham continued their search to restore parity. But their efforts were not the greatest, with Cole and Ashton both firing seemingly simple strikes way off target.

But the Hammers had to be vigilant, and were almost breached again. A first time pass from Wilshere was collected by Mandzukic, who ran one on one with the home keeper and saw his effort well blocked by Green.

It should've been a third goal for Newcastle and their Croatian forward, and they almost paid the price immediately, with Ashton racing past Sebastien Bassong before firing a great strike that Harper did equally well to stop.

But there was nothing the Newcastle keeper could do eight moments later. Another Jimenez delivery caused chaos at the back for Newcastle, with Cole beating Joey Barton to the ball for him to firmly hit his strike beyond Harper.

This was West Ham's second equaliser, but they eased off and they almost fell behind yet again within minutes.

Carroll proved the dangerman on this occasion, with the striker rising high to meet Jose Enrique's fine cross only to head the ball into the away fans.

West Ham should've done better with Mark Noble's dangerous looking cross that was ultimately deflected out off a visiting defender, but the Hammers sub was close moments after this when his powerful effort was well blocked by Harper.

Cole was very close to his second with a magnificent solo effort, but at the end of the run, his final ball was dreadful.

Mandzukic had been quiet in the second half, but should've done better when Jonas laid off a fine cross for him only for the Croatian to head the ball straight at the keeper.

Having had two assists, Jimenez then had a pop to try and win the game but his effort was poor.

Noble was also unable to find the target, while at the other end, Mandzukic was able to reach Jonas' cross ahead of Gabbidon's poor interception but he was unable to beat Green.

West Ham almost won it in spectacular style with 90 minutes on the clock when Parker struck a powerful long range effort that rattled the crossbar.

But ultimately, a fifth goal proved to be too much of an enthralling contest in East London, where both sides had provided potential to take three points but unable to find the decisive strike in the contest.

West Ham: Green - Spector, Kovac (Tomkins 70), Gabbidon, Ilunga - Parker - Behrami (Noble 70), Collison - Jimenez - Ashton, Diamanti (Cole 45)
Subs not used: Stech, Ball, Dyer, Franco
Booked: Parker

Scorer: Gabbidon (39), Cole (69)

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Bassong, Jose Enrique (Thygesen 90) - Guthrie (Duff 67), Barton, Wilshere (Nolan 72), Jonas - Mandzukic, Carroll
Subs not used: Krul, Coloccini, Edgar, Ameobi
Booked: Jose Enrique, Bassong, Barton

Scorer: Mandzukic (34, 41)

Referee: Steve Bennett
Attendance: 33,624

Looks like Manuel gave City a massive kick up the arse at half-time.

Shola Ameobi scored to ensure Newcastle and Aston Villa will replay their Fifth Round FA Cup tie.

The striker scored three minutes into the second half to cancel out former Magpie James Milner's first half strike. Its a result that ensures the two teams will meet again at Villa Park in ten days time to decide who will progress to the FA Cup Quarter Finals.

Villa marginally had the better of the encounter and felt that they should have wrapped up the game on the night. The Villians had chosen to keep their strongest eleven, while Newcastle had opted to rest several key players.

The visitors from the West Midlands had the game's first opportunity, with John Carew intercepting Sebastien Bassong's poor clearance but he was only able to fire the ball straight at Tim Krul.

Villa were the team creating the best opportunities of a low-key game, but weren't able to cause the Newcastle keeper too much to worry about.

The best chances fell for Carew, but the Norweigan once again could only head straight at Krul.

With a faint air of predictability, it was Villa who took the lead just after the half-hour. Ashley Young's corner fizzed into the box to Milner, who let fly with a superb first time strike into the top corner.

It was a first goal for Milner against his former Newcastle colleagues, although he muted his celebrations out of respect for his former employers.

Newcastle should've made the best of their first real opportunity moments later, when Andy Carroll was played through by David Edgar only to lash his strike into the stands.

Carew saw an effort deflected wide off Ryan Taylor, while Carroll was much closer when he rose to meet Damien Duff's swinging cross and saw his powerful effort rattle the crossbar.

Newcastle were beginning to create opportunities but were still not taking them, with Carroll firing a firm effort narrowly past the post.

The home side opted to change their tactics at half-time and they were able to get back level moments player. Jack Wilshere's ball forward was collected by Carroll, who teased his way around the edge of the penalty area before laying the ball off for Ameobi. The striker duly poked his strike into the bottom corner, and it bought his team back on level terms.

