LONDON, March 1: Olivier Bernard kept Newcastle United’s league title bid on track on Saturday when the French defender grabbed their winner in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at St James’ Park.

A spectacular own goal by Chelsea’s Dutch striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink gave Newcastle a 31st minute lead before a sweetly-struck volley from midfielder Frank Lampard levelled six minutes later.

But Bernard’s second goal of the season in the 53rd minute moved third-placed Newcastle on to 55 points, level with Manchester United and five behind champions Arsenal, who play Charlton Athletic on Sunday.

With Chelsea fourth on 48 points, Newcastle’s victory should at least lead them to another Champions League campaign next season.

Newcastle made the brighter start but Nolberto Solano’s cross from the right was only heading for Carlo Cudicini’s gloves when Hasselbaink leapt up for a glancing header that gave Chelsea’s Italian keeper no chance.

The lead was soon ended when Newcastle, with England defender Jonathan Woodgate making his debut, failed to clear a corner and Lampard volleyed an equaliser.

Bernard earned Bobby Robson’s side three valuable points, though, when Portuguese midfielder Hugo Viana slid the ball through and the Frenchman flicked it over the advancing Cudicini.—Reuters