Goals from Freddie Sears, David McGoldrick and Emyr Huws saw the Blues to a famous 3-1 home victory over promotion-chasing Newcastle United. Sears put Town in front in the 42nd minute, former Blues striker Daryl Murphy netted an equaliser for the visitors in the 62nd minute, but McGoldrick made it 2-1 seven minutes later and Huws sealed the three points - and Town's first back-to-back wins of the season - in injury time.

Town named an unchanged side lining up in the same 4-3-3 system employed at the start of Friday’s 2-1 win at Burton, while ex-Blue Murphy began the game up front as the lone striker in a 4-4-1-1 system for the Magpies, one of five changes.

DeAndre Yedlin, Grant Hanley, Mohamed Diame and Christian Atsu also returned to the team, while ex-Town loanee Jack Colback was on the bench.

On Sir Bobby Robson Day, the game got under way with both sets of fans singing in tribute their legendary shared manager.

The Blues were first to threaten, winning a second-minute freekick which ultimately came to nothing

On six Myles Kenlock did well to win a tackle midway inside the Magpies’ half before feeding Freddie Sears to his left but the ex-Colchester man’s cross was grabbed by Newcastle keeper Karl Darlow.

Town were having most of the ball in the early stages with Newcastle looking to catch them on quick counter-attacks whenever they lost possession.

The Blues had the ball in the net in the 12th minute after a Tom Lawrence freekick from the left midway inside the visitors’ half beat everyone including Darlow. However, referee Tim Robinson had already blown his whistle for a foul by skipper Luke Chambers.

In the 17th minute Sears was sent away into the area by Huws but was crowded out. The loose ball fell to McGoldrick to his left but too close to Darlow, who claimed at his feet.

A minute later, Bartosz Bialkowski powerfully punched a Jonjo Shelvey freekick from the left clear, then Murphy, who was given a warm welcome back to Portman Road by his old fans, flicked a header wide off Chambers from Atsu’s right-wing cross.

From the resultant corner from the right, Paul Dummett shot powerfully wide of Bialkowski’s left post.

Soon after Magpies’ midfielder Isaac Hayden underwent treatment after suffering a knock and the rest of the players went to the sidelines for drinks on what was a very warm afternoon when in the sun.

The Blues, with their front three regularly switching roles, continued to look the more threatening side and on 25, after good work from McGoldrick, Lawrence sent over a cross from the right which wasn’t too far away from Sears and Huws.

Three minutes later, a Huws cross from the left was nodded out to McGoldrick on the edge of the box but with the ball slightly behind him the Irish international hit his shot well into the stand.

Newcastle began to look more dangerous just after the half hour, Jordan Spence cutting out a Murphy pass towards Atsu who had switched from right to left, before Bialkowski comfortably dealt with a Shelvey shot from distance.

The former Swansea and Liverpool man tried his luck again on 37 when Huws headed a cross following a corner clear to him not far outside the box, but Bialkowski did well to get down to his left to save his volley.

Although by no means dominant, the visitors were starting to create opportunities as half-time approached and on 41 they weren’t far away from going in front. Dummett crossed from the left and Ritchie arrived at the far post where he headed into the ground and over.

Almost immediately, Town took the lead. Kenlock won the ball on halfway and fed Lawrence, who brought it forward into the area unchallenged before laying it off to Sears to his left from where the striker lashed into the roof of the net off a defender to send Portman Road wild.

The Blues weren’t too far away from a second three minutes later when Huws diverted a Sears cross from the right to McGoldrick, whose shot was deflected over for a Town corner.

Town continued to press as half-time approached having grown in confidence after going in front but were unable to create another chance during two minutes of injury time.

The Portman Road crowd cheered their side off at the whistle after an impressive first 45 minutes from the Blues, who thoroughly deserved their lead.

Town had been on top for most of the half, but the visitors were just starting to look dangerous prior to the Blues’ goal with Ritchie having come close from Newcastle’s first real chance of the game.

Following the goal the momentum was very much back with Town in the final minutes and they might well have gone in having added to their advantage prior to the whistle.

Blues 11-goal top scorer Lawrence won a freekick on the left soon after the restart which Grant Ward whipped into the box and flicked well wide off Chambers.

Newcastle won a freekick on 50 when Cole Skuse tripped Mohamed Diame 10 yards outside the box. Shelvey smashed his shot powerfully into Huws’s face and referee Robinson stopped play so the Wales international could receive treatment - which ultimately he didn’t require - much to the annoyance of the visiting fans.

Two minutes later, Hayden was booked for dissent having been penalised for a foul on Huws.

Newcastle were having most of the ball in the second half but without looking particularly dangerous, while the Blues were looking more threatening on the break.

