Newcastle U 2 Fulham 1:THE LAST time Martin Jol had paced the away technical area at Newcastle United was almost four years ago when defeat by a side managed by Sam Allardyce left him within days of being sacked by Tottenham Hotspur.

Back on Tyneside seeking his first Premier League victory as Fulham’s manager, Jol soon adopted an arms-folded, head-shaking pose. Two second-half goals from Leon Best ensured it was not to be the Dutchman’s day.

With Yohan Cabaye shining in midfield, Gabriel Obertan’s pace, Tim Krul saving virtually everything that came his way and Best applying the finishing touches, life after Joey Barton did not look quite so gloomy for Newcastle.

Bar flashes of inspiration from Cabaye, Fulham’s tactic of congesting midfield ensured a low-key first half.

Newcastle went ahead early in the second period. Connecting with Ryan Taylor’s throw-in, Cabaye unleashed a thunderous, bouncing strike that Mark Schwarzer could only parry on to the bar. Pouncing gleefully, Best scored from three yards.

Fulham created their first real chance when Damien Duff crossed and Krul made a fine save from Steve Sidwell’s header. Obertan’s speed is offering Newcastle a new dimension and, after his crossfield acceleration had caught Fulham cold, he picked out Demba Ba wide on the right. Ba chested the ball down before spotting Best’s advance. Best took one touch and hit his second goal low into the bottom corner.

Krul was finally beaten in the 88th minute when Clint Dempsey’s header from Murphy’s free-kick evaded his grasp.