Robson gives Newcastle the kiss of life By Peter Bainbridge (Filed: 03/02/2002)

THE afternoon began with Bobby Robson blowing kisses to the crowd after receiving a sports writers' award and ended with the adoring fans returning the affection after seeing another vibrant performance lift his team into second place. Three days after coming from behind to win at Tottenham, Newcastle recovered from the shock of Bolton twice taking the lead to deservedly win a rousing contest.

Welsh wonder: Newcastle's Craig Bellamy celebrates scoring the winning goal against Bolton Robson's passion has reignited Tyneside. With two goals from the old warhorse Alan Shearer, another bewitching display from Craig Bellamy and a dashing performance at right-back by Aaron Hughes, the fans could only have been happier had Manchester United tripped and handed over top spot. Then again, hearing Sunderland had lost 4-1 was still worth cheering.

On a day of such good humour, not even a glaring mistake by one of his players was going to incur Robson's wrath. Jamie McClen's dawdling in midfield brought about Bolton's first goal. Substituted late in the game, McClen received a standing ovation - and that was just from his manager, who then turned to the crowd and urged them to follow suit.

Robson later referred to McClen, 22, as "the little boy", perfectly acceptable from a 68-year-old. McClen, who made his Premiership debut almost three years ago and is considering leaving for regular first-team football, was still in nappies when Robson recorded his best League finishes, runners-up with Ipswich in 1981 and 1982.

Can he go one better now? "If you start counting your chickens before they've hatched, they won't lay the egg," Robson said, mixing metaphors splendidly as he played a straight bat to a hot potato.

The question vexes Robson less than others. Better to just enjoy the moment. As Hughes explained: "It used to be that if we went 1-0 down, our heads would drop. The gaffer's enthusiasm has rubbed off on the players and the crowd. We've got winners in the side and there's a strong spirit and will to win. We've got an easier run-in than most, so we'll be disappointed if we don't get a Champions League place." Newcastle's success is dependent on Bellamy maintaining his form. Dazzling footwork and blinding pace suggests there is magic dust in his silver boots.

Shearer, often accused of having only lead in his, is enjoying a new lease of life. Two goals, argy-bargy with Bolton's centre-backs, tiffs with the referee and linesmen - Shearer is clearly enjoying his game again, partly due, he believes, to international retirement.

Shearer's opening goal came from a free-kick awarded when Jussi Jaaskelainen was penalised for holding the ball for more than six seconds. More goalkeepers should suffer the same fate.

Bolton had led through Ricardo Gardner's pick-pocketing of McClen and went in front again when Nicky Southall hammered in a 20-yard shot. With the game wide open, Shearer headed in the second equaliser from Hughes's cross, and, after half-time, the right-back set up Bellamy's winner, crossing to the far post after an audacious flick by Nolberto Solano. By then, Bolton had faded and lone striker Michael Ricketts had run out of steam.

-- Anonymous, February 04, 2002