Alan Shearer gives his instant verdict on Newcastle victory against Crystal Palace
By Coral Barry
Alan Shearer has praised Karl Darlow after the goalkeeper saved Yohan Cabaye's penalty to give Newcastle a crucial 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Magpies went in front thanks to a thunderbolt free-kick from Andros Townsend in the second half, but had third-choice stopper Darlow to thank for ensuring all three points when he beat away Cabaye's poor spot-kick.
Darlow is only in the Newcastle side because of long-term injuries to first choice goalkeepers Tim Krul and Rob Elliot, but may have just written himself into Newcastle folklore with a tremendous save under pressure in front of St James' Park.
Shearer, who is the club's all-time top scorer, watched from the stands as Newcastle ground out a massive result and tweeted his verdict immediately after the full-time whistle.
The Newcastle legend was also keen to pick out matchwinner Townsend after his fantastic 20-yard strike put the Magpies in front.
Shearer also had praise for 22-year-old Jamaal Lascelles who has been a rock at the heart of the Newcastle defence in recent weeks.
The result lifts Newcastle out of the relegation zone for the first time since February and gives them a one point advantage over 18th-placed Sunderland.