A bumper crowd of 24,644 saw Town beat Newcastle United 2-1 in the Dale Roberts testimonial. The Blues went ahead through Shefki Kuqi but Laurent Robert's header levelled before half-time. Sub Pablo Couñago netted the winner in the 72nd minute.

The game was preceded by a minute's silence for the former Town assistant manager and player, with the two squads presented to Dale's wife Cheryl and other members of his family.

Newcastle played all three former Blues - Darren Ambrose, Kieron Dyer and Titus Bramble - as well as ex-England captain Alan Shearer and Canary old boy Craig Bellamy.

Newcastle's ex-Town contingent, including Sir Bobby Robson, received decent welcomes, while Bellamy was booed throughout.

The Blues lined-up with their new-look 4-3-3, Shefki Kuqi taking over in the central striking role. Tommy Miller came in for Ian Westlake, missing due to an abscess on a tooth.

After Kuqi had hit a 25-yarder to Shay Given, Alan Shearer went close, heading a Robert cross over the bar, but it was the Blues who would go in front in the seventh minute. Bowditch received the ball from Horlock on the left of the area, played a one-two with Miller before laying the ball across to Kuqi who beat Given from ten yards.

Two minutes later, Bowditch shot wide as the game strong to life. It was end-to-end stuff and the visitors went close to an equaliser via a Bellamy header which cannoned off Kelvin Davis's post.

Titus Bramble almost put the Blues two-up with a wild 30-yard back pass which beat Given but in the end went well wide of the Newcastle goal. The incident prompted chants of Bramble's name in the North Stand.

The game continued to ebb and flow and the Magpies ought to have got back on terms in the 17th minute when a swift break ended with Robert in acres of space blasting over from 12 yards out. The Frenchman had the ball in the net a minute later but the linesman's flag had gone up some while beforehand.

On the half hour, Kelvin Davis made a fine save from an Alan Shearer header, the Newcastle striker getting on the end of a fine Robert cross from the left. Shortly beforehand Bellamy had remonstrated to the referee that he'd been fouled by Drissa Diallo when taking the ball into the area, however, Mr Thorpe was unimpressed.

The Blues came close to a second goal in the 32nd minute, Matt Richards doing well down the left and crossing for Sheki Kuqi who bundled the ball wide while under pressure.

Newcastle equalised seven minutes later, Bellamy latching on to a Naylor tackle which rebounded into his path, the Welshman crossing for Robert, who headed past Kelvin Davis.

Just before the break, Darren Bent hurriedly shot over when he had more time. It had been an entertaining half with both sides playing some good football, often at a frantic pace.

Each side made one half-time change, Antonio Murray coming on for Jim Magilton and Steve Harper taking over from Shay Given in the Newcastle goal.

The second half saw less goalmouth action and the Premiership side have most of the possession, but without creating too many chances. And when they did, Town stopper Kelvin Davis was in fine form, brilliantly tipping a Robert freekick round the post in the 59th minute.

Davis was back in action two minutes late when he was out to block at Kieron Dyer's feet after the Ipswich-born midfielder had completed a neat one-two with Alan Shearer on the edge of the area.

Soon after, Darren Ambrose left the field to a rapturous reception, Craig Bellamy following him to a chorus of boos.

Robert hit another freekick just wide as Town came back into the game, the pace of Darren Bent, by now playing down the left, and the power and strength of Shefki Kuqi causing the visiting defence problems.

It was a Kuqi cross in the 72nd minute which led to Town's second goal. The Finn played a low ball in from the right, Tommy Miller leaving the ball for Pablo Couñago, whose scuffed effort embarrassingly dribbled between Harper's legs and into the net, possibly off Andy O'Brien.

The North Stand paid tribute to Dale Roberts in song and then did the same for Sir Bobby Robson, probably visiting Portman Road as a manager for the last time.

As time ran out, Kelvin Davis got across his goal to stop a cheeky Robert corner aimed in at his near post.

A decent game, a large crowd augmented by a very large Newcastle contingent all over the ground, a friendly atmosphere and a fine way to pay tribute to Dale Roberts. Proceeds from the game will be given to Dale's family and a local cancer charity.

Another impressive pre-season display from the Blues and a second victory in a week over Premiership opposition. There were excellent performances throughout the side, Kelvin Davis, perhaps the man of the match for a couple of stunning saves.

At the back, Matt Richards had a fine game, while the central defensive pairing of De Vos and Naylor continues to impress, Alan Shearer being restricted to just a couple of chances all game. In front of them, Kevin Horlock once again tidily anchored the Town midfield.

Up front, Shefki Kuqi provided the visitors with problems they probably won't encounter every week in the Premiership, his strength and persistence a constant thorn.

Out wide, Bowditch's skills and Bent's pace made for more than a few uncomfortable defensive moments for the visitors. Pablo Couñago started slowly but gained confidence after scoring his goal.

Town: Davis, Diallo (Wilnis 55), Richards, (Barron 90), De Vos, Naylor, Horlock, Magilton (Murray 46), Miller, Kuqi, Bent, Bowditch, (Couñago 55).

Photo: Action Images

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