Fulham lead Newcastle by a goal

Fulham 2, Newcastle 1 (latest)

England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson was one spectator who made it to Loftus Road in time for the delayed kick-off of Fulham and Newcastle United.

The Italian was watching from the directors’ box as Fulham’s former Newcastle midfielder Lee Clark fired the Cottagers into a fifth-minute lead with a superb strike.

Aaron Hughes miscontrolled a lofted pass forward down Fulham’s left-wing, chesting it into Steed Malbranque’s path.

The Frenchman cut inside and fed former Magpie Clark, who turned smartly and thundered into the far corner from an acute angle.

And Fulham doubled their lead just two minutes later when Louis Saha, another St James’ Park old boy, produced an equally smart goal.

Sylvain Legwinski hoisted the ball up to the edge of the area where Saha brought it down, burst past Titus Bramble and smacked a shot across Shay Given and inside the post.

It was a sweet moment for Saha, who had his first taste of English football at St James’ Park five years ago.

But Bobby Robson’s men reduced the arrears to a single goal on the quarter-hour mark.

Ameobi crossed from the right, Laurent Robert and Shearer played a one-two and the Frenchman almost ripped the Fulham net with a screeching half-volley from 10 yards.