Shearer and Fowler goals share points

STRIKING stalwarts Alan Shearer and Robbie Fowler both found the net at Eastlands on yet another night of frustration for under-achieving Newcastle.

Now rid of bad boy Craig Bellamy, Magpies boss Graeme Souness is hoping for a sustained end-of-season burst to carry his side into a UEFA Cup spot.

Instead, he just got another inconsistent performance as his side faltered badly after Shearer had given them a ninth-minute lead with his 250th Premiership goal.

Just three days after selling the man he bought to lead City into a new glorious era, how ironic Keegan should be on the wrong end of a goal from the player who will forever be synonymous with his time at Newcastle.

Shearer’s latest goal may not rank that highly but for those privileged to witness it, it was a little gem, the kind he will be most famous for.

Ben Thatcher was caught glaringly out of position when Bramble launched a huge cross-field pass from well inside his own half. Ever alive to an opportunity, Shearer had spotted his chance, drifted behind the Welshman and then, after controlling with the minimum of fuss, smashed his shot into the roof of James’ net.

It was a goal Newcastle’s first-half dominance deserved as City struggled to find their rhythm, although they were forced to survive a near calamitous mis-kick from Shay Given.

The Irish international had to try and deal with Celestine Babayaro’s routine back-pass. Caught out by a cruel bobble just before impact, Given sliced his clearance so badly for one moment it looked to be heading in before the keeper scampered back.

Four minutes into the second half City were level.

Darting on to Fowler’s deft flick, Shaun Wright-Phillips was brought down by Titus Bramble.

The Newcastle man did not protest, and neither did Fowler as he strolled confidently forward and sent Given the wrong way.

The goal inspired City and Fowler kept the Newcastle defence busy with a series of intelligent runs.

Unfortunately for Keegan, Fowler’s efforts could not bring the Blues a winner.

MAN CITY: James, Mills, Dunne, Distin, Thatcher, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Barton, Bosvelt, Musampa, Fowler, Macken (Bradley Wright-Phillips 84).

NEWCASTLE: Given, Carr, Andrew O’Brien, Bramble, Babayaro, Bowyer, Dyer (Butt 63), Jenas, Faye, Shearer, Ameobi (Kluivert 65).

Ref: A D’Urso (Essex).