Fulham 3: Newcastle 1
Fulham's third Premiership win in a row against Newcastle United at Craven Cottage on Saturday was certainly not short on entertainment, writes Mark Caswell.
The game had everything quality goals, a missed penalty, six bookings, several reunions and even a streaker.
Former Fulham manager and player Bobby Robson made an emotional return to the Cottage only his second visit in 33 years.
Robson played more than 330 games for the Whites and was boss the year Fulham were relegated in 1968. The former England manager deservedly received a standing ovation from the Fulham faithful.
The match itself started relatively quietly, but after 20 minutes burst into life when Louis Saha received a pass from Steed Malbranque and, from 20 yards, curled an unstoppable shot past the outstretched Shay Given.
It was Saha's first league goal for nearly three months, but the striker had an outstanding game and was involved in one of the best goals seen at Craven Cottage for years.
The Frenchman exchanged slick passes with midfielder Steed Malbranque, who teed up the ball for Sylvian Legwinski to slot home. On the stroke of half-time, the Magpies' Aaron Hughes had to clear another Legwinski effort off the goal line.
In the second half, Newcastle pulled a goal back when Laurent Robert headed home Hughes' cross.
Fulham thought they had secured the points when Malbranque's corner was headed home by Barry Hayles, but the visitors were awarded a dub-ious penalty in the 79th minute after Alain Goma was adjudged to have fouled Robert.
However, the Toon Army's hero Alan Shearer could not produce the goods and his penalty kick was turned onto a post by Edwin Van Der Sar.
After the game, manager Jean Tigana said: "Our target this season is 41 points, which would secure our place in the Premiership."
But on the strength of this performance Tigana should be looking for a top six place.
On my way out of the stadium 30 minutes after game I bumped into Malcolm MacDonald. For the Fulham fan, it was a day to remember.
November 27, 2001 11:00
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