体坛英语新闻：Gerrard returns with a bang as Livepool fights back to beat Newcastle

LONDON, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Returning captain Steven Gerrard's last shot and a brace from Craig Bellamy fired Livepool to a 3-1 comeback victory over Newcastle and the fifth place in Premier League on Friday night.

The visiting "Magpies" took a dream start after 25 minutes when Livepool defender Daniel Agger diverted Yohan Cabaye's header into his own net.

Bellamy, the former Newcastle striker, showed no mercy to his old club as he just took four minutes to level the score for the host, delivering a low shot to the bottom corner.

After the restart, it was Bellamy again becoming Anfield fans' savior. The Welshman struck a curling free-kick in to help the Reds overtake the lead.

Gerrard, who only made one appearance since October's injury before tonight's clash, was brought on by coach Kenny Dalglish with 30 minutes left.

Though the visitor seemed dangerous on counterattack later in the game, Gerrard sealed the 3-1 victory with a strong burst into the area before a cool finish in a tight angle.

With the three points, Livepool surpassed Arsenal (with one game in hand) to move to the top five on 34 points after 19 games. While Newcastle still stood on seventh.

In the following two days, the rest games of the 19th round will be staged on. The league leaders Manchester "big two", Hotspur, Chelsea and other strengths will fight for a better place as the tight schedule in next month is drawing nearer.