Big Sam returns to hurt Bolton

Sam Allardyce could not have wished for a better start to life as Newcastle manager thanks to two goals from Obafemi Martins in a 3-1 win over Bolton.

To win handsomely away from home on the opening day is special enough - achieving it against your former club must be especially sweet.

Charles N'Zogbia was also on target for the Magpies, while Nicolas Anelka scored a consolation for the hosts.

Newcastle took the lead in the 11th minute with a goal out of nothing. N'Zogbia drove in a free-kick from the right which eluded the Bolton defence and goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

The visitors extended their lead in the 21st minute, and again Bolton's defending was poor.

James Milner was able to weigh up his cross and found Martins at the back post, who beat Jaaskelainen with a superb overhead kick.

Bolton almost pulled a goal back three minutes later but Steven Taylor cleared Gary Speed's effort off the line.

The agony continued for Bolton in the 27th minute when Martins scored his second goal of the game. He had a bit of luck, however, with his shot from 20 yards taking a deflection off defender Abdoulaye Faye to leave Jaaskelainen stranded.

Bolton pulled a goal back in the 50th minute through Anelka after a superb reverse pass from Kevin Nolan.

That gave Bolton a fighting chance but they never really troubled Newcastle after that.