Magpies boss praises Shola

Chris HUGHTON hailed two-goal hero Shola Ameobi after Newcastle United dumped Chelsea out of the Carling Cup at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea went ahead in the second minute through young left-back Patrick Van Aanholt only for United to storm back and lead at the interval thanks to goals from Nile Ranger and Ryan Taylor.

Ameobi made it 3-1 four minutes after the restart but two goals from Nicolas Anelka (69, 86) looked to have taken the tie into extra-time. However, Ameobi headed the winner from a Jonas Gutierrez corner in the 90th minute to earn special praise from Hughton.

"Shola showed why he is still at this football club," said Hughton. "He has had periods at the club where injuries have hindered his progress. That was the case last season. But, on this form, he is a top player."

Hughton was delighted with his team's victory but disappointed by the penalty award when Chelsea defender Alex went down under the challenge of substitute Cheik Tioti four minutes from time.

"The equaliser for them to get back 3-3 was the softest penalty you will ever see and it got them back in the game," added Hughton.

"I didn't think it was a penalty. That is an understatement. It disappointed me. If we had not got the winner and it had gone to extra-time, it would have been a travesty."