St. Andrews Ground
Barclays Premier League
(Attendance: 28,270)
Best (50)
Birmingham City 0 Newcastle United 2
By Anthony Marshall, at St. Andrews
Birmingham 0
Newcastle 2 (Lovenkrands 2; Best 50)
A goal in each half from Peter Lovenkrands and Leon Best earned Newcaste three huge Premier League points at the expense of Birmingham at St. Andrews.
Both front men struck early in each period to give the Magpies a massive confidence boost, and the victory was no more than they deserved for another assured defensive display while looking dangerous on the counter-attack.
Best and Cheick Tiote could have added to the scoreline, and Birmingham's chances were rare with the hosts rarely providing any sort of threat in the second half.
With many people expecting a dull encounter between two low-scoring sides, they got an opening spell which completely defied that logic.
On a difficult, slippy surface made all the more dangerous by heavy first half rain, Newcastle opened the scoring after just 92 seconds.
When a trademark Jose Enrique foray forward and cross wasn't cleared properly by the home defence, Jonas Gutierrez delivered low and left-footed towards the near post.
And it was perfect for Lovenkrands, who nipped ahead of his marker to poke home past Ben Foster.
Birmingham striker Obafemi Martins, lining up against his former employers, made a lively start to proceedings with a couple of neat lay-offs.
And had his touch been quite as heavy in the 14th minute then the Nigerian would have been in behind the visiting defence, but Danny Simpson was on hand to avert the danger.
The hosts went close minutes later, defender Roger Johnson sending a downward header just the wrong side of the upright having connected with Sebastian Larsson's deep free-kick.
And they continued to press, with only a magnificent fingertip save from Steve Harper preventing Nikola Zigic from levelling things up. Enrique was robbed of possession in a bad area by Martins, and as Barry Ferguson swept the ball on to Zigic, the beanpole striker's angled shot - destined for the far corner - was turned away by Harper.
Chances kept falling to Birmingham and midfielder Craig Gardner was presented with a great one on 39 minutes. After Mike Williamson misjudged the flight of a long ball, Larsson pounced and made his way into the area, before teeing up Gardner from 20 yards.
The former Aston Villa man's drive had power but was wayward, sailing high and wide when he should have at least hit the target.
Newcastle were not content with just a single goal led, however, and the impressive Leon Best headed Enrique's cross over shortly before sending a low shot wide.
If the Magpies' start to the first half was quick, it took a little longer for them to get going in the second - but only just.
Merely five minutes had elapsed after the restart when Barton fed Gutierrez wide on the left. The Argentinian international turned Larsson inside out before sending another superb cross to the far post where Best was left with the simplest of tasks to head home.
David Bentley curled over from the edge of the box for Birmingham in the 63rd minute, but that was a rare chance for the hosts, who by this point looked shot of confidence and devoid of any creativity.
Newcastle weren't done at two and sensed their could be even more goals for them in this game. Inspired by his stunner against Arsenal 10 days ago, Cheick Tiote tried his luck from 25 yards only to Blues keeper Foster pluck it out of the top corner.
Birmingham threw on former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips for the last 14 minutes, hoping the veteran would inspire them, but it was a defender who almost halved the deficit.
Roger Johnson met Bentley's corner with a thumping, unmarked header, but somehow put his effort straight into the midriff of Harper, when anywhere else would have surely resulted in a goal.
But the visitors held firm for a second successive clean sheet, making it just one defeat from eight league games for Alan Pardew's side.
Birmingham (4-4-2): Ben Foster; Stephen Carr (c), Roger Johnson, Martin Jiranek (David Murphy 73), Liam Ridgewell; Sebastian Larsson (Kevin Phillips 76), Craig Gardner, Barry Ferguson, David Bentley; Obafemi Martins (Cameron Jerome 58), Nikola Zigic
Subs not used: Colin Doyle, Lee Bowyer, Keith Fahey, Jean Beausejour
Newcastle (4-4-2): Steve Harper; Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini, Jose Enrique; Joey Barton, Cheick Tiote, Kevin Nolan (c), Jonas Gutierrez (Sol Campbell 87); Leon Best (Danny Guthrie 75), Peter Lovenkrands (Nile Ranger 65)
Subs not used: Tim Krul, James Perch, Shane Ferguson, Shefki Kuqi
Referee: Lee Mason
Attendance: 28, 270
Goal kick taken long by Ben Foster(Birmingham).
Foul by Craig Gardner(Birmingham) on Nile Ranger(Newcastle). Free kick taken right-footed by Joey Barton(Newcastle) from left channel (30 yards), over the bar.
Nile Ranger(Newcastle) booked for not retreating ten yards at a set play.
Foul by Nile Ranger(Newcastle) on Roger Johnson(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Ben Foster(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Cross by Joey Barton(Newcastle), save (caught) by Ben Foster(Birmingham).
Attacking throw-in by Joey Barton(Newcastle).
