NEWCASTLE 3 - 1 CHARLTON

The Magpies' recorded a 3-1 win and leapfrogged Charlton into fifth place, level both on points and goal difference with Liverpool, who currently lie in the fourth and final Champions League spot.

People were still entering the ground when United skipper Alan Shearer put the ball in the net for the first goal with just 54 seconds on the clock, after a Laurent Robert cross. Shearer met it perfectly and headed home the opening goal.

This gave Sir Bobby's men bags of confidence, as they pressed forward, looking to extend their lead. Robert himself went close from a 25-yard free kick and only a magnificent save from Charlton goalkeeper, Kiely, could stop the Frenchman.

The visitors came close in the 23rd minute, but it Newcastle who netted again on 34 minutes when Shearer knocked a ball down for Shola Ameobi. Ameobi however lost control of the ball, but Chris Perry's clearance from the Charlton defence hit off United midfielder Jermaine Jenas and went into the net to give Newcastle a 2-0 lead at half time.

Charlton emerged from the changing rooms a different team and pushed forward hoping to grab something from a game. In the 53th minute, Claus Jensen drew a goal back for the visitors following a mistake by subsitute Titus Bramble who failed to deal with a cross whipped in by Paul Konchesky. Jensen lashed the ball home.

Charlton went looking for the equaliser, but it was not to be. The Magpies' back four, along with Irish goalkeeper Shay Given played thier hearts out to keep the Addicks at bay. A last gasp Jonathan Woodgate tackle thwarted Matt Holland's effort, Carlton Cole had his magnificent shot saved by Shay Given and Chris Perry had an effort pushed onto the post by Given.

Laurent Robert was awarded a controversial penalty following a Chris Perry challenge, but who cares how it was won? A penalty is a penalty.

Alan Shearer stepped up to take it - and missed! His shot was saved by Dean Kiely, who pushed it onto the post, but the ball rolled along the line and fell to the man himself, Alan Shearer, who tapped home the rebound to give Newcastle the 3-1 win.

Speaking about the game, Shearer told Premiership Plus: "It was a big win with them above us in the table and with Liverpool winning at Anfield. It was very important to get the three points today.

"The first half was very good, the best we have been here for some time. We got stuck in but Charlton being Charlton they came into it in the second half and, but for a world-class save by Shay Given, it could have been very difficult."

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Newcastle: Given, Hughes (Bramble 45), O'Brien, Woodgate, Bernard, Ambrose (Bowyer 79), Jenas, Speed, Robert, Shearer, Ameobi. Subs (not used): Harper, Viana, Chopra.

Charlton: Kiley, Young, Fortune, Perry, Hreidarsson (Powell 90), Kishishev (Johansson 67), Holland, Jensen, Konshesky, Di Canio, Cole. Subs (not used): Royce, Hughes.

Referee: Mike Riley, Leeds.

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