Newcastle United grabbed a Premier League lifeline on Monday when late goals by substitutes Obafemi Martins and Peter Lovenkrands secured a 3-1 home win over fellow relegation struggler Middlesbrough. The victory in a tense Northeast clash, Newcastle's first win at home in 2009, edged it out of the relegation zone on 34 points, above Hull City on goal difference. Middlesbrough remains second-last on 31 points. West Bromwich Albion also has 31 and the four teams have two games remaining. Middlesbrough went ahead with a farcical goal after three minutes when Tuncay Sanli's shot hit goalkeeper Steve Harper then cannoned into Habib Beye who could not prevent the ball rolling into his own net. Newcastle roared back equalizing in the ninth minute. Beye made amends for his error with a charging run that earned a corner, which Steven Taylor met with a thumping header. It was the first home goal since Alan Shearer took over for the last eight games of the season and only the second of his six matches in charge so far. Soon Martins sent the home fans wild in the 71st minute, moments after coming on for Michael Owen. The striker collected a Kevin Nolan flick, turned well inside the box and managed to force the ball home. Nolan also set up the third four minutes from time when Lovenkrands lashed in a powerful shot. Sheffield in playoff final Greg Halford sent Sheffield United into the Championship playoff final with the only goal to dash Preston's dreams at Bramall Lane on Monday, wrapping up a 2-1 aggregate victory. Kevin Blackwell's team started as slight favorites after holding its rival to a 1-1 draw in the opening game and Halford sent the Blades through to a final against Burnley or Reading at Wembley on May 25. Finalists' protests rejected UEFA's disciplinary body confirmed Monday that Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher will miss the Champion's League final on May 27 along with Barcelona defenders Eric Abidal and Daniel Alves. European football's governing body said in a statement that the body rejected protests by both clubs against the suspensions.
