SIR Bobby Robson hailed his team's 3-0 win over Manchester City at St. James' Park as "our best display of the season".

Shola Ameobi broke the deadlock for The Magpies 12 minutes after the break, and Alan Shearer completed the win with strikes on 77 and 85 minutes.

"We were brilliant against Manchester City, every player from the goalkeeper through to the strikers gave us a marvellous performance," said Sir Bobby.

"We defended superbly, and protected Shay Given so well that he's hardly had a save to make.

"Woody has strolled through it despite being out for two months, and Titus Bramble alongside him was a colosuss. To keep a clean sheet was fantastic, and we topped it off with three goals.

"We could have been 3-0 up at hallf time because we'd played well and created some good chances, but it just wouldn't break for us.

"I said at half time just to stay patient and keep it going, and after Shola got the first goal it eased the tension around the place and we could even have had a couple of more goals by the end.

"I'm happy that we're up to sixth place now, and with Basel coming up on Thursday and then Wolves on saturday it's a good start to a busy week for us."

Sir Bobby was a happy man going to the game after watching England's rugby team lift the World Cup, and he was quick to praise Clive Woodward's side.

"It was a fantastic achievement to go and beat Australia in Australia, their own back yard, and lift the World Cup," he added.

"I'm delighted for the coach and the players, and they're in the history books now and nothing will ever change that.

"I watched the game at The Copthorne and jumped around like the best of them when we won. It was a great game, it ebbed and flowed and went up and down, but at the end of the day we got the extra points and won - it's as simple as that and I'm delighted.

"With England winning and us winning, it's been a good day. I've enjoyed it!"