On 57, with the Sir Bobby Robson Stand by now in fine voice, Lawrence curled a freekick over the bar. Moments later McGoldrick was booked for showing his frustration after referee Robinson had given a decision against him as he challenged with Magpies skipper Jamaal Lascelles.

The visitors swapped Hayden for Yoan Gouffran in the 61st minute and a minute later they were on terms with the goalscorer perhaps inevitable.

Atsu crossed from the left, neither Christophe Berra nor Diame could get a touch on it at the front post and it reached Murphy, who tapped home from close range. The Irishman’s understated reaction to his goal, he merely shook hands with his team-mates, was appreciated by Blues fans who applauded.

Lawrence picked up Town’s second yellow card of the afternoon for a foul on Yedlin on 65 with the game’s momentum having swung very much to the visitors following their equaliser, although with Bialkowski not having been tested further.

But in the 69th minute the Blues went back in front. Darlow’s under-hit kick was returned from halfway by Huws to McGoldrick on the left. The Town number 10 fed Lawrence, who played it inside to Ward, who then played in Sears on the left of the area. The Blues’ earlier goalscorer cut across goal and McGoldrick tapped in his fifth goal of the season at the far post.

On 77 Josh Emmanuel replaced Kenlock, who had had another impressive game but was perhaps feeling the pace of two games in four days.

Newcastle switched Yedlin for Jesus Gamez, then Aleksandar Mitrovic for Ritchie with a third Town goal looking more likely than an equaliser. In the 83rd minute Ward shot over from 25 yards.

A minute later, McGoldrick almost netted his second of the game with a deft chip from a Sears lay-back on the right which almost caught out his former Nottingham Forest team-mate Darlow, who reacted late to tip over the bar.

McGoldrick was substituted to a standing ovation moments afterwards following another man of the match display with the Blues reverting to a three-man backline, Tommy Smith having taken over.

After Chambers had used his strength to squeeze out Mitrovic as they battled for a ball on the left of the area, Brett Pitman replaced Lawrence.

Town comfortably saw out most of five minutes of injury time before Huws sealed the three points and the Blues’ result of the season with the third.

Pitman rode a challenge on the right of the area before crossing to the far post, where the on-loan Cardiff man walloped a volley into the top corner before celebrating in front of the ecstatic Sir Bobby Robson Stand.

Ward might even have made it 4-1 in the remaining moments of the game when but scraped his shot wide.

The final whistle was greeted by Portman Road’s loudest cheer of the season with the near-26,000 crowd - the largest of the campaign - staying on for some minutes to applaud the team and the traditional Chambers fist-pump.

It was a thoroughly deserved victory for the Blues, who had been well worthy of their lead at the break.

The Newcastle pressure which might have been expected following Murphy’s equaliser never came and McGoldrick’s goal seven minutes later settled Town down again and the result was never in any serious doubt after that. In fact a third goal had been coming before Huws lashed in his brilliant volley.

The victory, Town’s first against Newcastle since the 1-0 April 2001 win on Sir Bobby Robson’s first return to Portman Road, absolutely confirms the still-15th-placed Blues’ Championship status for another season with three games left.

However, the context of the league was less important than the occasion itself, an impressive win against probably Premier League-bound opposition on a day dedicated to one of both clubs’ greatest heroes, Sir Bobby Robson.

Town: Bialkowski, Spence, Chambers (c), Berra, Kenlock (Emmanuel 77), Skuse, Huws, Ward, Lawrence, Sears (Pitman 89), McGoldrick (T Smith 86). Unused: Crowe, Bru, Diagouraga, Samuel.

Newcastle: Darlow, Dummett, Hanley, Lascelles (c), Ritchie (Mitrovic 82), Shelvey, Hayden (Gouffran 61), Diame, Yedlin (Gamez 78), Atsu, Murphy. Unused: Elliott, Colback, Perez, Mbemba, Mitrovic. Referee: Tim Robinson (West Sussex). Att: 25,684 (Newcastle: 1,952).

Photo: TWTD

senduntd added 19:22 - Apr 17 Nice touch Daryl Murphy running the length of the pitch to salute the North Stand.
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Steelmonkey added 19:26 - Apr 17 Great performances from the whole team, so what has changed. Ok, Newcastle were not at their best, but we played with purpose and attacking intent. I'd like to think that the players stuck both fingers up to MM and said sod it lets play like we know we can. Absolutely wonderful that they did it in front of a full house... It will be nice to see if we can do again for the last few games. COYB'S

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warktheline added 19:30 - Apr 17 If I were McCarthy I'd resign on the back of this performance and result! At least he could leave with a 'feel good' factor. Taking obviously into account Newcastle's promotion jitters, this performance from Town's perspective disproves McCarthy's sympathetic cronies that their man can't play attractive football with the boys available to him! Swn take note! Today also highlights McCarthy's ineptness in regards to his football philosophy, all too often his negative approach has shackled the team, resulting in sterile displays! Sadly days like today have been in solitary episode, this unfortunately will never change with our current manager's ideology! Finally, I will thank McCarthy for releasing the brakes off his team and allowing them the opportunity to, in which they certainly took, to send the fans home extremely happy with Sir Bobby warm in their hearts.

