NEWCASTLE boss Sir Bobby Robson last night thanked his much-maligned defence for laying the foundation for the hard-earned victory over struggling Bolton.

Jermaine Jenas's first-ever goal at St. James' Park proved enough to seal revenge for Robson's side, who were beaten 4-3 at the Reebok Stadium on Boxing Day.

While teenage midfielder Jenas picked up the man-of-the-match award, Robson put the spotlight on his back-four of Aaron Hughes, Steve Caldwell, Nikos Dabizas and Olivier Bernard for keeping a spirited Bolton at bay.

Newcastle now boast the best defensive home record in the Premiership, and Robson said: "I have to give the defence, who have been subjected to criticism, credit for giving a sterling display.

"It was a tight match, and our back-four basically won it for us.

"The crowd expected us to win four or five nil, but I don't think like that.

"Teams near the bottom of the table fight hard and Bolton gave us a difficult game. In fact, they gave us as hard a game as we've had all season.''

Scottish international Caldwell, who has come into the side because of injuries to Andy O'Brien and Titus Bramble, is out of contract at the end of the season and still awaiting the offer of a new deal. But Robson said: "He's never let us down and I'm very pleased with him. We're having a good look at him.''

Bitter Bolton boss Sam Allardyce fumed over referee Phil Dowd's failure to award his side two second-half penalties.

Allardyce felt Dabizas and Hughes should have been penalised for challenges on Henrik Pedersen and Bernard Mendy.

"Controversial decisions on two occasions have cost us,'' complained Allardyce.

"I thought they were both penalties at the time. I have looked at both again and I'm convinced they were penalties.

"The Newcastle players did not play the ball on either occasion.

"But the referee waved play on and that's not an unfamiliar story away from home.

"It's something I can't live with, but it looks like I'm going to have to.

"If the incidents had been outside the box, they would have almost certainly been free-kicks.

"But because they happen in the home penalty box, referees don't give them. That's a great shame and very costly.''

Meanwhile, Robson refused to elaborate on Newcastle's £15m double move for Leeds defender Jonathan Woodgate and Brazilian World Cup winner Kleberson.

United's delegation, fronted by chairman Freddy Shepherd, were due to have talks yesterday with midfielder Kleberson's representatives and officials of his club Atletico Paranaense in Sao Paulo.

But Robson said: "The most important players at the moment are the ones who played tonight."

Read more about Newcastle United FC here.