By Mark Deeks
March 16 2003

CHARLTON AWAY, MARCH 15TH -- Sorry for the delay in these columns arriving! The good news is that they are now all up and ready for you to read. CHARLTON AWAY, MARCH 15TH.

Since Bobby Robson took charge of Newcaslte United, on the 20 odd occasions that we have played a midweek European game, we have NEVER lost the subsequent league fixture. That record is phenomenal.

I will be the first to admit that at the start of this season, I had a generally uneasy feeling that our predominantly young side would struggle to maintain last season league standings whilst competing in Europe's premier club competition. How wrong I have been. Although I still don't feel that our attacking football has flowed quite like it did last year, it has nevertheless been the case that in the main the results have flowed equally well.

We don't have a good record at The Valley. Infact before this game it was something approaching 50 years since our last top flight victory there. However, there's something special about this Newcastle side. We just keep going, and going, and going. And when you don't think we can get the next result, 9 times out of 10 we do.

I didn't think we'd win this one. In fact I was almost convinced that the Milan game would have taken it out of the players to such an extent that we would lose.

Wrong again Mark.

We were excellent yet again. Woodgate looked immense at the back alongside Big Titus, and dealt with whatever came their way, which to be fair wasn't all that much. And upfront the great pairing that is Craig Bellamy and Alan Shearer was doing the business again. Little Craig really is lightning on grease isn't he? If there is anyone faster in the Premiership then I haven't seen him.

He tore the Charlton defence to shreds time and time again. And how exactly is it that when he ran half the length of the pitch, drove into the box, and two defenders sandwiched him, clearly taking his legs, that this is called a "controversial penalty"?!?

Rubbish. It was stone wall. Cast iron. Whatever you like. Bellamy was through and they brought him down. Pure and simple. Super Al tucked the spot kick away and it was a case of job done from there on in.

We continued to create chances in the 2nd period and it was only a matter of minutes before another lovely flowing move, including another breathtaking burst of pace from Bellamy, was rounded off by a simple tap in from Nobby Solano. 2-0 and cruising.

We really should have had more but the points had already been won. 5 points off top, perhaps more importantly 8 points clear of 4th, with 8 games left. There are still a few games to take place between some of our title rivals so points can be taken off each other, as well as the game on April 12th between us and Man U at SJP which promises to be a massive one. I don't think we'll win it. I'm not even sure we can finish second. But 3rd will be another great achievement. Keep going lads, we're nearly there. Keep the faith.