Corner from right by-line taken short right-footed by Joey Barton(Newcastle).
Foul by Barry Ferguson(Birmingham) on Joey Barton(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Joey Barton(Newcastle) from right wing, passed.
Cross by Craig Gardner(Birmingham), save (caught) by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Craig Gardner(Birmingham).
Attacking throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Newcastle).
David Murphy(Birmingham) booked for unsporting behaviour.Newcastle substitution: Jonas Gutierrez replaced by Sol Campbell (tactical). Foul by David Murphy(Birmingham) on Joey Barton(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Steve Harper(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Cross by David Bentley(Birmingham), weak shot by Cameron Jerome(Birmingham) left-footed from centre of penalty area (18 yards), missed right.
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by David Bentley(Birmingham) to far post, foul by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham) on Nile Ranger(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Steve Harper(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Shot by David Bentley(Birmingham) right-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Cheik Tiote(Newcastle).
Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Joey Barton(Newcastle) to centre, clearance by Roger Johnson(Birmingham).
Cross by Danny Simpson(Newcastle), blocked by David Murphy(Birmingham).
Defending throw-in by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle).
Foul by Nile Ranger(Newcastle) on David Murphy(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Ben Foster(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Joey Barton(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Craig Gardner(Birmingham).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by David Bentley(Birmingham) to centre, clearance by Cheik Tiote(Newcastle).
Cross by David Murphy(Birmingham), clearance by Cheik Tiote(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by David Murphy(Birmingham).
Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by David Bentley(Birmingham) to near post, header by Roger Johnson(Birmingham) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Cross by Stephen Carr(Birmingham), clearance by Kevin Nolan(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Foul by Nile Ranger(Newcastle) on Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Ben Foster(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Birmingham substitution: Sebastian Larsson replaced by Kevin Phillips (tactical).
Newcastle substitution: Leon Best replaced by Danny Guthrie (tactical).
Foul by Cameron Jerome(Birmingham) on Cheik Tiote(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Steve Harper(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Nile Ranger(Newcastle) on David Murphy(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Ben Foster(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Birmingham substitution: Martin Jiranek replaced by David Murphy (tactical).
Cross by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham), header by Nikola Zigic(Birmingham) from centre of penalty area (6 yards), over the bar.
Attacking throw-in by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham).
Shot by Cheik Tiote(Newcastle) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Ben Foster(Birmingham).
Goal kick taken long by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Cross by Craig Gardner(Birmingham), shot by Roger Johnson(Birmingham) overhead kick right-footed from centre of penalty area (18 yards), missed right.
Cross by David Bentley(Birmingham), clearance by Cheik Tiote(Newcastle).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by David Bentley(Birmingham) to far post, clearance by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham).
Attacking throw-in by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham).
Shot by David Bentley(Birmingham) left-footed from left channel (25 yards), blocked by Kevin Nolan(Newcastle).
Foul by Roger Johnson(Birmingham) on Cheik Tiote(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Ben Foster(Birmingham).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Foul by Leon Best(Newcastle) on Stephen Carr(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ben Foster(Birmingham) from own half, passed.
Goal kick taken long by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Newcastle substitution: Peter Lovenkrands replaced by Nile Ranger (injury).
Shot by David Bentley(Birmingham) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), over the bar.
Joey Barton(Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour. Foul by Joey Barton(Newcastle) on Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham). Free kick crossed right-footed by Sebastian Larsson(Birmingham) from left wing, clearance by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Foul by Peter Lovenkrands(Newcastle) on Roger Johnson(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Ben Foster(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play.
Cross by Joey Barton(Newcastle), clearance by Craig Gardner(Birmingham).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Joey Barton(Newcastle) to near post, clearance by Stephen Carr(Birmingham).
Shot by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Newcastle) left-footed from left channel (25 yards), blocked by Barry Ferguson(Birmingham).
Attacking throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Stephen Carr(Birmingham).
Goal kick taken long by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Kevin Nolan(Newcastle) caught offside. Direct free kick taken left-footed by Ben Foster(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play.
Birmingham substitution: Obafemi Martins replaced by Cameron Jerome (tactical).Obafemi Martins(Birmingham) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Steve Harper(Newcastle) from own half, passed.
Goal kick taken long by Ben Foster(Birmingham).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Leon Best(Newcastle) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ben Foster(Birmingham) from own half, passed.
Foul by Nikola Zigic(Birmingham) on Mike Williamson(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Nikola Zigic(Birmingham) on Sanchez Jose Enrique(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Craig Gardner(Birmingham) on Cheik Tiote(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) from own half, passed.
Leon Best(Newcastle) caught offside. Direct free kick taken left-footed by Ben Foster(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play.
Cross by Cheik Tiote(Newcastle), clearance by Roger Johnson(Birmingham).
Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Joey Barton(Newcastle) to far post, clearance by Nikola Zigic(Birmingham).
