A Michael Owen hat-trick proved too much for Newcastle this afternoon as the Magpies fell to another away day defeat.
Owen gave early warning of his danger after just two minutes, racing on to an Emile Heskey through ball only for Shay Given to save well with his legs.
But on 25 minutes a long ball by Markus Babbel saw the England centre-forward break free off Nikos Dabizas and he cooly slotted home from the edge of the box.
The second half began with Newcastle fired up and putting the home side under sustained pressure.
Their best effort came when Kevin Gallacher broke free on the lfet and his cross was deflected to Nolberto Solano but his header was acrobatically cleared off the line by Stephane Henchoz.
With Newcastle pressing for an equaliser, Owen's pace proved their downfall, first breaking free from a Patrick Berger ball he lifted over Given for his second and then latching on to a superb cross-field ball from sub Robbie Fowler to cooly slot home for his hat-trick.
Read more about Newcastle United FC here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article