Villa got very close to retaking their lead minutes later, with Ashley Young seeing a powerful effort go out via the post.

But the visitors suffered a blow moments later when Gabby Agbonlahor was taken off injured and they almost fell further behind minutes later when a deflection was needed to take Shola Ameobi's effort off target.

Nevertheless, Martin O'Neill's forced replacement almost paid dividends within minutes. Emile Heskey exchanged a clever one-two with Carew and saw a powerful effort perfectly denied by Krul.

Heskey was then almost in with another chance moments later but the England international's effort was denied by a fingertip save from Newcastle's Dutch goalkeeper.

A swerving Nigel Reo-Coker effort went over as Villa tried to unlock the firm Newcastle rearguard, but they had to be alert for counterattacks, with Brad Friedel required to make a decent stop to deny Ameobi.

Friedel was then still needed, with the American goalkeeper making a flying stop to deny Carroll.

Newcastle bought on their top scorer Mario Mandzukic to try and find a late winner, but the Croatian's best effort flew high and wide.

Villa then almost won it in the 94th minute, when Carew rose high to meet a cross, but his header clipped the crossbar and out of play.

It all means the two teams are set to meet again in 10 days time, where they will duke it out again to move one step closer to Wembley Stadium.

Newcastle: Krul - Ryan Taylor, Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique (Guthrie 45) - Thygesen, Edgar, Wilshere, Duff (Jonas 74) - Carroll (Mandzukic 85), Ameobi
Subs not used: Harper, Steven Taylor, Kadar, Lovenkrands
Booked: Edgar

Scorer: Ameobi (48)

Aston Villa: Friedel - Luke Young, Dunne, Davies, Warnock - Milner (Delph 90), Petrov, Reo-Coker, Ashley Young (Bouma 71) - Carew, Agbonlahor (Heskey 60)
Subs not used: Guzan, Beye, Cuellar, Collins

Scorer: Milner (31)

Referee: Alan Wiley
Attendance: 45,761

Apparently the Newcastle papers were banned from asking questions at the post-match for covering the "Time For Change" protests before the Liverpool game.

That's a bit unnecessarily autocratic isn't it?

Do Gus Poyet and Borini have some common curse over us or something? ffs.

Two goals from substitute Andy Carroll secured a point for Newcastle and denied Birmingham a vital victory.

The relegation-threatened Blues had the better of most of the evening and were two goals up by half-time thanks to Martin Taylor and Franck Queudrue.

It had looked as if Birmingham would hold on but Carroll scored within minutes of being introduced and then struck again with seconds remaining to steal a share of the points for the visitors.

It was an unhappy end to the contest to the Blues, whose encouraging performance offered hints that Alex McCleish's side can stay in the Premier League.

Doubts had been creeping in, with the Blues having only won one of their opening five games in 2010 in a run that has seen them slip into the bottom three.

They had hoped of getting victory against the Magpies, who have only won two matches on the road this season.

To do that, Birmingham knew they had to keep quiet Mario Mandzukic, and they were able to restrict Newcastle's top scorer to a half-challenge in quiet opening exchanges at St. Andrews.

Birmingham's only real chance in the opening 25 minutes saw James O'Shea's cross cleared, but they scored with the game's first real opportunity.

O'Shea's attempted cross was bundled out for a corner, and his resulting flag-kick picked out Martin Taylor, who beat Steven Taylor to the ball and sent a flying header beyond Steve Harper.

Newcastle offered nothing in response, and Birmingham held firm before scoring with the next chance nine minutes later.

Once again, it came from an O'Shea delivery, with this one seeing his corner half-cleared to Queudrue, who picked up the ball and then firmly fired it beyond Harper.

It was a big second goal and one that reinforced a fine opening 45 for the Blues.

Birmingham were very close to a third in first-half stoppage time, but Christian Benitez's header was off target.

Newcastle's first shot came five minutes into the second half but Joey Barton's free-kick was deflected wide, while a similar kick was also wasted by Blues' midfielder Lee Carsley.

Accuracy from free-kicks was lacking from both sides, with O'Shea lashing one into the stands, before Harper had to be on hand to make a firm stop to deny Damien Johnson.

