SUBSTITUTE Craig Bellamy spared nervous Newcastle a potential Worthington Cup embarrassment when he struck a stunning extra-time hat-trick at St James' Park last night.

Welsh international Bellamy, only brought on for the added half hour, transformed this second-round tie just when it looked as though Division Two leaders Brentford were capable of springing a major surprise.

The Bees stung United in the 17th minute when Lloyd Owusu handed Steve Coppell's side the lead.

But England Under-21 striker Shola Ameobi, by far Newcastle's most potent threat until Bellamy's introduction, levelled in the 59th minute before both sides scorned a succession of chances to wrap the tie up.

Even Magpies skipper Alan Shearer was guilty, twice failing to convert with only keeper Olafur Gottskalksson to beat, but Bellamy ultimately ensured that United extended their unbeaten run to 12 competitive games.

The £6m summer signing from Coventry cut in from the left in the 108th minute to beat Gottskalksson at his near post with a low drive. He tucked away another in the 117th minute after chasing keeper Steve Harper's long clearance, and completed his treble in the closing moments when he knocked in Nolberto Solano's low centre.

Solano only lined up after heart-to-heart talks with manager Bobby Robson, who was eager to gauge the Peruvian's pre-match mood following his arrest this week in connection with an Immigration Service investigation into fake passports.

But Robson maintained after the game that the winger is in the clear. "He has no worries,'' said Robson. "He has a Peruvian passport and a work permit for five years, so there's no problem - he's not going to be deported.''

Robson rested five players - and took no risks with injured right-back Warren Barton - in a Newcastle side showing six changes to the one that triumphed 4-1 at Middlesbrough last Saturday.

A minute's silence was observed before kick-off in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks in the United States.

The crowd, sparse by St James' standards, made for a suitably subdued atmosphere, though Brentford's vociferous following were determined to enjoy the big-game occasion.

Andy Griffin, deputising for Barton in his first start this season, prompted the opening move in the second minute with a deep ball to the far post where Darren Powell jumped with Shearer to block the Newcastle skipper's header.

Powell was up with his attack only two minutes later as Brentford flashed an early warning. Skipper Paul Evans swung over a corner and Powell glanced just wide.

Solano volleyed well over from a glorious position then Christian Bassedas failed to trouble Gottskalksson with a tame drive and from the keeper's clearance Brentford grabbed a shock lead.

The long punt was flicked on to Owusu, who split the home defence with a penetrating run before beating Harper - standing in for Shay Given - with a shot which the keeper laid a glove on but couldn't divert from goal.

Ameobi broke through the Brentford defence in the 26th minute, but the vigilant Ivar Ingimarsson made a last-ditch tackle.

Newcastle were indignant on the half hour when £10m French signing Laurent Robert picked up a booking from referee Roger Furnandiz, who reckoned the winger had taken a dive when he went down on the edge of the area under the challenge of Michael Dobson.

After falling behind for the fourth time in five games, Newcastle were booed off at the interval, during which Robson replaced Aaron Hughes with Robbie Elliott at the heart of defence.

Bassedas became the second United player booked for diving before Ameobi powered his way into the penalty area only to see his goalbound effort charged down by Powell. But Ameobi's persistence paid off when Shearer fed Solano on the right and the Nigerian-born frontman turned the ball in off the far post.

Both sides then spurned late opportunities. Andy O'Brien's header, from Robert's corner, was knocked off the line by Brentford substitute Mark Williams, who then almost grabbed a winner for his side when Wayne Quinn blocked his effort.

Robson saluted brave Brentford, saying: "They were as good as the Chelsea side we drew with in the first game of the season."

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