Source: Daily_Mail
Derby 3 Newcastle 0: Kris Commons' touch puts Rams in dreamland
Nigel Clough's Derby have saved their best work for the Championship'shigh-fliers as Newcastle manager Chris Hughton discovered to his costat Pride Park. [LNB]After ending the 19-game unbeaten record of rivals Nottingham Forest10 days ago, Derby shifted their attentions to Newcastle and promptlyturned on the style once again to knock them off the top of the tablefor the first time since October.[LNB]Three goals in a 23-minute purple patch either side of half-time,with Kris Commons playing a part in all of them, helped Derby extendtheir own impressive eight-year spell without defeat against theTynesiders.[LNB] Derby delight: Shaun Barker (left) celebrates as Newcastle appeal[LNB]Interestingly, this was the first time this season that Derby's manager had been able to name the same side for two successive matches. Clough said: 'If anyone had seen us in the last few weeks, they would confirm that has been coming. It just shows what can be done with a settled side.[LNB]'To be able to name the same team for the first time this season, and we are now in February, shows some of the problems we have experienced.[LNB]'I'm not sure where this rates in terms of importance, but the first 15 minutes were as well as we have played since I've been here. We earned our rewards for a good performance tonight.'[LNB]Newcastle had not lost in their last 15 League outings and came to Pride Park on the back of a five-goal thumping dished out to Cardiff five days ago.[LNB]In fairness, little went right for Newcastle from the first blast of referee Anthony Taylor's whistle. Striker Andy Carroll appeared to have a decent shout for a third-minute penalty when he was shoved attempting to meet Wayne Routledge's cross.[LNB]And referee Taylor failed to spot an advantage that would have ended with the same player sending a thumping header past Stephen Bywater seconds after the interval.[LNB]Robbie Savage could also have been shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Routledge but escaped with a caution.[LNB] Fiery finish: Hughton collars the officials [LNB]But in the final reckoning there could be none from Newcastle's camp, however the moans were dressed-up.[LNB]It was Savage's quick-thinking that released Commons, Newcastle's main tormentor-in-chief, five minutes before the break. The Scotland international swung over a perfect cross for Hulse and centre-forwards of his ilk do not miss with their head from four yards.[LNB]Stephen Bywater then saved twice from Routledge and Kevin Nolan before the decisive second in the 58th-minute. Michael Tonge chased a ball inside the area and was adjudged to have been tripped by Jonas Guttierrez.[LNB]Commons rolled home the penalty and seven minutes later turned provider again, his corner only half-cleared as far as Hulse, who hooked the ball over his shoulder and Shaun Barker joyously swept home the third.[LNB]It added up to a miserable night for Hughton, who said: 'I thought it was a soft penalty for them and then the referee was perfectly-placed for us but didn't give it.[LNB]'It's a very hurt changing-room, not just because of the manner of the defeat, but I'm quite sure there will be a desire to turn things around.'[LNB] West Brom 2 Scunthorpe 0: Redeemed Roman Bednar puts Albion top of the tableCoventry 1 Nottingham Forest 0: Amy Fearn in control as Billy Davies' men slip up againEngland legend Gascoigne arrested for the second time in two daysFor sale, one football club: Palace take out advert for Selhurst Park sell-off[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People:Nigel Clough, Kevin Nolan, Wayne Routledge, Robbie SavagePlaces:Newcastle, Cardiff, Scotland
