Newcastle 3-1 Middlesbrough

6 months ago 12th May 11:05

Newcastle moved out of the relegation zone after a 3-1 win over fellow strugglers Middlesbrough in the north east derby.

Middlesbrough started the game promisingly going ahead after just three minutes thanks to an own goal by Habib Beye who unwittingly knocked keeper Steve Harper's rebound over the line. However Newcastle continued to fight and restored equality six minutes later when Steven Taylor headed home from Danny Guthrie's corner.

Middlesbrough still had their chances, with Emnes almost putting them ahead again but Harper saved his first effort and he missed the target with the rebound.

After the break Newcastle continued to press and Mark Viduka almost scored within seconds of his heel from Beye's cross.

With 21 minutes left both managers made changes with Alan Shearer bringing on Obafemi Martins for Michael Owen and Gareth Southgate swapping Jeremie Aliadiere for Mohamed Shawky.

The gamble paid off for Newcastle with Martins scoring two minutes turning a loose ball inside the area which went in low past Middlesbrough keeper Brad Jones. Aliadiere almost made the same impact at the other end but headed wide seconds later.

With four minutes left Peter Lovenkrands sealed the win for Newcastle shooting from close range from Kevin Nolan's cross.

The result sees Newcastle move to safety at the expense of Hull City while Middlesbrough remain in 19th place.