SIR Bobby Robson was full of praise for his players after they won their fifth consecutive win with a 3-0 thumping of Portsmouth.

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Gary Speed and Alan Shearer gave United a 2-0 interval lead, and Shola Ameobi wrapped up the points on the hour mark.

United were rarely troubled by the south coast sidem, and Sir Bobby rated the performance as one of the best so far this term.

"I think the first 35 minutes was the best we have played, and when you look at the game as a whole it was a good all-round display," he said.

"We were strong up front, solid in midfield and the two centre backs were as tough as teak.

"We started well and could have had a goal in the first minute but the goalkeeper has made the save from Shola with his foot. Alan then should have had a penalty because the defender got nowhere near the ball, but it wasn't given.

"But we kept plugging away and I thought it was a comfortable win. We've had a tough schedule over the last fortnight, but we're looking strong and we're gradually moving up the league now."