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Wednesday November 4, 2009

Own goal sends Magpies flying back to the top

LONDON: Newcastle returned to the top of the Second Division on Monday as an own-goal by Sheffield United’s Chris Morgan gave them a 1-0 win.

The goal lifted the fallen English giants — albeit more stable now that owner Mike Ashley has decided to keep hold of the club and appointed Chris Hughton as fulltime manager — two points clear of West Brom, who like them were relegated from the Premier League last season.

The Magpies had other chances, especially just after the break through Kevin Nolan, but his shot was brilliantly turned over by Ian Bennett.

However, shortly afterwards Ben­nett was beaten as Morgan’s boot de­­flected Ryan Taylor’s shot past him.

Sheffield United, who have been devastated by a lengthening injury list, had their chances only to see veteran Newcastle goalkeeper Steven Harper in imperious form, particularly when he saved from Darius Henderson’s header late on.

Hughton, who had been caretaker manager since Alan Shearer opted not to take on the challenge of guiding them back to the Premier League, said that it hadn’t been pretty but the three points were welcome after two defeats in their last three matches.

“It was an ugly win but Sheffield United play a style which makes it difficult,” said the 50-year-old former Republic of Ireland international defender.

“You have to be strong and resilient. For the majority of the game I thought we handled everything that they threw at us.

“We’ve just got to make sure we keep up the performances and stay where we are,” added Hughton, who was a Spurs stalwart both as a player — winning two FA Cups and the 1984 UEFA Cup — and then as a coach and assistant manager.

The defeat leaves Sheffield United 15th in the table just five points above the relegation places in what was their fourth successive loss.

However, their manager Kevin Blackwell was far from despondent.

“It sums it up. We were fabulous,” said the former Leeds handler.

“It was a foul on Kyle Walker and then it goes in off Morgan.

“I thought we were the better side by a mile. That was top class in every respect — there wasn’t much wrong. I am proud of the players,” added Blackwell, who has twice taken sides to the Second Division playoff final losing with Leeds United and last season Sheffield United were beaten by Burnley. — AFP

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