Premiership round-up: Saints ease pressure on Sturrock

James Beattie scored a injury-time penalty against Blackburn today to ease the pressure on manager Paul Sturrock in the Barclays Premiership.

The 26-year-old striker, who is wanted by Aston Villa, was pushed by Craig Short in the area with seconds remaining and confidently struck the penalty to give his side a 3-2 win.

Kevin Phillips scored the opener at St Mary’s after 32 minutes when he got on the end of a Fabrice Fernandes cross but Barry Ferguson equalised just after the break when he raced onto a Paul Dickov pass and finished past Antti Niemi from 12 yards.

Dickov then scored his first goal for Rovers when he smashed a volley into the top corner from a Brett Emerton cross.

Sweden international Anders Svensson equalised for the home side when his spectacular drive found the top corner with 16 minutes left and Beattie grabbed the points in the last moments.

Kieron Dyer was left on the bench by Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson and his team-mates could not take advantage of early chances against Tottenham at St James’ Park.

Craig Bellamy was sent through in the first few minutes but Paul Robinson saved. The England keeper then fumbled the resulting corner but the Magpies could not force the ball home.

Jermaine Jenas had a great chance to grab the opener on the half-hour mark but his effort was cleared by Spurs youngster Philip Ifil and it remained goalless at half-time.

Nicolas Anelka started up front for Manchester City and scored against his former club Liverpool as they went into half-time with a 1-0 lead at Anfield.

The France international scored after a mistake from Jerzy Dudek in the last moments of the half.

Fulham returned to Craven Cottage after a two-year absence and grabbed an early lead against Bolton.

Andy Cole opened his account for Chris Coleman’s side after five minutes when he scrambled the ball past Jussi Jaaskelainen following a drilled shot from Zat Knight.

Bolton skipper Jay-Jay Okocha had an early chance but could not convert and Cole nearly grabbed his 200th league goal before the break but hit the post.

A Mark Hudson header gave Crystal Palace an early lead at Selhurst Park against Everton but the visitors struck back and it was 1-1 at the break.

The centre-back got on the end of a deep Wayne Routledge cross after nine minutes and beat former Eagles stopper Nigel Martyn.

Marcus Bent almost replied for the visitors when he raced onto a long ball but his lob cleared the bar. David Moyes’ men did equalise after 19 minutes when Thomas Gravesen scored from the penalty spot after Kevin Campbell was brought down by keeper Julian Speroni.

Alan Curbishley gave Dennis Rommedahl his first Charlton start and they took a goal lead into the break against Portsmouth at The Valley.

They went ahead on 23 minutes when Kevin Lisbie’s cross could not be cleared by Pompey defender Linvoy Primus.

The ball ricocheted to Jason Euell and the Addicks striker finished from eight yards.

Birmingham fielded three former Chelsea players but none could grab an opener against their old team at St Andrews.

Muzzy Izzet, Jesper Gronkjaer and Mario Melchiot all started for Steve Bruce’s side but it was the visitors who created had the best chance of the opening half.

Didier Drogba missed from a few yards out after pouncing on a defensive error but it remained goalless.