Jenas strikes as Magpies close the gap on Red Devils

TEENAGER Jermaine Jenas fired Newcastle to an 11th successive Premiership win at St James’ Park to close the gap on second-placed Manchester United to just two points.

But they were made to fight all the way by Sam Allardyce's relegation-haunted side, who turned the tables after the break to put Shay Given's goal under intense pressure. United looked to be coasting as they created chance after chance in the opening 45 minutes with Kieron Dyer and Craig Bellamy particularly lively and only Gudni Bergsson standing between the Magpies and a comfortable lead.

But after the turnaround, it was the home side who looked disjointed and short of ideas, and it was a tense last few minutes as they were forced to defend their lead like tigers.