Source: Telegraph
Doncaster Rovers 0 Newcastle United 1: match report
Andy Carroll showed exactly why his Newcastle United paymasters are ruling out sacking the wayward striker by delivering a legitimate knock-out blow against Doncaster Rovers to bolster his club's promotion challenge. [LNB]The England Under-21 has incurred manager Chris Hughton's wrath with his latest misdemeanour but underlined his importance to Newcastle's cause by striking the winner that strengthened the Championship leaders' grip on pole position in the promotion race. [LNB]Cardiff City 3 Bristol City 0: match reportCarroll sported gloves to hide a lightweight protective cast on the hand damaged in a training ground altercation that left team-mate Steven Taylor with a broken jaw. [LNB]There was no disguising his lack of focus, though, as he wasted a glorious early chance following Wayne Routledge's burst forward as he curled his shot off target. [LNB]All high-tempo pass-and-move, Rovers were soon into their stride and Newcastle defender Tamas Kadar could have been dismissed for grappling with Billy Sharp as he tried to latch on to John Oster's through-ball. [LNB]Sharp almost opened the scoring with a low drive parried by Steve Harper before Danny Simpson came to his rescue, clearing as James Hayter waited to pounce. [LNB]Newcastle were up against it and the frustration got to Kevin Nolan as he raced half-the-length of the field to jab his finger in Dean Shiels' chest to spark a minor melee. [LNB]Hayter almost took advantage of the loss of discipline but fluffed an opening, with a weak shot following Oster's cross that allowed Harper to save comfortably as Newcastle wobbled. [LNB]Carroll had a chance to redeem himself when sent clear by Routledge but erred again, allowing Neil Sullivan to push his first-time, right-footed rising effort wide. [LNB]Sean O'Driscoll's play-off contenders continued to enjoy the upper hand and when Carroll squandered another half chance after the break by slicing wide and Leon Best started warming up it seemed it just would not be his night. [LNB]However, Carroll stuck to his task and broke the deadlock in the 58th minute when Routledge slipped the ball through and he held off Gareth Roberts' challenge before rounding Sullivan and slotting in his 16th goal this season in front of exultant travelling supporters. [LNB]Rovers responded brightly and looked set to extended their six-match unbeaten when Harper failed to hold Martin Woods' long-range effort and Sharp rammed home the loose ball only to have his celebrations cut shot by an offside flag. [LNB]Every inch the pantomime villain, Joey Barton deflected the attention away from Carroll as he made his first appearance since September only to have his every touch booed by home supporters. [LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB]Newcastle United [LNB]Doncaster Rovers[LNB]