Joe Hart had a quiet afternoon in the home goal but was called into action to deny Jonas Gutierrez, and then had to make another one later on to deny Shola Ameobi.

But he was beaten with 12 minutes to go to make for an interesting finale. Jonas' firm corner picked out Carroll, who rose highest in the penalty area to bury a header into the goal.

Decent defending from the Blues had held Newcastle at bay, with the one real opportunity the home side created seeing substitute Danny Guthrie lamp a free-kick into the stands.

However, Newcastle did come very close when Jonas Gutierrez was played through by Carroll and saw a firm strike well blocked by Hart.

But with one minute of the 90 to play, Newcastle broke Birmingham hearts with the equaliser. A corner was only half-cleared to Danny Simpson, who played the ball back to Jonas. The Argentine saw a flying cross picked out the unmarked Carroll, who buried his header into the goal.

It was cruel on the Blues, but Newcastle fans did not care on iota and they were celebrating a scarcely deserved equaliser.

Birmingham almost got themselves back in front immediately, when Barry Ferguson popped up but saw a drive saved by Harper. But Newcastle almost won it themselves with the last kick, when Guthrie picked out Barton, but the midfielder headed wide.

Nevertheless, it was a case of points shared in the Birmingham night, and McCleish will rue a performance that almost yielded a vital three points but ended gaining one point that felt like a defeat.

Birmingham: Hart - Martin Taylor, Roger Johnson, Dann (Ridgewell 67), Queudrue - O'Shea, Damien Johnson, Carsley, Fahey (Murphy 45) - Ferguson - Benitez (Phillips 70)
Subs not used: Maik Taylor, Carr, Espinoza, McSheffrey

Scorer: Martin Taylor (29), Quedrue (38)

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Edgar, Jose Enrique - Jonas, Barton, Wilshere (Guthrie 64), Duff (Carroll 72) - Nolan (Ameobi 45) - Mandzukic
Subs not used: Krul, Kadar, Ryan Taylor, Thygesen
Booked: Barton, Ameobi

Scorer: Carroll (78, 89)

Referee: Alan Wiley
Attendance: 20,372

Thanks, will do

If we had coherency in attack we'd be level by now ffs.

Mario Mandzukic scored a late winner as Newcastle edged out Fulham in a five goal encounter at Craven Cottage.

Diomansy Kamara had put the Cottagers in front inside 11 minutes, but Newcastle led at half-time through Jack Wilshere's first goal for the club and then through Mandzukic.

Andy Johnson's second-half equaliser had looked to have ensured the points would be shared, but Mandzukic's late strike meant the three points would be won by the North East side.

It was an unlucky result for Fulham in an even game by the side of the Thames, but Newcastle will not care one jot.

The home fans almost had something to cheer early on. A poor clearance from David Edgar meant Paul Konchesky's cross was diverted to Erik Nevland, who fired wide.

The Magpies almost had an early strike of their own to cheer, but Damien Duff couldn't make the most of his free-kick, and they fell behind shortly after.

Jonathan Greening picked up the ball in the middle of the park and hit the ball out wide to Zoltan Gera, whose header back was flicked on by Danny Murphy to Stephen Kelly. Kelly's cross picked out Kamara, who was left a free-header by inattentive marking from Danny Simpson, and the Senegalese winger saw his firm header land in the back of the net.

Fulham lost Konchesky to injury but almost got a second goal halfway through the half when Kamara was allowed to run with the ball, but his strike couldn't find the target.

It would prove costly as Newcastle equalised moments later. The visitors were awarded a debatable free-kick for a foul by Brede Hangeland, and Joey Barton's swerving effort was beaten away by a fine Mark Schwarzer stop.

Unfortunately for the Australian, it fell kindly for a queue of four Newcastle players and any one touch would strike it home. At the front of the queue was Wilshere, and the Arsenal loanee scored his first goal for the club.

Straight from Fulham's kick-off, Newcastle turned it around. Greening was picked off by Barton, whose tackle prodded the ball forward for Mandzukic. The Croatian duly legged it away from midfielders and defenders, and his strike flew into the bottom corner.

A two minute double salvo had turned the game firmly in the visitor's favour, but Fulham could have gotten an instant equaliser had Kamara and Johnson not wasted seemingly nailed on opportunities.

Mandzukic was close with an effort but he did little with Duff's well-drilled cross, while Kamara fired waywardly wide with his own effort.

