Bobby Robson rounded off what has undoubtedly been his toughest week in charge at Newcastle in the best possible way.

"A massive three points," is how he described the win, and massive it certainly was.

After the drubbing at Highbury, and the extended post mortem, United needed a boost and the presence of Alan Shearer in the starting line-up was just the tonic required.

The whole team appeared to be lifted by their captain, and his striking colleague, Kieron Dyer, thrived on the service.

The England midfielder ran the show, and his pace proved too hot to handle for the Bantams' back three.

"We've gone up to seventh place - not quite a club in crisis," was Robson's verdict.

Although the Magpies' manager refused to say it had been a difficult week, he did admit that it hadn't been his most comfortable in charge.

He said: "I felt we deserved the win.

"It hasn't been the easiest of weeks, but you just have to ignore that.

''Obviously Kieron's goal was special - it was like his one against Liverpool, and he almost got us a penalty.''

Along with Dyer's performance, Robson was particularly pleased with the quality of Gary Speed's strike.

He was joined in that appreciation by his counterpart, Jim Jefferies, who admitted his team had been beaten by two excellent goals.

But a one-match ban means Welsh captain Speed will not be able to repeat his feat at Derby next Saturday. Newcastle will miss their influential midfielder.

The result on Saturday was the important factor but the win was far from convincing against what was a poor Bradford side.

With Marcelino joining the starting line-up for only his second game of the season, Newcastle lined up with a back three.

Fit-again Frenchman Didier Domi was omitted from the 16, even after his public apology in midweek for apparently questioning Robson's tactics.

As has been evident at St James' Park this season, nerves played a major part in the opening - among the fans as well as the players.

A subdued St James' Park, boasting its lowest crowd of the season, needed a lift and almost received it as early as the fourth minute.

A clever through ball from Solano freed Dyer, whose effort from the edge of the box was clawed away by former Middlesbrough keeper Gary Walsh.

That could have soothed the frayed nerves, but the crowd didn't have to wait too long for the opener, and what an opener .

A cross from the left by Barton after 14 minutes skimmed the head of Peter Atherton and there appeared no threat when it fell to Speed at the edge of the box.

As if wanting to make sure the fans knew what they'd be missing next weekend, Speed fired in a spectacular volley off the underside of the bar.

But United's failure to capitalise on a bright opening almost let in Bradford for an equaliser ten minutes later.

Former Darlington man Robbie Blake ended a bright counter-attack by the Bantams with a right-footed drive from the edge of the box which was turned away by Shay Given.

The home side were in need of a second and a link-up between Shearer and Dyer in the second half provided the route to goal.

A long clearance from Given in the 70th minute was flicked on by the skipper into the path of Dyer, who drove into the box, holding off the strong challenge of Dutchman Molenaar.

With Walsh looking to cover, Dyer lifted the ball over the goalkeeper and into the far corner.

As if to emphasise how Newcastle needed the second, a quick corner by Carbone on 82 minutes gave substitute Beagrie the chance to float the ball in.

Molenaar rose above Marcelino to head back across Given and into the net.

Cue the nerves to be exposed again, and an uncomfortable last ten minutes ended with cheers of relief on the final whistle.

It's another big game at Derby next weekend where a win may just erase the bitter memory of Arsenal - for the time being at least.