Newcastle 1, Wanderers 0: TRANSFER-listed striker Michael Ricketts came off the bench for the last half hour, but Wanderers' attempt to pull off a brave result against third-placed Newcastle at St James' Park just failed.

Bernard Mendy fired wide, a Gudni Bergsson header went past the post, Mendy had a strong penalty claim turned down, and yet again there were no goals for Sam Allardyce's Premiership strugglers.

Alan Shearer was foiled by the woodwork with a typically brave diving header in the 62nd minute as Newcastle tried to add to youngster Jermaine Jenas' 18th minute goal against Wanderers, who were desperate to pull away from the drop zone.

Bergsson was booked in the 52nd minute for a foul on Craig Bellamy while Dabizaz also went into the book just as Ricketts entered the field of play.

Meanwhile, Charlton beat West Ham 4-2 at The Valley after the visitors initially took a 1-0 lead in the first-half.

Newcastle United: Given , Hughes , Caldwell , Dabizas , Bernard , Solano , Dyer , Jenas , Robert , Bellamy , Shearer. Subs: Elliott , Harper , LuaLua , Ameobi , Kerr

Wanderers: Jaaskelainen , Mendy , N'Gotty , Bergsson , Barness , Charlton , Nolan , Frandsen , Gardner , Djorkaeff , Pedersen. Subs: Poole , Bulent , Campo , Ricketts , Facey

Ref: P Dowd (Staffordshire)

Attendance: 52,005