Harper the hero stops the rot for Magpies

NEWCASTLE manager Glenn Roeder had Steve Harper to thank after the goalkeeper’s penalty shoot-out save booked his side a place in the Carling Cup quarter-finals at Watford’s expense.

The result was the break the former Hornets player and manager had been hoping for following a dismal run of results in the Premiership that had put him under immense pressure.

Antoine Sibierski headed Newcastle ahead in the third minute but Damien Francis levelled the scores midway through the second half.