Newcastle go one up against Sunderland

Newcastle 1 (Craig Bellamy 2) Sunderland 0

Craig Bellamy has taken Newcastle one up in their Premiership clash against Sunderland.

Bobby Robson wheeled out his big guns as Sunderland arrived at Newcastle for the 123rd Tyne-Wear derby.

Wingers Laurent Robert and Nolberto Solano, who were left out for the Champions League trip to Dynamo Kiev in midweek, returned at the expense of Olivier Bernard and Hugo Viana as Andy Griffin retained his place in the starting line-up and Aaron Hughes reverted to an orthodox defensive role.

Sunderland boss Peter Reid too made two changes as he attempted to stiffen his midfied, Gavin McCann replacing striker Marcus Stewart and under-fire Irishman Kevin Kilbane coming in for Thomas Butler with Tore Andre Flo left to play a lone role up front.

Newcastle went into the game having lost on their last three outings, while the visitors arrived at St James’ Park on the back of two successive 3-0 defeats.