Headed goal by Leon Best(Newcastle) (top-right of goal) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards).Birmingham 0-2 Newcastle. Assist (cross) by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) from left wing.
Foul by Craig Gardner(Birmingham) on Cheik Tiote(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Joey Barton(Newcastle) from left channel, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Peter Lovenkrands(Newcastle) caught offside. Direct free kick taken left-footed by Ben Foster(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham).
Defending throw-in by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham).
Nikola Zigic(Birmingham) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Steve Harper(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Stephen Carr(Birmingham).
Attacking throw-in by Sebastian Larsson(Birmingham).
Foul by Cheik Tiote(Newcastle) on Barry Ferguson(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Ben Foster(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham).
Cross by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham), blocked by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Newcastle).
Cross by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham), comfortable save (caught) by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Stephen Carr(Birmingham).
Goal kick taken long by Ben Foster(Birmingham).
Shot by Leon Best(Newcastle) left-footed from right channel (25 yards), missed left.
Attacking throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Newcastle).
Foul by Nikola Zigic(Birmingham) on Peter Lovenkrands(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken short by Ben Foster(Birmingham).
Cross by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Newcastle), header by Leon Best(Newcastle) from centre of penalty area (6 yards), missed right.
Cross by David Bentley(Birmingham), clearance by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Shot by Craig Gardner(Birmingham) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed right.
Foul by Peter Lovenkrands(Newcastle) on Roger Johnson(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Ben Foster(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham).
Kevin Nolan(Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour. Foul by Kevin Nolan(Newcastle) on David Bentley(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Barry Ferguson(Birmingham) from left channel, passed.
Header by Leon Best(Newcastle) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Ben Foster(Birmingham).
Obafemi Martins(Birmingham) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Steve Harper(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Obafemi Martins(Birmingham) on Kevin Nolan(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Ben Foster(Birmingham).
Cross by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham), clearance by Cheik Tiote(Newcastle).
Leon Best(Newcastle) caught offside. Direct free kick taken left-footed by Ben Foster(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Stephen Carr(Birmingham).
Foul by Peter Lovenkrands(Newcastle) on Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Ben Foster(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by David Bentley(Birmingham).
Cross by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Newcastle), resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Ben Foster(Birmingham).
Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Joey Barton(Newcastle) to far post, resulting in ball out of play.
Cross by Danny Simpson(Newcastle), blocked by David Bentley(Birmingham).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Joey Barton(Newcastle) to near post, clearance by Craig Gardner(Birmingham).
Shot by Kevin Nolan(Newcastle) volleyed right-footed from right channel (30 yards), blocked by Craig Gardner(Birmingham).
Nikola Zigic(Birmingham) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Steve Harper(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Shot by Nikola Zigic(Birmingham) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), fantastic save (parried) by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Foul by David Bentley(Birmingham) on Leon Best(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Joey Barton(Newcastle) from right wing, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Joey Barton(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Foul by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) on David Bentley(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Sebastian Larsson(Birmingham) from right wing, header by Roger Johnson(Birmingham) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards), missed left.
Shot by Craig Gardner(Birmingham) left-footed from right channel (35+ yards), blocked by Kevin Nolan(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Stephen Carr(Birmingham).
Nikola Zigic(Birmingham) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Steve Harper(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Stephen Carr(Birmingham).
Cross by Craig Gardner(Birmingham), clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham).
Goal kick taken short by Ben Foster(Birmingham).
Attacking throw-in by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle).
Cross by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Newcastle), clearance by Roger Johnson(Birmingham).
Cross by David Bentley(Birmingham), clearance by Kevin Nolan(Newcastle).
Cross by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham), clearance by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle).
Cross by David Bentley(Birmingham), clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Nikola Zigic(Birmingham) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Steve Harper(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham).
Foul by Joey Barton(Newcastle) on Barry Ferguson(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham) from left wing, passed.
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Steve Harper(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Joey Barton(Newcastle) on Craig Gardner(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Barry Ferguson(Birmingham) from left channel, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Stephen Carr(Birmingham).
Goal kick taken long by Ben Foster(Birmingham).
Nikola Zigic(Birmingham) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Steve Harper(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Shot by Kevin Nolan(Newcastle) left-footed from left side of penalty area (6 yards), save (caught) by Ben Foster(Birmingham).
Goal kick taken long by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Goal by Peter Lovenkrands(Newcastle) left-footed (bottom-left of goal) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards).Birmingham 0-1 Newcastle. Cross by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle), assist (cross) by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) from left wing.
Goal by Peter Lovenkrands(Newcastle) left-footed (bottom-left of goal) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards).Birmingham 0-1 Newcastle. Assist (cross) by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) from left wing.
Cross by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Newcastle), clearance by Roger Johnson(Birmingham).
Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Steve Harper(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham).
Defending throw-in by Sanchez Jose Enrique(Newcastle).