Loan Watch: Keepers Keep It Clean

By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Newcastle have the best defensive record in the country - and all three of the club's on-loan goalkeepers kept clean sheets for their clubs on Saturday.

Steve Harper helped Brighton gain a 0-0 draw against Birmingham, managed by former Magpies boss Chris Hughton.

It was his second appearance for the Seagulls and he was well protected by his defence as the Blues failed to record a shot on target at St. Andrew's.

Kazenga LuaLua was an unused substitute for Brighton.

In the Scottish Premier League, Celtic drew 0-0 at home to Hibernian to fall further behind Rangers, who are now 12 points ahead of them.

But at least Forster could hold his head up high after recording his sixth shut-out of the season - and his first in seven games.

Jak Alnwick, meanwhile, made his third appearance for Gateshead and gained his first senior clean sheet as his side beat Hebburn in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round.

Magpies defender Jeff Henderson also played his part in the win and the Heed now go into the draw for the third round proper.

Darlington were also involved in cup action, drawing 1-1 at home to Hinckley. but Ole Soderberg was not involved having returned to St. James' Park following his one-month loan period.

Finally, in League One, Carlisle drew 3-3 at home to Oldham after fighting back from 3-0 down - Shefki Kuqi grabbing two for the Latics.

James Tavernier played the full game in the penultimate game of his three-month spell at Brunton Park.