Michael Owen marked his Newcastle comeback with a goal off the bench in a thrilling 1-0 win over Bolton.
Striker returns to sink Bolton at St James' Park
Michael Owen marked his Newcastle United comeback with a goal off the bench in a thrilling 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers.
There had been question marks over whether Owen would even be available to manager Kevin Keegan, but once on the field he made a telling contribution.
It could all have been so different for Bolton who missed a penalty with the game scoreless when Shay Given saved Kevin Nolan's spot-kick.
Owen was forced into the action early when Obafemi Martins hobbled off shortly after half-time with a groin stain.
You just knew the England international could be the difference between the sides and it proved the case as he nursed home Geremi's inswinging cross on 71 minutes to give Newcastle the points.
The Trotters were committed and well-organised and worked desperately hard to deny their hosts space and time on the ball, which proved a hugely effective ploy.
On the few occasions they were threatened, central defenders Gary Cahill and former Magpie Andy O'Brien were equal to the task.
Cahill blocked a goal-bound sixth-minute flick from Martins and O'Brien did the same to deny Damien Duff 12 minutes before the break.
Jussi under-employed
In the meantime, both James Milner and Charles N'Zogbia saw efforts cut out as they sped through a packed penalty area to leave goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen under-employed.
Bolton, who lost £8million summer signing Johan Elmander through injury with just 15 minutes gone, played thereafter with Kevin Davies as a lone striker, and caused Newcastle concern on more than one occasion.
Full-back Jlloyd Samuel might have done better with a curling shot in the 38th minute, and Steven Taylor was at full stretch to divert Fabrice Muamba's effort away from goal two minutes later.
There was muted applause from the home fans as their side left the pitch, but Keegan had fresh problems at the break when Duff, who had been hurt in a collision with O'Brien shortly before the break, failed to re-appear.
Geremi was drafted in on the right wing as Milner pushed up alongside Martins.
Owen for Martins
Just as the home crowd started to anticipate Owen's introduction, the England international was called from the bench to rapturous applause. With Martins limping, it was he who made way, with Keegan's striking options stretched to the limit.
Things might have got even worse for him when, with 59 minutes gone, Gretar Steinsson's cross flicked off Joey O'Brien's head and hit Taylor's arm, and referee Steve Bennett pointed to the spot.
Nolan drilled the ball low to Given's left, and the Irishman pulled off a fine save to spare his side further punishment.
Owen headed straight at Jaaskelainen two minutes later with anxiety levels rising inside the stadium, but salvation was close at hand.
Danny Guthrie recycled an N'Zogbia corner to Geremi, whose right-footed cross allowed the unmarked Owen to glance a header past the stranded Jaaskelainen to set his side on their way to three points.
Milner might have made sure five minutes later but headed over from Habib Beye's cross, and the unmarked Nolan headed wide four minutes from time and then saw Taylor block a rasping volley as Bolton finished strongly, but to no avail.
| Newcastle United |
Team Statistics |
Bolton Wanderers |
| 1 |
Goals |
0 |
| 0 |
1st Half Goals |
0 |
| 2 |
Shots on Target |
1 |
| 2 |
Shots off Target |
6 |
| 10 |
Blocked Shots |
2 |
| 4 |
Corners |
6 |
| 12 |
Fouls |
12 |
| 2 |
Offsides |
2 |
| 1 |
Yellow Cards |
2 |
| 0 |
Red Cards |
0 |
| 82.9 |
Passing Success |
61.5 |
| 12 |
Tackles |
34 |
| 83.3 |
Tackles Success |
79.4 |
| 64.5 |
Possession |
35.5 |
| 51.6 |
Territorial Advantage |
48.4 |
|
