ROBSON'S POST MATCH COMMENTS

Robson was delighted with the overall team performance, which secured the Magpies' ninth win in 15 matches at home this season and said: "We were absolutely excellent. Our first-half performance was just about our best performance here all season, typified by the two strikers (Alan Shearer and Shola Ameobi).

"They were in magnificent form, they gave the central defenders difficult matches, they could never really control them and they won this match. We think we have a good team here."

Here are some player ratings, with thanks to Newcastle United fan, Bryan Mulhall:

Given: 8 Not much to do apart from 1 world-class save he had no right to get near.

Hughes: 6 Only lasted 45 minutes and didnt do much wrong.

O'Brien: 6 Looked dodgy at RB but who can blame him?Distrubution was poor.

Woodgate: 9 considering he's playing through the pain this was an amazing performance,the type we've come to expect from this rock of a centre-half. Showed great leadership qualities. New captain after Al?

Bernard: 8 Another great performance.how many times was he fouled and he got up and got on with it. Exellent going foward too.

Ambrose: 7 very promising performance.has a great work-rate. Dyer not missed.

Jenas: 8 for probaly the first time this season imposed himself on the game.Did well for his "goal".

Speed: 7 for once he didnt have to carry JJ. Protected back 4 well.

Robert: 8 great cross for Al but sometimes his usual frustrating self.As foir the peno,considering all the injustices we've had they even themselves out.I dont condone it though.

SHEARER: 10 Best performance from him in ages.On a par with his super-human performance v Fulham last October.I would be willing to do a deal with the devil to let this man-god play for 5 more years.

Ameobi: 8 Shearer-esque performance though not as good.Anyone who criticised this kid should be shot.

Team performance: 8

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