Middlesbrough put a huge dent in Newcastle's title aspirations with their first ever Premiership victory over their North East neighbours, in the 102nd Tyne-Tees derby, in front of a record Riverside crowd of 34,814. It was Newcastle's first defeat since early January but overall it was a below-par performance from Bobby Robson's men, and the first time they have failed to score in a Premiership game since November 9th. The reverse means they are now three points behind second-placed Manchester United, who beat Leeds 2-1. But the Magpies are still six points ahead of fourth-placed Everton in the chase for a Champions League place that will be some consolation if, as seems likely, the Premiership title doesn't go to St James' Park.
The home side carved out the first chance of the game when Parnaby sped down the right wing to deliver a superb cross for Juninho, making his first start of the season, but Woodgate bravely headed clear. Newcastle's response was a Bellamy pass that put Dyer clear but the in-form midfielder was woefully off target with his shot. The only other chance of note, in the first half, came just before the break when Juninho was felled by Bernard, just a foot outside the penalty area, and Geremi fired the resultant free-kick into the wall
The only goal, in a game of few chances, came when Geremi got ahead of his marker to get onto Frank Queudrue's 62nd minute cross to head powerfully past Shay Given, his sixth goal of the season and perhaps his most crucial as it keeps Boro on track for a possible UEFA Cup place. Boro could have doubled their lead just three minutes later but Parnaby blazed over, from a good position, after being put through by a great pass from George Boateng.
The visitors, with their strike force being well managed by the Boro back line, particularly Southgate and Ehiogu, had few chances to draw level but Olivier Bernard, the goal hero at the weekend, with the winner against Chelsea, couldn't repeat his heroics, two minutes from time, when he fired wide from a good scoring position. Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren beamed with pride when he spoke after the game. He said: "I thought both defences were very good. The platform is defending and our two centre halves were very good. We deserved the win and we looked a good team tonight. We were organised, strong and solid and quick going forward."
Newcastle skipper Alan Shearer, although down from his side's reverse was, nevertheless, full of praise for Boro. He said: "A very good run has come to an end and it's bitterly disappointing. But Boro reduced us to very few scoring chances so credit to them."
As ever Sir Bobby Robson was philosophical in defeat. He said: "We lost but it's not the end of the world. I thought we would win narrowly but we were beaten by a single goal on a night when neither defence was put under much pressure. I am obviously disappointed but it is nothing to be worried about."
Robson went on to pick out defenders as the stars on the night. He added: "Our defence did well but we have to give them credit, especially Gareth Southgate and Ugo Ehiogu at the back, who were outstanding."
