Demba double act hit the right Toon

Not since Sam Fox teamed up with Sabrina has there been a more striking double D partnership.

Younger supporters might like to ask their fathers about the glamour model pin-ups and their sadly failed attempts to dominate the top 40 in the late 1980s. When it comes to ruling the goal charts, however, Newcastle’s two Dembas look like being a major hit.

It was a chance to pay tribute to heroes past, present and future at St James’ Park, Shay Given, afforded a predictably rapturous welcome on his return, powerless to prevent goals from Demba Ba, who further cemented his place as the darling of the Gallowgate, and Papiss Demba Cisse, with a debut strike to suggest he will soon follow suit, sealing Newcastle’s return to fifth place in a season where Alan Pardew’s side continue to over-achieve. For their part, at best, Villa are treading water.