Source: Telegraph
Newcastle United 2 Watford 0: match report
Newcastle's surge towards automatic promotion the Premier League gained momentum as the Championship leaders overcome Kevin Nolan's sending off with resolute resistance crowned by Fabrice Pancrate's stunning late goal. [LNB]Nolan was sent off in the 48th minute of this contest when he received his second caution but Chris Hughton's side held on to secure the three points that arrived courtesy of Peter Lovenkrands' fortuitous first-half goal and a scorcher from former Paris St Germain winger Pancrate. [LNB] Related ArticlesChampionship tableChampionship fixturesTelegraph player raterThanks to a backs-to-the-wall defensive display and an outstanding shift from centre-half Steven Taylor, Newcastle held firm despite Nolan's departure to enable Hughton to celebrate his manager of the month award following his team's sixth successive victory. [LNB]It enabled the Championship leaders to extend advantage over nearest rivals West Bromwich Albion to two points and - more significantly - open up a commanding 10-point lead over third-placed Nottingham Forest and the rest of the teams occupying the play-off positions. [LNB]Lovenkrands put Newcastle on their way in the 20th minute after Malky Mackay's side hit the self-destruct button. [LNB]The Danish striker was offered the easiest of chances to score after Marlon Harewood charged down Watford goalkeeper Scott Loach's attempted clearance and the ball ricocheted across the goalmouth. [LNB]Loach had already denied Kevin Nolan, but his error of judgement followed a promising opening by Watford who upstaged their hosts early on. [LNB]Tom Cleverley led the Watford resistance and tested Harper from distance before Danny Graham bursting past Fabricio Coloccini and Harper before seeing his shot from an acute angle cleared off the line by Steven Taylor. [LNB]Cleverley, on loan from Manchester United, then tested Harper from distance, Graham failed to capitalise on a goalmouth scramble before Heidar Helguson was only thwarted by an excellent save. [LNB]Nolan, who was cautioned in the first half after leaving John Eustace in a heap, was sent off by Jonathan in the 48th minute for a second bookable offence for a crude follow on Henri Lansbury. [LNB]Nolan was seething as he headed down the tunnel but his dismissal sparked colleague Danny Guthrie into life and after he was brought down on the edge of the penalty, Loach atoned for his earlier mistake by brilliantly keeping out the former Liverpool midfielder's free-kick. [LNB]The respite was brief as Watford poured forward in search of an equaliser and Helguson twice sent shots flashing just wide before Harper foiled the impressive Cleverley and Steven Taylor blocked Gateshead-born Graham's close-range effort with a last-ditch challenge. [LNB]Newcastle were hanging on but Pancrate - brought to Tyneside a fortnight ago following a trial as a free agent, put clear water between the teams in the 83rd minute with stupendous piece of skill. [LNB]There seemed to be little danger as Pancrate headed away from the dangerzone until the substitute fooled two defenders with a deft drag-back before unleashing a rising shot that cannoned in off the underside of the crossbar. [LNB]It was the sort of goal not seen in these parts since Alan Shearer was in his pomp. [LNB]Match details[LNB]Newcastle (4-4-2): Harper; Simpson, S Taylor, Coloccini, Enrique; Guthrie (Pancrate 72), Smith, Nolan, Gutierrez; Harewood (Carroll 56), Lovenkrands (Butt 65).Subs: Krul (g), Khizanishvili, R Taylor, Ranger. Sent off: Nolan Watford (4-4-2): Loach; Hodson, Mariappa, Cathcart, Doyley; Cowie, Eustace, Lansbury (Henderson 84); Cleverley; Helguson, Graham (Ellington 77). Subs: Lee (g), Severin, Harley, Bennett, Demerit. Booked: Cathcart, Lansbury. Referee: J Moss (West Yorkshire) [LNB]
