Shearer celebrates homecoming in style

ALAN SHEARER celebrated an emotional homecoming last night by scoring his First competitive goal for Newcastle. It was a superb strike as well from the £15 million world record signing.

Only three minutes of the match remained when Shearer, brought up just down the road from the ground at Gosforth, was fouled by Chris Perry. The former Blackburn player decided to take the free kick himself and from 20 yards curled it into the corner of the net. Shearer wheeled away in delight as Newcastle sealed their first victory of the season.

It was another former Blackburn player, David Batty, who scored the other goal after just three minutes with a super 30 yard chip.

The match was not without controversy with Wimbledon substitute Marcus Gayle finding the net after 85 minutes Following a cross from Andy Clarke, only for referee Stephen Lodge to disallow it for offside.

The Londoners were furious and two minutes later their fate was sealed with Shearer's superb strike.

Wimbledon goalkeeper Neil Sullivan could not believe his luck when Batty scored after Shearer and Brian McAllister challenged for the ball. Sullivan headed it out but Batty spotted him off the line and the ball went into the net off the bar.

Sullivan was beaten by David Beckham from the halfway line on Saturday in Manchester United's 3-0 victory and was left shaking his head in disbelief.

Sullivan regained his credibility with a marvellous block from Les Ferdinand, then turned away a fierce shot from Shearer after Faustino Asprilla had set up the chance.

Wimbledon's opportunities were limited but Dean Holdsworth's touch let him down after a poor back pass from Robbie Elliott.

At the beginning of the second half Asprilla had the crowd howling with laughter when he completely lost control, stood on the ball and Fell over spectacularly.

Shearer sent the Fans home happy with that late strike and now Newcastle go into Saturday's match against Sheffield with renewed confidence.

Shearer said afterwards: "It was a great occasion for me and my family. I couldn't be more delighted but to be honest I'm more concerned with getting the three points than scoring. It was a big bonus to get a goal. I don't really care about the pressure."

Commenting on his goal from the free kick, he said: "You have got to buy a ticket for the raffle. The shot could have gone in the stand or in the top corner. Luckily for me it went in the top corner.

Referring to Batty's chip over Sullivan. Shearer said: "The goalkeeper must think he is living a nightmare. David is now joint top scorer at the club and I don't think that has happened to him before. I think he was mad at me for scoring."

Manager Kevin Keegan managed to raise a smile following the 2-0 defeat by Everton on Saturday and was especially delighted with Shearer's strike. He joked: "It is something we have worked on in training. Alan is eighth in line take free kicks. Tino (Faustino Aspillo), Philippe (Albert) and a few others are in his way.

"It was a tremendous strike. He is always under pressure but a lot of players here can take the pressure off him. I felt we have made a step up from Saturday although parts of our game can improve. It would have been a travesty not to come away with the three points."