Newcastle 2 : Fulham 0
23/03/2008 8:02 AM
at Keller.
In the meantime, Harper had to make a smart save to keep out Bullard's 34th-minute shot after it dipped nastily in front of him, and the Magpies were grateful for the half-time whistle when it arrived with Fulham making a genuine push.
The second half began in much the same fashion with the visitors seeing plenty of the ball, but the home side looking the more threatening.
Viduka saw a 49th-minute header blocked at point-blank range after Owen and Barton had combined to open up the Londoners, and Martins fired just over six minutes later after a pacy run towards goal.
Barton, enjoying one of his better days in the black and white shirt, went for goal himself with 58 minutes gone, hammering a right-footed shot just wide from 25 yards as the Magpies began to build up a head of steam.
Martins had the ball in the net eight minutes later, although from an offside position, and the roar from those who had not spotted the flag spoke volumes about tension levels inside St James' Park.
But with seven minutes remaining, Owen timed his run to perfection to meet Geremi's free-kick and glance home a deft header to spark mass celebrations.
English Premier League
Newcastle 2 (Viduka 6, Owen 83)
Fulham 0