England round-up: European joy for Newcastle

Newcastle United FC booked their place in next season's UEFA Champions League with a 2-2 draw at Blackburn Rovers FC.

Shearer double
Former Blackburn striker Alan Shearer was the two-goal hero on his old stamping ground, as Newcastle twice came from behind to earn the point they needed to secure a place in Europe's elite competition. Newcastle can now not be caught by Chelsea FC, and will join Manchester United FC, Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC as England's Champions League representatives next season.

Huge support
Blackburn, looking for a win to cement their FA Premiership status, took the lead through Keith Gillespie and Andy Cole, both former Newcastle players, but Shearer was not to be denied. His first came just after the hour when sidefooting home from close range after Nolberto Solano had latched on to his own acutely-angled shot which had rebounded off the saving Brad Friedel. His second came on 71 minutes, after a telling pass from Laurent Robert, and was enough to send the huge travelling support home happy.

Fulham on fire
While there was despair for Blackburn, fellow strugglers Fulham FC won a crunch game tonight against another lowly team, Bolton Wanderers FC. The London club demolished Bolton 3-0 at Craven Cottage to secure their place in England's top flight for 2002/03. The goals came from Bjarne Goldbæk, Steve Marlet and Barry Hayles. Fulham are now level on points with fellow UEFA Intertoto Cup hopefuls Everton FC, and could yet join Newcastle in European action next season.