England round-up: Solano the hero
Saturday, December 22, 2001
Article summary
FA Premiership leaders Newcastle United FC won 4-3 at Leeds United AFC thanks to a last-gasp Nolberto Solano goal.
Article body
A sensational last-minute goal from Nolberto Solano saw Newcastle United FC earn a 4-3 win at Leeds United AFC and go three points clear at the top of the FA Premiership on Saturday.
Dramatic win
With the game heading for a draw, Solano slid the ball home with seconds remaining to earn a dramatic win for Bobby Robson's side who had been 3-1 down at Elland Road stadium at one point. Welsh international Craig Bellamy had given the visitors the lead on 38 minutes, but Leeds immediately struck back through Lee Bowyer in his first game since resolving a disciplinary dispute with the club.
Newcastle rally
Australian striker Mark Viduka marked his 50th Premiership appearance with a clever shot to score after 50 minutes and Ian Harte rifled home a left-foot effort six minutes later to make it 3-1 to the home side. However, Newcastle did not give in and Robbie Elliott's diving header made it 3-2 and captain Alan Shearer levelled from the penalty spot after Eirik Bakke was alleged to have handled the ball inside the Leeds area.
Van Nistlerooij hat-trick
At Old Trafford, Ruud van Nistelrooij scored after just 30 seconds on his way to a hat-trick against Southampton FC as Manchester United FC ran out 6-1 winners. Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, Roy Keane and Phil Neville also scored for the champions while Latvian player of the year Marian Pahars netted a consolation goal for the visitors.
Surprise win for Ipswich
Struggling Ipswich Town FC finally regained some confidence with a surprise 2-1 win away at Tottenham Hotspur FC. Simon Davies put the home side ahead after 12 minutes but Finidi George equalised before half-time. The dismissal of Teddy Sheringham on 54 minutes rocked Tottenham and substitute Alun Armstrong took full advantage of the extra man to snatch an 88th-minute winner for the bottom-of-the-table side.
Home debut goal
Sunderland AFC were 1-0 winners against Everton FC in a snowstorm at the Stadium of Light with home debutant Claudio Reyna scoring the only goal of the game on 77 minutes, while goals from Damien Duff and David Dunn were enough to earn Blackburn Rovers FC a 2-0 away win at Charlton Athletic FC.
Penalty decision
There was tension at Filbert Street stadium where Leicester City FC were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham United FC. Muzzy Izzet put the home side ahead in the first half but Matt Elliott was sent off following a challenge on West Ham's Joe Cole inside the penalty area, and Paolo di Canio converted the resultant penalty to equalise on 74 minutes.
Joy at Pride Park
In a midday kick-off at Pride Park, Derby County FC overwhelmed Midlands rivals Aston Villa FC to earn a 3-1 win. Fabrizio Ravanelli gave the home side the lead but Juan Pablo Angel levelled almost immediately. In the second half, Benito Carbone restored Derby's lead on 67 minutes and substitute Malcolm Christie confirmed their victory with an 87th-minute finish.
Cold weather
Middlesbrough FC's tie with Fulham FC was cancelled at the BT Cellnet Riverside stadium because of safety problems relating to the cold weather in the north of England. While the pitch was declared playable, a build-up of ice in the stands at the Teesside ground was thought to be a risk to supporters' safety.