No changes on either side with United kick-off the second-half. Michael Owen is in the mood to booked his name again on scoresheet today but was unlucky to see Barton’s delivery ball run away from him inside the area.
But again, it was Jimmy Bullard again trying to give a test to United’s goalkeeper, but this time it’s far from troubling Steve Harper as the ball flying high.
Fulham have early corner in the second-half but the towering Abdoulaye Faye heads it clear into the feet of Oba Martins who runs the ball into the opposide team zone. The Toon Army urging him to drive it more deep into the inside Fulham side, but it was his decision to drive the ball high.
In the 66 minutes, Fulham making the first change with Clint Dempsey replaces Brian McBride and give the armband to ex-United player Aaron Hughes. Kevin Keegan once again taking off Martins and bring Charles N’Zogbia in 74 minutes.
And the St. James’s Park crowds are more than happy to sing Walking in a Keegan’s Wonderland immediately after United skipper scores another goal to secure the first win under King Kevin Keegan.
Before scoring his second goals in two games, Barton has tries to get MO away with a sharp delivery. Owen reacted as sharp and spins away from his marker before Aaron Hughes making the final challenge and clear the danger. But there’s nothing that can stop Toon no.10 from scoring eight minutes from the end of normal time.
Aaron Hughes bundled him 30 yards from goal, United free-kick. Ex-Toon skipper, Geremi took the kick and curls the ball into the area in which Owen is happy to give it a go into Kasey Keller’s net with a header at the Gallowgate End. 2-0, and earthquake happens locally at St. James’s Park!
Both side ends the last minutes of the game in a busy way changing their players. Roy Hodgson taken off Paul Stalteri to give way for David Healy. Keegan also using the final substitution to give another game for Alan Smith as he’s replaces Toon goal scorer Mark Viduka and United young defender David Edgar replaces Habib Beye.
Alright Ladies and Gentlemen, that is the United’s way to answer some under-estimated news reports of what Keegan can do to this club. I know we only face Fulham, another strong contender to get relegated this season but this is only the beginning of the return of Newcastle United Cavaliers!
See you soon at White Hart Lane! Howay the Lads!!!
TEAMS
Newcastle United FC:
Steve Harper, Habib Beye (David Edgar – 87min), Jose Enrique, Abdoulaye Faye, Steven Taylor, Geremi, Nicky Butt, Joey Barton, Michael Owen (c), Mark Viduka (Alan Smith – 82min), Oba Martins (Charles N’Zogbia – 74min)
Subs: Fraser Forster, Andy Carroll
Fulham FC:
Kasey Keller, Paul Konchesky, Paul Stalteri (David Healy – 84min), Brede Hangeland, Aaron Hughes, Leon Andreason, Jimmy Bullard, Danny Murphy (Moritz Volz – 71min), Simon Davies, Brian McBride (c) (Clint Dempsey – 66min), Eddie Johnson
Subs: Tony Warner, Carlos Bocanegra
Referee: Alan Wiley
Attendance: 52, 293