England round-up: Newcastle floor Fulham

Newcastle United FC recovered from two goals down to defeat Fulham FC 3-2 at Loftus Road on Tuesday night.

Climbing the table
The win moved Sir Bobby Robson's side up to tenth place in the Premiership with 12 points from nine games, while Fulham remained in sixth spot.

Early advantage
Fulham led 2-0 after eight minutes, with former Newcastle players Lee Clark and Louis Saha both finding the net against their old club. Clark opened the scoring in the fifth minute, collecting Steed Malbranque's pass and finishing with a powerful shot from a tight angle.

Fine run
Fulham doubled their lead moments later as a Sylvain Legwinski pass picked out Saha, and the French striker burst past Newcastle central defender Titus Bramble before beating Shay Given with a shot just inside the post.

Robert rejoices
It was Alan Shearer who inspired Newcastle's comeback, as he released Laurent Robert from Shola Ameobi's right-wing cross and the French midfield player scored with a clever half-volley.
 
Chances to equalise
Shearer then saw a chip easily saved by Fulham goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, before Bramble almost equalised with a header from Robert's corner.

Shearer strikes
It was 2-2 early in the second half as Ameobi was brought down by Alain Goma inside the penalty area and Shearer made no mistake from the spot. The striker then completed Newcastle's comeback four minutes before the hour, scoring with a powerful strike into the roof of the net after good work by Jermaine Jenas.

Fulham opportunities
Fulham might have drawn level, with Mark Pembridge miscuing when well-placed and Saha forcing a save from Given, but the visitors held on for the win.