Robson’s mixed emotions

IT has been a weekend of mixed emotion for Newcastle Utd boss Bobby Robson.

On Saturday, Olivier Bernard kept the Toons' league title bid on track when the French defender grabbed their winner in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at St James' Park.

It eased the pain somewhat of a personal trauma, as his England caps were stolen during a break-in at his family home in Suffolk.

The 70-year-old has asked for anyone who knows anything about them to get in contact with them.

"I am distraught. They are the most valuable things I won in my career and I am appealing to anyone who may know anything to get in contact with me."

There was a hint of theft also in the Premiership battle.

A spectacular headed own goal by Chelsea's Dutch striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink gave Newcastle a 31st-minute lead before a sweetly-struck volley from midfielder Frank Lampard levelled six minutes later.

But Bernard's second goal of the season in the 53rd minute moved third-placed Newcastle on to 55 points, level with Manchester United and eight behind champions Arsenal, who defeated Charlton Athletic yesterday.

Robson, who watched his new defender Jonathan Woodgate make his debut in a sometimes scrappy affair, was naturally relived at the final whistle.

"It was a difficult game. I have to applaud Chelsea, they gave us a real test," said Robson.

"In the end it was a well recorded victory, we got a clever goal a goal to win a match. "It was a terrific Premiership game, a powerful game.

"It wasn't one for the connoisseur but it was a thrill-a-minute. Chelsea were a fine side and to beat a side like that you must have something in the bank."

As for nine-million-pound Woodgate, who joined in January while carrying a thigh injury, Robson said: "Apart from making his debut in strange surroundings, he hadn't played a Premiership game for seven weeks and hasn't even had a reserve game.

"He showed us what he is a good, solid defender ... A quiet debut but very solid. One for the future."

But now the Tyneside derby against Middlesbrough looms large.

Boro drew 1-1 with Everton on Saturday and returned goal hero Juninho dedicated his comeback goal after a six-month absence to club physio Bob Ward.

The Brazilian World Cup winner, who had been sidelined with a knee injury, grabbed the equaliser in the 74th minute.

It was a special moment for the gifted midfielder in his first appearance in his third spell for the club, stretching back to 1996.

Juninho, who came on at the start of the second half, raced over to the touchline to celebrate with Ward as the crowd raised the roof at the Riverside Stadium.

"He knew what it was like for me to be out for six months," said the 29-year-old. "He did a great job for me. I feel I owe many things to him and to my surgeon.

"Only someone who has been through something like that can tell you how hard it is.

"Let me play a few more games and then I will be like everybody else in terms of fitness."