Fulham's last chance of a first half equaliser saw Zoltan Gera fire straight at Steve Harper, and the Tynesiders entered the half-time break ahead.

They almost extended their lead with the first attack of the second half. Wilshere's cross picked out Mandzukic, and the Croatian could only head straight at Schwarzer.

But Fulham were not out of it, which was proven when Nevland wasted a dangerous opportunity by firing straight at Harper, although Newcastle could have got a third when Mandzukic broke free and saw a firm drive expertly denied by Schwarzer.

The home side then equalised moments later. John Pantsil hit the ball down the flank for Gera, who found Nevland further down the Londoner's right hand side. The ball across the box found Johnson in acres of space, and he was allowed to advance and put it home.

Newcastle almost re-took their lead instantly, but Mikkel Thygesen couldn't make the most of his opportunity.

Also culpable of missing was Jonas Gutierrez, with the Argentine winger sending in a vicious effort that landed amongst the Newcastle fans behind the goal.

Fulham thought they were about to retake the lead when they won a free-kick, which Murphy fired in goalbound but saw saved well by Harper.

A superb sliding tackle from Gera was required to deny Wilshere a seemingly nailed-on strike, while another tackle from the Hungarian wideman was viewed as a penalty by the visitors but not by the referee.

Mandzukic should've put the Toon ahead with ten minutes to go but his poor effort landed in the crowd, and accuracy was also lacking from Edgar's header from a corner, but the game's fifth goal did go the Magpie's way with just two minutes to go.

Sub Kevin Nolan hit the ball out wide to Jose Enrique, who sent in a difficult cross that Brede Hangeland could only send into the path of Mandzukic and Shola Ameobi. First too it was Mandzukic, who got clear of Aaron Hughes before firing the ball home.

The powerful Croatian hadn't always been at his best, but still popped up when required to grab the strikes his team needed.

Fulham had nothing in response, and it was a victory for Newcastle, whose strikers were just about more clinical in an even game.

Fulham: Schwarzer - Kelly, Hangeland, Hughes, Konchesky (Pantsil 25) - Gera, Murphy, Greening (Davies 68), Kamara - Nevland (Zamora 74), Johnson
Subs not used: Zuberbuhler, Baird, Dikgacoi, Andranik

Scorer: Kamara (11), Johnson (56)

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Edgar, Jose Enrique - Jonas (Ameobi 81), Barton, Wilshere (Ryan Taylor 89), Duff - Thygesen (Nolan 74) - Mandzukic
Subs not used: Krul, Kadar, Guthrie, Carroll
Booked: Simpson, Mandzukic

Scorer: Wilshere (28), Mandzukic (30, 88)

Referee: Dean Coventry
Attendance: 25,109

Fabrice Muamba and Kevin Davies scored in a remarkable victory for nine man Bolton at Newcastle.

Bolton had been reduced to ten men late on in the first half when Gavin McCann received a sending off after two bookable offences.

But Bolton shocked the home crowd when Muamba struck home moments after being bought on at half-time by Gary Megson.

Newcastle battered the Bolton goal throughout and thought they would get reward when a bizarre substitute error that saw a player subbed off less than 3 minutes after coming on meant Matty Taylor limped off, reducing the side to nine men.

But not only did Bolton ride out the storm, they then sealed victory late on in the clash when Davies wrapped up the points in second half injury time.

Newcastle had been on the front foot from the word go. Before the fifteen minute mark, Jussi Jaaskelainen had to make two vital stops to deny Steven Taylor and Mario Mandzukic, while ex-Trotter Kevin Nolan wasted a drive from the edge of the penalty box.

Although they weren't generating opportunities with the same frequency, the home side still had the better opportunities of the clash. Joey Barton saw a free-kick deflected wide and Andy Carroll should've scored when he saw a crisp half-volley held by Jaaskelainen, although the offside flag would've denied the striker anyway.

Carroll saw another two headers sail over the top of the goal when well placed, while Barton was similarly unable to hit the target with his effort.

Newcastle continued in the ascendancy but their accuracy was letting them down. Carroll rose to meet a cross only to see a header skim the top of the crossbar, while Mario Mandzukic was well found by Danny Simpson only to hit the strike narrowly off target.

But the Magpies ambition of gaining the opening goal were bolstered when Bolton were reduced to ten men. McCann had received a controversial first booking when he was ruled to have tripped up Barton when the Newcastle midfielder seemed to dive. But there was little disputing his second booking just before half-time, when the midfielder tripped up Simpson.

