A FREE KICK of typically stunning brilliance from Alan Shearer, 10 minutes into extra time, rescued a scrappy Newcastle performance and gave them an unlikely victory over Charlton when embarrassment looked a more probable result.

As at The Valley in Kevin Keegan's last match in charge, the score after 90 minutes was 1-1, Mark Robson's 55th minute freekick equalising Clark's 32nd minute open and Kenny Dalglish may already be familiar with Keegan's frustrations.

A deafening noise greeted the emergence of Dalglish and Terry McDermott on to the pitch. "Greet the new managerial team at Newcastle United," boomed the tannoy.

Dalglish had said he would not be choosing the side to face Charlton, but it was still his name that appeared alongside manager on the team sheet.

Within seconds of the start it was apparent the new manager was in control. Standing, as he always has, at the edge of the dugout, Dalglish was pointing and shouting orders.

There was almost a fairytale start, too, when after 40 seconds David Ginola crossed but Alan Shearer failed to connect. Ginola looking livelier than for a long time, was clearly out to impress the new man, and on the opposite flank Keith Gillespie's crossing was better than of late.

Charlton were spoiling the party somewhat, however. Determined in defence, they were also enterprising in attack. Having said that, Clark could have given Newcastle the lead earlier but his 10th minute snap shot clipped the bar. A little piece of invention was needed and, as seems always the case, it came from Peter Beardsley.

Swivelling on to a pass out of defence, Beardsley flicked the ball into the path of Clark and the man still on Newcastle's transfer list held off Richard Rufus and looped the ball over Andy Petterson.

Yet even the relief at that 32nd minute breakthrough felt by the Newcastle management and the fans was not translated into overwhelming superiority.

With fog descending on St James' Park, Charlton equalised, and what a superb goal it was. Pressing forward as they had to after half time, Charlton won a free kick 20 yards out. There was still plenty to negotiate but Robson, curling it with his left foot over the wall and beyond Shaka Hislop, made it look easy.