London: Newcastle slipped further into the Premier League relegation mire as Reading boosted their own chances with a 2-1 win at St James` Park on Saturday.
The hosts took the lead on 36 minutes as Yohan Cabaye curled a perfect free kick past Adam Federici, but substitute Adam Le Fondre struck twice in six minutes to secure the Royals` second consecutive comeback victory.
Shola Ameobi returned from suspension to replace Gabriel Obertan on the right wing, while Cabaye made his full comeback to first-team action in midfield after a two-month absence due to a groin injury, in the hosts` only two alterations from the 0-0 draw at Norwich.
Brian McDermott made three changes from the side that had started their miraculous comeback victory over West Brom, with Stephen Kelly handed a debut at right-back following his move from Fulham.
The game was slow to get going but the Royals had a great chance to score in the 12th minute as Jimmy Kebe raced onto a long ball down the right flank, but could only cut into Mike Williamson as he reached the box.
The hosts responded brilliantly and after Cabaye had a near-post effort saved by Federici, he clipped a lovely ball into Papiss Cisse in the box, but the onrushing Australian tipped Cisse`s header behind.
Cisse was then denied by a superb Alex Pearce block from opening the scoring on 26 minutes, but Garath McCleary stormed down the left immediately, cutting the ball to Pavel Pogrebnyak who could only turn the ball wide on the slide from 12 yards.
The Magpies` No.9 could only fire straight at Federici after fine work from Anita and the Royals keeper denied the Toon No.9 from point-blank ranged after Mathieu Debuchy burst down the right and found Cisse with a superb cross.
The Magpies finally made the breakthrough following the half-hour mark. After Sylvain Marveaux was felled making his way towards the area, Cabaye stepped up and curled a perfect free kick into the top corner from 20 yards.
The Royals had the better of things after the break, but had little to show for their dominance. Harte curled a free kick that was almost deflected in by a Newcastle leg, before Pogrebnyak rasped an effort well over the bar from 20 yards out.
Reading did get themselves level on 71 minutes as Jimmy Kebe was afforded too much space on the right and he whipped a dangerous ball across goal that substitute Le Fondre bundled home with his first touch.
Pardew responded by replacing the superb Cabaye with Gael Bigirimana to the home fans` fury and they were apoplectic soon after as Le Fondre pounced on Hope Akpan`s scuffed shot to bury his second and complete the Royals` comeback.
The hosts had a great chance to level scores late in the game, but Cisse could only shank his effort over as the ball landed at his feet eight yards out.
Goal.com
First Published: Monday, January 21, 2013, 11:59