Three defeats in a row for Pardew's Magpies
5:19pm Sunday 25th November 2012 in Newcastle United News
Southampton manager Nigel Adkins denied predecessor Alan Pardew a winning return to St Mary's today as the south coast club impressively despatched Newcastle.
Pardew was Saints boss for just over a year and led the club to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy title, but says he was ''treated harshly'' and exited the club after just 13 months.
The 51-year-old made his return to Southampton for the first time this afternoon, although back-to-back promotions means the hosts are a much different proposition to the League One club he left behind 27 months ago.
Adkins oversaw that spell of success and, after his position came under early-season scrutiny, oversaw a second successive win today.
Saints edged the first half and took a deserved lead through captain Adam Lallana, who linked with Jason Puncheon to set up Gaston Ramirez for their second goal after the break.
Newcastle were unable to find a response, meaning they have won just one of their eight Barclays Premier League matches since Pardew was awarded an eight-year deal, as Saints earned a first clean sheet of the season and three points to propel them out of the relegation zone.
Source: northern_echo