Newcastle v Wimbledon 21/08/96 7.45

Newcastle               (1) 2 Wimbledon               (0) 0 FT
Batty 3                       
Shearer 88                    

Alan Shearer celebrated an emotional homecoming tonight by grabbing his first goal for Newcastle.

It was a superb strike as well from the £15million world record signing, a close season capture by manager Kevin Keegan.

There was only three minutes of the match remaining when Shearer, brought up just down the road from the ground at Gosforth, was fouled by Chris Perry.

The former Blackburn star 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 star, David Batty who scored the other goal after just three minutes with a superb 30-yard chip.

The match was not without controversy with Wimbledon sub Marcus Gayle finding the net after 85 minutes following a cross from Andy Clarke, only for referee Stephen Lodge to disallow it for off-side.

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

The new Geordie folk hero enjoys playing against Wimbledon, scoring twice in Blackburn's 3-2 win last April before having a groin operation.

His record over the past three seasons is unbeateable with Shearer scoring 126 goals in the top flight last season.

He scored 31 in a difficult campaign for Blackburn - and more of the same will undoubtedly put Newcastle up among the leaders this season.

Wimbledon keeper 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 half way 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.

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

Newcastle: Srnicek, Watson, Elliott, Howey, Albert, Lee, Asprilla (Clark, 81), Batty, Ginola, Shearer, Ferdinand.

Subs not used: Hislop, Peacock, Beardsley, Gillespie.

Booked: Albert.

Wimbledon: Sullivan, Cunningham, Thatcher, Perry, McAllister, Ardley, Jones, Leonhardsen (Gayle, 83), Earle, Clarke, Holdsworth (Euell, 80).

Subs not used: Heald, Kimble, Blackwell.

Booked: Thatcher.

Attendance: 36,385.

Referee: S Lodge (Barnsley).