Premier League

Newcastle United completed a “complete win” in the eyes of boss Alan Pardew as strikes from Peter lovenkrands and Leon Best on either half secured a much needed away win for the Geordies. With this win, they now sit pretty in ninth position with the team only 2-3 wins away from securing another run in at the premier league next season. The win proved to be sweeter as they scored two good goals even though they are devoid of an all out striker currently.

The Magpies also became the fifth club in two years to register a win at St Andrews which had become a fortress and was pivotal to their magnificent run last season. On the other hand Birmingham is hovering just above the relegation zone with a dismal run in the last few days.

Marshalled in the midfield by Kevin Nolan and the flamboyant Joey Barton, Newcastle started brightly with the full backs rampaging forward and Peter Lovenkrands took full advantage of it when a low shot from Jonas Guiterrez was pounced upon and parried into the net to register his fourth goal of the season. Birmingham had a terrifying strike force of Nikola Zigic and ex Newcastle player Obafemi Martins but they did not pose much threat in front of goal.

The second half started in a similar fashion as the first one when Leon Best headed home Jonas Guiterrez’s beautiful and pin point cross in front of the travelling Toon Army. Zigic tried hard but Birmingham seldom managed to threaten the geordie defence. The two goals ensured Newcastle’s wonderful away record stretch further to 5 wins, a record enviable to even the top teams in the league.

Alan Pardew termed the win as a complete one with a superb allround performance whereas Birmingam boss Alex Mcleish blamed fatigue to be the main reason behind the poor show. With none believing that Newcatle would be in the top half in February, they now have a realistic chance of qualifying for Europa League.

Tags: Alan Pardew, Birmingham, EPL, Europa League, Leon Best, Newcastle United, Peter lovenkrand, Premier League