NEWCASTLE UNITED manager Sir Bobby Robson praised his team's performance on a crazy afternoon at Goodison which saw eleven yellow and two red cards produced.

The Magpies boss said afterwards: " It was a dramatic afternoon, it see-sawed, it fluctuated, the game had everything.

"We had Robert sent off early on and that was always going to make things difficult. But we did very well and I am pleased with the players, it was a strong display.

"We had the game won twice and all we had to do was to see it out. Experience should have told us that the referee was looking to even things up in a game like that. It was not a penalty, but Radzinski cleverly played for it and got it.

" As regards the sending off (Robert), he was a bit silly with the challenge, it wasn't over zealous and I don't think he deserved to be sent off. Another ref on another day would not have given that decision.

"We had two good penalties that were well taken by Alan, he was realxed and mature with them in a heated environment but I am still disappointed with the dropped points.

" I must say that Bramble and O'Brien gave a superb performance this afternoon and I hope some of our North East press recognise that. Sometimes they bury our players especially Bramble but he was outstanding today.

"I hope that display has quietened a few fickle people, the doubters."