Lovenkrands hat-trick sees Newcastle through

HAT-TRICK hero Peter Loven-krands fired Newcastle into the FA Cup fourth round as the Magpies beat Plymouth 3-0 to extend their unbeaten run to 13 games last night.

The former Rangers player made the most of two fine first-half deliveries from winger Jonas Gutierrez and then converted Kevin Nolan's 72nd-minute cross to book his side a trip to Coca-Cola Championship promotion rivals West Brom six days after the two sides meet in the league at St James' Park.

Watched by a crowd of just 15,805 – a lot less than the 40,000 they have had in the league this season, Newcastle forced their way in front with ten minutes gone when Andy Carroll and Lovenkrands combined on halfway to find Gutierrez, and when the Argentinian slid the ball into the Dane's intelligent run, he produced a deft left-foot finish to beat keeper Romain Larrieu.

The Dane helped himself for a second time with five minutes of the half remaining when he headed the South American's cross firmly home despite Larrieu's best efforts.

His third goal arrived with 18 minutes remaining. Carroll headed the ball down to Nolan, who in turn fed Lovenkrands to volley home his third.