Al blockbuster and Bellamy winner ends Blues' run

By Peter Donnelly
December 3 2002

In a crazy game, Newcastle United beat David Moyes' high flyers Everton right at the death, by two goals to one. Being a goal up but a man down, Everton defended for their lives, but the Toon dramatically snatched the points.

Newcastle: Given , Griffin , O'Brien , Bernard , Solano , Robert , Dyer , Speed (Viana 81) , Shearer , Bellamy , Caldwell (Ameobi 81).

Before kick-off Steve Caldwell came in for Nikos Dabizas, Olivier Bernard replaced the ill Aaron Hughes and Laurent Robert won back his place to Hugo Viana.

We started very well and opened up Everton on several occasions. Both Kieron Dyer and Craig Bellamy had chances to open the scoring, though were either foiled by Richard Wright or just failed to hit the target.

However, it was Everton who opened the scoring courtesy of Kevin Campbell on 17 mins, who simply loves playing at St. James'. It was the same old story for Newcastle though, going down first early on once again.

On the 22nd minute Criag Bellamy was set away onto goal having got beyond the in-form Joseph Yobo, but the Nigerian pulled the controversial Welshman down and had to go off according to the rules.

United couldn't get level before half-time though, despite playng some good stuff.

In the second half it was pretty much all hands to the pump for Everton who defended their lead very impressivly. Newcastle, who dominated proccedings, done some good stuff but also done some bad stuff, with the Toffees being extremely compact.

However, just when it was looking like a home defeat, skipper Alan Shearer volleyed in an absolute dream goal on the 86 minute mark, sparking wild celebtrations.

This gave us the momentum to carry on pushing foward and with Everton shell-shocked Craig Bellamy got the winner, 'keeper Wright coverting the ball in his own net after Bellamy's good run and deflected cross.

Newcastle move up to 6th in the table after the win, which is a very healty position to work from.