Vintage Viduka As Toon Win

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

Mark Viduka produced a man-of-the-match display inspiring Newcastle to a crucial 3-1 victory over Brad Jones's Middlesbrough this morning.

The Australian, who was subbed off on 87 minutes in the wake of Peter Lovenkrands' winning goal, was declared by the match announcer as the man-of-the-match as euphoria hit St James' Park with the Magpies claiming a huge three points.

Viduka was at his vintage best, holding up play and producing wonderful skills to beat opponents whilst providing a wise head as the Magpies move above Hull City and out of the drop zone.

On the other hand, Jones in goals for Boro, wasn't at fault for any of Newcastle goals but will feel a real sense of despair as Middlesbrough sink closer to the drop.

Earlier Boro had enjoyed a stunning lead on 3 minutes when Tuncay Sanli's turn and run into the box resulted in a coming together of players which saw Habib Beye deflect the ball into his own net.

Three minutes later Viduka responded for Newcastle with a scorching volley which cannoned into the post with Jones unmoved.

But on nine minutes Newcastle were back on level terms when Steven Taylor headed in from a corner with Jones desperately swinging his right arm at the powerful shot.

Things settled down until just before the half hour mark when Viduka did brilliantly to beat two Middlesbrough defenders on the left wing before sending in a perfect cross for Michael Owen who flicked a header on target but Jones produced a super save to deny him.

Moments later a Viduka error allowed Middlesbrough in down the other end as the Australian took too long on the ball and gave Marvin Emnes a chance but the Dutchman squandered the opportunity.

Viduka faded as the half wore on, perhaps from a lack of match fitness, but straight after the break he tried to put Newcastle ahead with an ambitious backheeled flick which went wide after Habib Beye's low right-wing cross.

With both sides desperate for three points there was always going to be a frantic finale but it was to be Newcastle who made the breakthrough on 71 minutes and it was the big Australian who created it.

Viduka won a crucial high contested ball on the edge of the box and flicked a header back into substitute Obafemi Martins' path before the Nigerian dummied and then shot past Jones with his right foot.

The goal sent St James' Park wild and when Lovenkrands sealed the victory with a close-range finish on 86 minutes, Newcastle were celebrating.

The big Australian was substituted just after Lovenkrands' goal and went off to rousing ovation from an appreciate and celebratory crowd.

There was still time for more for Newcastle, but Jones did well to deny Andy Carroll in a one-on-one.

Nevertheless, Newcastle got the points and move up to 34 points above Hull on goal difference, while Boro stay in 19th on 31 points.