Magpies back on top

25 October 2009 14:41
Ten-man Newcastle returned to the top of the Coca-Cola Championship with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Doncaster at St James Park. Chris Hughton, who is expected to be confirmed as Newcastle's permanent manager next week, saw his side avoid a third straight defeat despite falling behind to Dean Shiel's 18th-minute strike. Andrew Carroll levelled for the Magpies after 67 minutes before Martin Woods missed a penalty for Doncaster 11 minutes later. Zurab Khizanishvili's dismissal five minutes from time appeared to have ended Newcastle's hopes of victory but Kevin Nolan popped up with the winner in stoppage time. Cardiff are a point behind the leaders thanks to an entertaining 4-3 victory at Sheffield United. Jay Bothroyd put the visitors ahead in the 41st minute, but United hit straight back through Darius Henderson. Cardiff went ahead through Peter Whittingham's penalty, but Henderson pegged them back again two minutes into stoppage time. Whittingham then completed his hat-trick with goals in the 61st and 86th minutes, making James Harper's last-minute strike nothing more than a consolation for the Blades. West Brom slipped from top to third as they could only manage a goalless draw at Coventry.

Source: Eurosport