TOON FLAG AGAIN

Blow for boss Bruce as Palace fight back to seal three points

BACK to square one for Steve Bruce and Newcastle.

Gary Cahill’s 50th career goal snuffed out a one game revival, as the Toon suffered their tenth defeat in the last 13 games.

Saturday’s inspired win over Everton wasn’t a mirage – Bruce’s men are much improved going forward, are creating chances and having good possession.

But they are still looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone with points scarce for the last two months.

Does this defeat land at the feet of new coach Graeme Jones, who was given much of the credit for the weekend win?

It was the first time Palace had won from a losing position this season, and Roy Hodgson was delighted at their gritty show.

The visitors shut down the game and were disciplined as the Geordies pressed in the second half.

The win came at a cost for Palace, with Wildried Zaha limping off with a hamstring injury in the second half, with fears he could be out a month. Boosted by their slump-ending victory at Goodison Park, Newcastle went ahead after just 70 seconds through Jonjo Shelvey.

The rejuvenated midfielder drilled home from 20 yards after Callum Wilson headed into his path, after a nippy break by Miguel Almiron.

Bruce, (below) alongside new coach Graeme Jones, mouthed “I like that”, then witnessed an action packed first half in which his side created six good chances but ended up behind.

Palace have been on a poor run but beat Wolves last time out for only their second win in 11 games. They started sluggishly but sprung into life when Jordan Ayew went close with a header.

Wilson responded with an improvised back flick which flew just over after Ryan Fraser’s deflected cross.

But Palace were level after 21 minutes courtesy of a blockbusting strike from Jairo Riedewald.

Jamal Lewis prodded away Patrick Van Aanholt’s cross as Ayew lurked, and Riedewald smashed in from 25 yards. Within three minutes the visitors were ahead via Gary Cahill’s head, capitalising on a free-kick conceded by Lewis fouling Ayew.

Ebereche Eze curled in a set -piece to the front post and Cahill made a clever run from the back post losing his marker Fabian Schar, and planting home.

Palace’s third “goal” in a five minute spell arrived when Wilf Zaha smashed home but it was ruled offside.

Newcastle had the consolation that they are creating much more than in recent weeks. Fraser should have scored but scuffed his shot at Vincente Guaita.

And shortly after that miss he was sent clear on goal by Wilson, but his lob was flipped wide by keeper Guaita and Almiron scuffed the bar with a deflected free kick. From the corner Schar skidded a free header wide.

Bruce’s new tactical approach is certainly more adventurous, and will entertain more, even if results won’t always please.

Allan Saint-maximin came on as a sub and set up Wilson who failed to shoot first time.