The ruling meant the Trotters would face the second half with ten men, and they almost failed to make it to half-time level when Carroll narrowly put the ball off target.

Bolton's problems appeared to continue when they initally bought on Dorian Dervite shortly after the sending off, before they opted to replace him immediately with Muamba when Gary Megson decided to change their tactics.

But, bizarrely, Megson's meddling generated instant rewards. Matty Taylor hit the ball inside for Sean Davis, who placed a firm ball forward to Muamba. The former Arsenal trainee ran straight through the middle of the park from Newcastle defenders and midfielders before firing a fine drive beyond Steve Harper.

Newcastle's first chance of a response was a Simpson drive lashed into the top of the stand, but they came much closer moments later when Jaaskelainen made a firm stop to deny the full back's drive after he had been set up by Mandzukic.

Bolton had deployed all three subs by this point, and their cause was weakened as they had a third player sent off when Matty Taylor failed to get up after a challenge by Mikkel Thygesen.

Newcastle threw on Shola Ameobi and Peter Lovenkrands but it was Bolton who created the next opportunity, which came when Chris Basham saw a free-kick tipped clear by Harper's flying stop.

Basham was involved in the action at the other end, when the midfielder was ruled not to have fouled Thygesen despite vocal Newcastle protests.

The Toon felt they should have had a penalty again when Basham tackled Ameobi, but this was after the Nigerian striker had seen a fine effort well stopped by Jaaskelainen.

Newcastle players were then unhappy with another penalty appeal rejection, this time for a tackle by Gretar Steinsson.

Ameobi then should've done better when he received Steven Taylor's knockdown only to fire wildly over the top.

Similarly poor with his chance was Lovenkrands, who was easily outmuscled by former Newcastle defender Andy O'Brien. The Dane's penalty appeals were rejected for the fourth time, while the next attack saw Jaaskelainen making a firm stop to deny Jonas Gutierrez.

Newcastle were still desperately trying to find the equaliser. Lovenkrands wasted his when he met Barton's delivery, while a magnificent solo run from Jonas could only yield a wasted strike.

But the home fans began to lose faith, and exasperated cries met the move when Mandzukic could only head David Edgar's drive went into the stands.

It got worse for Newcastle deep into injury time when Bolton grabbed a second goal to secure the points.

A long free-kick from the back by Basham was flicked on by Muamba to Davies, who had tried to hit the ball out wide but could only hit Danny Guthrie. Luckily for the Bolton striker, it fell back to him.

He then decided to lash a powerful first time drive that flew into the top corner beyond Harper, which secured the three points.

This was the end of the game as far as the two teams were concerned. Newcastle will remark that their awful finishing cost them the three points against nine men, but Bolton will not care one jot as they secured a fine away day victory and all with nine men.

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Edgar, Jose Enrique (Guthrie 79) - Thygesen, Barton, Nolan (Ameobi 59), Jonas - Mandzukic, Carroll (Lovenkrands 59)
Subs not used: Krul, Ryan Taylor, Smith, Wilshere
Booked: Thygesen, Barton

Bolton: Jaaskelainen - Steinsson, O'Brien, Radzkov (Dervite 45 (Muamba 45)) , Robinson - Chung-Yong (Riga 45), McCann, Davis, Basham, Taylor - Davies
Subs not used: Al-Habsi, Hunt, Ricketts, Samuel
Booked: McCann
Sent Off: McCann (45)

Scorer: Muamba (46), Davies (90+3)

Referee: Dean Coventry
Attendance: 52,387

Ten man Newcastle secured an impressive victory over Man City to pent a dent in the visitor's title ambitions.

Mikkel Thygesen scored very early on to give Newcastle the advantage on their expensively assembled guests.

Jonas Gutierrez then scored a second, which came after Robinho had a goal disallowed.

Newcastle had to play the last 20 minutes with ten men after Fabricio Coloccini was sent off, but the Magpies did well to hold on and secure a fine victory over the Citizens.

This was not the response Mark Hughes wanted to City's FA Cup defeat by Liverpool at the weekend, and puts a dent in their ambition to get ahead of Spurs, Chelsea and their Manchester neighbours in the race for the title.

