Magpies lead Portsmouth at half-time

Portsmouth 0 Newcastle 1 - HT

Craig Bellamy’s fourth goal in four starts since returning from a knee injury gave Newcastle a 34th-minute lead at Fratton Park.

Alan Shearer missed a glorious chance with a close-range air shot on 26 minutes as did Lee Bowyer who was also back in the starting line-up following three months out.

But Portsmouth also squandered opportunities, notably through Eyal Berkovic from eight yards out.