BBC SPORT | Football | Eng Prem | Leeds see off Newcastle

Newcastle 0-2 Leeds

An early goal from Mark Viduka and a late strike from Alan Smith ensured Leeds registered a rare win at Newcastle.

Leeds, coming into the game on the back of two straight defeats, played with a real sense of purpose.

We made one mistake in 70 minutes and got punished for it

Newcastle manager Bobby Robson

And Terry Venables' team defended stoutly as an increasingly desperate Newcastle went in search of an equaliser before Smith's late goal sealed the points.

Goalkeeper Paul Robinson was particularly magnificent for the visitors, underlining his England credentials with a string of brilliant saves.

Key moments

5 mins: Viduka scores for Leeds

43 mins: Robinson saves on the line from Ameobi

57 mins: Ameobi heads over

87 mins: Smith scores for Leeds

But Smith - who was superb for England against Portugal last weekend - was also excellent on the right side of midfield and deserved his goal.

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It was a frustrating night for Sir Bobby Robson's team, who wasted numerous chances to restore parity.

As the game entered its final stages Robson could be seen on the touchlines imploring his team to push forward, but it was all in vain.

Viduka celebrated his 100th appearance for Leeds with a goal after only five minutes.

We looked well organised and played some good football

Terry Venables

The visitors struck on the counter attack, Nick Barmby converting defence into attack with a raking pass through midfield that sent Harry Kewell free down the left.

The Australian charged goalwards before knocking the ball across the face of Newcastle's goal for his compatriot to stab home ahead of Andy O'Brien.

Throughout the opening half Leeds passed the ball crisply and played with a steely determination.

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Kewell fired over and Jonathan Woodgate - continuing an attack he started with a tackle on the edge of his own area - headed narrowly wide.

Shearer holds off Woodgate's challenge
Shearer tussles with Woodgate
In contrast, Newcastle lacked any semblance of fluency but - far superior in attack than defence - created a bagful of chances late in the first half.

Laurent Robert had a shot blocked and another saved by Robinson.

And the Leeds keeper also denied Alan Shearer, Olivier Bernard and Shola Ameobi - the last of which was a brilliant last-gasp stop with half-time looming.

Shearer shrugged off Dominic Matteo after 55 minutes but - after closing in on goal - was again denied by Robinson.

A minute later Bernard knocked a brilliant cross to the far post but Ameobi headed over from close range.

Newcastle - following the introduction of substitutes Hugo Viana and Craig Bellamy - were pushing hard for an equaliser but Leeds almost scored on the break.

I thought for 70 minutes we were magnificent but Leeds defended brilliantly

Sir Bobby Robson

However, Shay Given made two excellent stops to deny Kewell and then Viduka.

The attacking momentum in the second half was firmly with Newcastle - and both Bellamy and Shearer missed the target with good opportunities before Robinson saved from Nolberto Solano.

But the Magpies could find no way past Robinson and Smith's late strike guaranteed Leeds their first Premiership win at St James' Park since Boxing Day 1998.

Newcastle: Given, Hughes, O'Brien (Griffin 83), Bramble, Bernard, Solano, Dyer, Speed (Viana 67), Robert, Shearer, Ameobi (Bellamy 67).
Subs Not Used: Jenas, Harper.

Booked: Speed, Griffin, Bramble.

Leeds: Robinson, Mills, Woodgate, Matteo, Harte, Bowyer, Dacourt, Barmby, Smith, Viduka (Bakke 85), Kewell.
Subs Not Used: Martyn, Kelly, Radebe, Okon.

Booked: Mills, Smith.

Attendance: 51,730.

Referee: D Gallagher (Oxfordshire).


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