The hope of three points was damaged by an early strike for the Geordies. Jonas picked out Shola Ameobi, who was able to work the ball inside for Mario Mandzukic. The Croatian striker laid the ball off for Thygesen, and the Danish winger lashed his strike beyond Sebastien Viera to open the scoring.

It was a good strike from the midfielder, who hasn't had the smoothest of introductions to English football.

Man City almost responded immediately. Stephen Ireland's ball forward picked out Robinho, who ran free and finished beyond Steve Harper. However, the Brazilian star was denied by the offside flag and Newcastle retained their advantage.

Newcastle had a great chance to make it two, when Mandzukic was sent clear by Ameobi and tried to let fly. A superb strike shook the crossbar but failed to hit the net, thus meaning Newcastle's advantage remained just the one goal.

Steven Taylor was also close to the second goal when the defender was first to Thygesen's swinging free-kick but his header was a wasted opportunity as it flew high and wide.

But seven minutes from the break, Newcastle did have the second goal. A slick break down the right flank saw Danny Simpson cue up Thygesen, who got around Wayne Bridge before flying down the right hand flank. He got into a crossing position and his inviting delivery just missed Ameobi but fell perfectly for Jonas, who lashed the ball into the back of the net.

The Argentine winger's goal was his seventh goal of an impressive second campaign in England.

City were close to a goal back late on in the first half, but Emmanuel Adebayor's effort was wasted.

Former Man United midfielder Alan Smith saw a poor effort go off target but City were very close to a first half goal back, when a powerful strike from Ireland was well saved by Harper.

Harper was also required to make a good stop in the early stages of the second half when Robinho was allowed to strike one.

City keeper Viera was then called upon to keep his team in it, with the Uruguayan making a superb stop to deny Mandzukic's flying strike, while the Croatian striker then saw a volley plop wide of the mark.

Ireland had a poor effort go wide, while the surprise source of Simpson was also unable to hit the target.

Despite there being no obvious injury, City opted to sub their goalkeeper and Stuart Taylor was immediately called into action to make a good save to deny Jonas.

Harper had to make a simple stop to deny Robinho, but the Newcastle team were soon under the cosh when the Tynesiders had a player sent off with 20 minutes to go.

City sub Stevan Jovetic was played through and got around Coloccini, and the Argentine defender opted to try to stop the striker by pulling on his opponent's shirt.

Referee Alan Wiley was not impressed by this tactic, and the centre back was dismissed from play.

Despite their man advantage, Man City created surprisingly little in the way of opportunities. Bridge wasted the free-kick awarded after Coloccini's foul, while Shaun Wright-Phillips rose to meet a cross only to head the ball wide of the mark.

City's day was summed up when Robinho hit a poor effort into the crowd, and an awful performance in the North East was reflected by the fact they went home pointless.

By contrast, it was an impressive result for Sven-Goran Eriksson's team, who provided one of their best displays of the season so far in spite of yet another red card, and they will look to build on this as the season enters the decisive portion.

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Coloccini, Edgar - Thygesen, Smith, Nolan (Guthrie 79), Jonas - Mandzukic (Tozer 71), Ameobi (Ryan Taylor 90)
Subs not used: Krul, Wilshere, Carroll, Lovenkrands
Booked: Smith
Sent Off: Coloccini (70)

Scorer: Thygesen (6), Jonas (38)

Man City: Viera (Stuart Taylor 56) - Onuoha, Richards, Lescott, Bridge - Wright-Phillips, Ireland, de Jong (Zabaleta 67), Barry - Robinho, Adebayor (Jovetic 67)
Subs not used: Kompany, McGivern, Sylvinho, Aimar
Booked: Richards

Referee: Alan Wiley
Attendance: 52,387

Mario Mandzukic and Steven Taylor were among the goals as Newcastle beat MK Dons in the FA Cup Fourth Round.

It wasn't all plain sailing for the Premier League club, however, after Aaron Wilbraham surprised the North East club when he scored to cancel out Damien Duff's opener.

But Newcastle soon found a higher gear. Mandzukic scored his first goal in a month to re-establish their lead, before a Willy Gueret own goal and Steven Taylor's first goal of the season gave the scoreline a bit of polish.

The final score was perhaps a little harsh on the League One strugglers, who did well to keep pace with their high-flying opponents for so long, but ultimately the visitor's Premier League class told.

