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Match Report
Newcastle v Portsmouth 04 February 2006
Shearer sets record in win
Newcastle 2 - 0 Portsmouth
Alan Shearer started the post-Graeme Souness era by becoming Newcastle United's all-time record goalscorer after sealing a 2-0 home win over troubled Portsmouth.
The veteran marksman struck his 201st goal for the club, to surpass Jackie Milburn's tally, in the second half after Charles N'Zogbia had put The Magpies ahead before the break.
Newcastle dominated the first period against a resilient Pompey side, who struggled to get out of their own half and lacked an attacking threat.
Emre was the first to work Pompey keeper Dean Kiely, with the recent signing from Charlton Athletic uncomfortably turning the turk's bobbling shot behind.
From a Nolberto Solano free kick, Shearer headed wide at the near post, while Portsmouth's Pedro Mendes ambitiously shot from 35 yards, without troubling Shay Given.
The Magpies created a good opening on 27 minutes when Peter Ramage's cross was flicked on to the far post, where N'Zogbia's diving header was deflected wide.
Kiely made a superb double save just past the half hour to keep the score level when he firstly kept out Shola Ameobi's volley at full stretch, and then scrambled to block Shearer's effort from the rebound.
A meaty Andy Griffin challenge on Celestine Babayaro brought a booking for the former Newcastle full back before the hosts finally made the breakthrough four minutes before half time.
Kiely saved excellently with his legs from Shearer's header, but the ball fell into the path of N'Zogbia, who retained his composure to slot his shot inside the post.
Pompey made a double substitution at the break, bringing on Noe Pamarot and Svetoslav Todorov, and a dangerous Matthew Taylor cross just eluded the Bulgarian striker.
Newcastle, with Titus Bramble and Jean-Alain Boumsong for once an effective partnership at the back, were keeping the visitors at bay and a landmark second goal duly arrived on 64 minutes.
Ameobi flicked the ball into the path of Shearer and the Magpies legend confidently placed his shot beyond the onrushing Kiely to create a little piece of history.
Solano then curled a free kick just wide as Newcastle looked to put the game to bed, although Given provided his team-mates with an anxious moment a few minutes later.
He raced out of his goal, only to miss the ball, which allowed Benjani Mwaruwari a long-range sight of the target. However, Bramble was alive to the danger and he was well placed to head the Zimbabwean's attempt off the line.
Ameobi then hit a tame shot at Kiely under pressure from ex-Newcastle stopper Andy O'Brien before Kieron Dyer made his latest comeback from injury as a substitute 15 minutes from time.
A mistake from O'Brien almost allowed Ameobi a whiff of goal, but the angular striker was forced too wide by Kiely and could only find the side-netting with his shot.
| Newcastle United | Team Name | Portsmouth | | 2 | Goals | 0 | | 8 | Shots on target ( Inc Goals ) | 1 | | 4 | Shots off Target (inc woodwork) | 2 | | 2 | Blocked Shots | 0 | | 7 | Corners Won | 1 | | 9 | Total Fouls Conceded | 10 | | 6 | Offsides | 3 | | 0 | Yellow Cards | 1 | | 0 | Red Cards | 0 | | 65% | Possession | 35% |
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