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ChestnutSe added 19:38 - Apr 17 It was only Newcastle of course...........
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brittaniaman added 19:55 - Apr 17 First time this season we had to queue up at the turnstiles, queue up for drinks, and queue for toilets, but it was all worth it after the performance on the pitch and the atmosphere. well done everybody whole team played great. Will the crowds come back ???? I am afraid not with McCarthy still at the Helm,,, so many, many fans have said they will not renew, it is going to be a pick and choose situation, although they did enjoy the game today.

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blueboy1981 added 20:02 - Apr 17 Whatever our opinion of McCarthy, this is nothing short of a tremendous result. Well Done All - and that includes McCarthy. It goes to prove that this squad of players is much more capable than what has been achieved this Season - in the hands of the RIGHT manager - playing to the players strengths, and in their best, and rightful positions. This I have continuously stated. What it doesn't change for me, is the Manager has NO respect for the Supporters of our Club, and the Club we love. It also proves that, with the right Manager, playing the ITFC way - Portman Road can 'ROCK' once again - something that some of us have had the pleasure of seeing, and being, an enjoyable part of. WELL DONE ALL - GREAT RESULT. An appropriate result,for a late GREAT Manager of both Clubs - SIR BOBBY ROBSON.

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norfolkbluey added 20:06 - Apr 17 Brilliant brilliant why not before this? We must sign up Lawrence and Huws. Well done MM and staff from up here in the chilly confines of NW Norfolk. Well done.
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blueboy1981 added 20:07 - Apr 17 Milliem ? - What a Pr-ck ??? .... a disgrace to a Club that Sir Bobby once Managed.
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blueboy1981 added 20:07 - Apr 17 Milliem ? - What a Pr-ck ??? .... a disgrace to a Club that Sir Bobby once Managed.
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blueboy1981 added 20:15 - Apr 17 ........ add Gcon to that - but then, what do we expect by now ?
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leroy2488 added 20:23 - Apr 17 My first ever match was Ipswich v Norwich 96/97 I believe and we won 2-0, I was stood in the old North stand, I remember the atmosphere very well. I took my little boy, with my family on his first ever trip to Portman Road today. A great occasion, a great result and an amazing performance too. Something we, but especially he, will remember for the rest of his life. His first match :-) Had been a bit worried we'd be rubbish, but today was perfect!!

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ChrisFelix added 20:36 - Apr 17 At last we play an attacking formation. Players getting to the box, why has it taken McCarthy so long to realise this
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Swn98 added 20:40 - Apr 17 why is it some people cant enjoy agreat result without having a dig at other supporters Warktheline! i was at the Fulham game last week and the same players missed 3 open goals. I never pontificate about how a manager should set the team up or selection they are much better qualified for that i take each game as it comes enjoy the good and put up with the bad,because at the end of the day when they have moved on i shall be turning up god willing no manager or player is greater than the club.

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itfc94 added 20:43 - Apr 17 Paper over the cracks for me. Although like some have already said is it any wonder considering the number of fans, 25k there today!!? Should be more push and drive to reduce prices and get more in the gates. A fitting win for Sir Bobby, yet I don't think we were mega brilliant.Again and like every game I attend I am still baffled as to how Cole Skuse plays championship football. We lack any form of commanding central midfield at times and leave ourselves exposed to the usual punt and hope forward. It was frustrating at times, especially first half - no one wanted the ball! The goals and confidence changes that second half mind. Any how, I enjoyed the game. Now we are safe I'd like to see youngsters given a go. It's clear this team isn't the way forward so let's prepare and use the next few games as a test moving forward. I think we need a clear out during the summer, and would love to see us permanently sign Huws and Lawrence.