Newcastle named a surprisingly strong side for the contest, which included top scorer Mandzukic, and the Croatian had two early chances to give his side an early goal. His first was wayward but his second was almost home, with a powerful effort clattering the crossbar.

Ryan Taylor was unable to find the target with a trike from outside the area, but MK Dons did have some chances. However Jude Stirling and Sam Baldock couldn't find the target with their attempts.

Mandzukic was yet again unable to get a strike on target and it took 22 minutes for Gueret to be troubled by a strike, with the Dons keeper making a smooth stop to deny Ryan Taylor's header.

The hosts almost took a surprise lead when Jason Puncheon was given a free header but couldn't get it anywhere near the target, and shortly afterwards it was the visitors who grabbed the opening goal.

The ball was worked forward to Mandzukic, who laid the ball off for Andy Carroll. The striker advanced before sending a pass that just evaded Sean O'Hanlon and fell for Duff. Amid a hint of offside, the Irish winger's powerful strike zipped into the bottom corner.

Agitated by the fact the goal stood, MK almost grabbed an instant equaliser when Tim Krul made a flying stop to deny Baldock.

Peter Leven also sent a curling strike over the top as the home side searched for a way back into the contest, but Newcastle should've entered half-time 2-0 up when Mandzukic and Alan Smith contrived to waste good chances.

Baldock was inches away from levelling late on in the half when he headed over the top, while Steven Taylor saw a similar header go over.

Closer was Mandzukic, with the Croatian found by Carroll and finding a powerful effort kept out by Gueret.

Then, less than ten minutes into the half, it was MK Dons who surprised everyone - not least themselves - by getting an equalising goal.

Jermaine Easter played the ball back to Stirling, who decided to send in a cross from deep. Steven Taylor missed his interception, which allowed the ball to fall kindly for Wilbraham, and the journeyman striker hit his effort home to send the stadium:mk crowd into raptures.

The home crowd could have been sent into further ecstasy when Luke Howell was first to David Edgar's miscued clearance but couldn't get his effort on target.

But MK couldn't get a second goal. Instead, it was the visitors who grabbed their second strike ten minutes after conceding the advantage.

Some neat passing in the middle of the park allowed Kevin Nolan to cue up Mandzukic, who passed it out to Carroll. The Geordie returned the ball to Mandzukic, who had a few yards on both MK Dons' centre backs that allowed him to run through on goal and tuck the ball home.

Nolan was almost in with a goal of his own when he picked up Smith's pass, but his attempt to find a first goal of the season was denied by Gueret.

Baldock and Carroll both missed chances at either end, but the Tynesiders came close to putting the game to bed when Gueret was able to push away a strike from Newcastle sub Jonas Gutierrez.

However, MK Dons' French goalkeeper will have less fondness for the own goal he then scored. It was an unfortunate one for the goalkeeper, who was in the wrong place when Jonas' header from Jack Wilshere's cross hit the bar.

Nevertheless, it was a third goal for Newcastle and more or less rubber stamped confirmation the Geordies would be in Round Five.

Jonas almost made it four when he met Carroll's cross but narrowly headed over, but Newcastle did have four in second-half injury time.

Jonas saw a free-kick deflected out for a corner, and substitute Peter Lovenkrands saw his corner turned home by Steven Taylor. It was the defender's first goal of the campaign and he was delighted to be off the mark.

Newcastle will feel the scoreline ultimately reflected their statistical superiority, and despite a plucky effort from the League One hosts, they will be in Round Five as they hope to reach their first FA Cup Final since 1999.

MK Dons: Gueret - Stirling, O'Hanlon, Doumbe (Swailes 45), Lewington - Easter, Howell, Leven (Gleeson 81), Puncheon (McCracken 45) - Baldock, Wilbraham
Subs not used: Searle, King, Powell, Ibehre

Scorer: Wilbraham (54)

Newcastle: Krul - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Edgar, Kadar - Ryan Taylor (Wilshere 64), Smith (Lovenkrands 86), Nolan, Duff (Jonas 64) - Mandzukic, Carroll
Subs not used: Harper, Coloccini, Tozer, Ameobi
Booked: Kadar, Smith, Nolan

Scorer: Duff (28), Mandzukic (64), Gueret (og 85), Steven Taylor (90+1)

Referee: Lee Probert
Attendance: 17,646

Thank you. Gotta love writing that way

Erm, next league table I photographed is about four league games down the line, but our position is still in the same area as the last table I posted.