NEWCASTLE United manager Sam Allardyce made a triumphant return to Bolton today by pulling off a fine victory to mark his first Premiership game in charge with a win. Three first half goals won three very precious points on a humid day in Lancashire. United started their season today at Bolton by handing Premiership debuts to four players at the Reebok. David Rozehnal, Alan Smith, skipper Geremi and Viduka all started the game as Newcastle started the afternoon like a house on fire. With 13 minutes on the clock a Charles N’Zogbia free kick from distance was whipped in before at pace and flew into the back of the net to open the scores in freak fashion. New boy Rozehnal appeared to have touched the ball into the net with his head but TV replays later showed it was a direct hit from the Frenchman. United kept up their pressure and doubled the lead when James Milner supplied a good ball to the left towards Geremi before the ball bounced in front of Oba Martins who chested the ball neatly before firing in an acrobatic overhead kick to net his first of the season. Four minutes later the Reebok was stunned when Martins added a second after a Steven Taylor long ball found the Nigerian whose slightly deflected shot wrong footed Jussi Jaaskelainen to extend the lead. Bolton came out for the second half looking to get straight back into the game and with five minutes on the clock they did exactly that. Home captain Kevin Nolan fed the ball to Nicolas Anelka before the French striker rounded Steve Harper and calmly slotted home. Bolton tried desperately to get back into the game and reduced the deficit but United looked content on shutting shop for the day. But the Magpies still looked dangerous on the break and had won a free kick 30 yards out with nine minutes left. However Geremi’s vicious shot was parried and then gobbled up by Jaaskelainen. BOLTON:
Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Samuels, Saye, Cid, Speed (Alonso 74), Nolan, McCann, Anelka, Davies (Helguson 58), Vaz Te (Dious 46).
NEWCASTLE:
Harper, Carr, Rozehnal, Taylor, N’Zogbia, Milner (Ramage 86), Smith, Butt, Geremi, Martins (64), Viduka (Ameobi 72). Subs: Cacapa, Solarno, Ameobi, Ramage, Forster.
Referee Chris Foy Full reports and pictures in tomorrow's Sunday Sun with reaction, analysis and opinions in Monday night's Chronicle. | 
Article
