Gardner buries Newcastle

Ricardo Gardner scored with his first touch of the game to help Bolton boss Gary Megson celebrate his new contract with a 1-0 win over visitors Newcastle United at the Reebok Stadium.

Megson brought on Gardner at half-time and the Jamaica midfielder had an instant impact, scoring in the 47th minute from close range.

Gardner’s third goal of the season moved Bolton up to 10th in the English Premier League table while Newcastle remain 15th, two points above the relegation zone.

The Magpies mustered 19 shots to the hosts’ 10 but could not find a way past Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

The Trotters had previously gone 14 league games without keeping a clean sheet, by far the worst record in the top flight.

Bolton announced earlier that Megson had agreed a new rolling contract.

The Lancashire side said the deal had already taken effect having been agreed late last month with Megson, who arrived in October 2007 and who led the side to safety after they had been mired in a relegation battle.

Meanwhile Chris Hughton is still in temporary charge at Newcastle as boss Joe Kinnear recovers from a heart operation.