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warktheline added 20:53 - Apr 17 @swn, I therefore can only assume you are a 'sheep', or maybe one of the three wise monkeys! Hear, see , speak no evil! If that be the case, why oh why do you spout continued rubbish under umpteen names? At least now I know why you won't engage in McCarthy's 'strange' team selections when I've invited you to do so! All know better than you! You've got that right 👍

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leahcar88 added 20:56 - Apr 17 Wrath of the minus' I wouldn't sign Lawrence
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cat added 21:02 - Apr 17 blueboy1981 - I would not be concerned with our old fair weather MM support Gcon, his very quick to defend his belittled comrades, but as soon as his buttons are pushed, his quick to use that very same belittling tactic, usually by way of the good old English dictionary. Think they used to refer to them types as SQUARES back in the day!!!
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Gcon added 21:03 - Apr 17 Let me get this straight. So, it's acceptable for Spanishblueblood to refer to posters he doesn't agree with as morons and plonkers, and people mark him up. And it's fine for Blueboy to refer to Milliem, and myself, as a Pr*ck, because he does not share the same opinions. But it causes mass uproar from the usual crowd when MM swears. It is apparently so much more relevant than beating Newcastle 3-1! Phil - This behaviour needs addressing. This 'supporters' site has sadly become dominated over the last year or so by a group of people that by their own admission don't go to games or will not be renewing their season tickets. I notice that, like myself, those of a more positive outlook rarely bother to come on here any more. There is so little in the way of debate or opinion sharing these days and it's a real shame that your fine work is reflected in this way.

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Swn98 added 21:09 - Apr 17 three cheers for Gcon
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heathen66 added 21:16 - Apr 17 Wow...I never saw that coming. A win and a good performance. It does prove however that you do not need to spend £ms and that we do have a decent well paid squad already I would say I was sceptical early on when we started in a 4-5-1 formation with Sears often seen just in front of the FBs, but as we stared to believe in ourselves the better we got. Forget Tom Lawrence, the No.1 priority should be to sign Emyr Huws, who was immense again today. As most people have said it is very difficult to see someone who did not have a bad game. I am sure McGoldrick will get many of the plaudits but a special mention must go again to Kenlock who was outstanding again today and kept Ritchie very quiet for most of the game (shame Knudsen will be straight back in again when fit...in MM is still here). Also good to see a contribution from Skuse and actually was a 7/10 performance from him. Strange subs again today but I think I am getting used to that. Happy days all round and we can all go back to work happy tomorrow, however it still has not changed the FACT that we need a new manager with new ideas. What it does mean is that we have a platform for a new man (or woman :-)) to build on and you never know, maybe take this club forward.

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Brownie added 21:24 - Apr 17 I have to agree with Gcon about the aggression & abuse from some contributors to this site. I don't agree with a lot of what is said on here but don't feel the need to abuse people because if it. People should think before they post and do we really need petty name calling across a keyboard against someone you don't know? I want a change of management but I am quite happy to listen to those who don't. So long as they realise I am always right! COYB!

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blueboy1981 added 21:42 - Apr 17 Swn98 ........ respect of any kind has to be earned - and your 'mates' Milliem / Gcon ( Milliem particularly ) etc; continuously aim personal abuse i.e Norfolk Dumpling etc; etc; in my direction. I do not live in Norfolk - I have supported ITFC significantly financially, and physically for 45+ years, and I never have been a Norwich Supporter and never will be. Therefore all this personal abuse, and incorrect insinuation is totally unfounded, and without any form of substance. SO, YES PHIL - THIS BEHAVIOUR DOES NEED ADDRESSING from such people. And let's get this straight shall we Swn98 ?- I am a paying Customer - McCarthy is a very highly paid Manager in the PUBLIC EYE - and any respectful company would not allow such language from an employee, towards paying customers. Therefore both above are valid points - but have serious doubts that none, if any, of you would understand this - for whatever reason. What other Club would allow such behaviour from it's Manager towards it's Supporters ?? Verbal abuse towards me personally is welcome - face to face at anytime - but NOT from behind a keyboard. I rest my case. PHIl - ban me if you wish at Swn98's request. I just happen to believe my posts have more fair, and rational content, than many of whom I mention.

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Orraman added 21:43 - Apr 17 So many good points from today. Kenlock grows in stature with every game, Ward excellent midfield play and the Sears/McGoldrick partnership flourishing. 18 months of Freddie wasted on the wing and even longer with Chambers wasted at RB. Don't want to miss out anyone as all were excellent today but I would like to give special mention to Skues who showed just how valuable he is to the team when played alongside inventive and attacking midfielders. I know 6 points from 6 is nothing to get too excited about, but with players performing like this and others like Webster waiting in the wings together with some sensible summer signings, there is no reason to believe that with some positive management this squad can go a long way to consigning the last 2 years of McCarthy to the history books.

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dirtydingusmagee added 22:06 - Apr 17 Swn98 ,thought you were in Spain till end of season ,
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shakytown added 22:16 - Apr 17 one result and some fools actually think muck is a manager. soon enough he will be back to 5 defenders and three dm's. Proper football. Muck out and who knows what this team can do.
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