GRAHAM Fenton enjoyed the greatest night so far in his Ewood career, then revealed he'd probably broken the hearts of family and friends on Tyneside.
Two late goals by the 21-year-old Blackburn Rovers sub from Whitley Bay left Newcastle United's title challenge seemingly in ruins - and Ewood hero Fenton hoping he won't be regarded as too much of a villain by his fellow Geordies.
How were his own emotions after an explosive night?
"Mixed really. I am delighted that Blackburn have the three points to keep up our chase for the European places," he said.
"But I am a little bit disappointed for the Newcastle fans, because I am one of them.
"Someone said they had seen my cousin crying outside after the game. But he said he wasn't."
Fenton, who played for the same boys club as Alan Shearer, Cramlington Juniors, and hero-worshipped Gazza as a young fan until he departed for Spurs, had his mother and sister and other family members watching from the Ewood stands.
"Before the game my cousin said to me that if I scored I should do a Denis Law and just walk away," he explained.
"It's unfortunate for Newcastle but it's my job and I wanted to get on and get my career going.
"I am sure my dad, who was watching at home on TV, will have enjoyed it. He's a Newcastle fan too but also a bit of both because he follows whoever I am playing for."
Fenton admitted with a wry smile that he would have to keep a low profile for a while when he returned home to the North East.
"The fans are very passionate but I hope they will take it in their stride," he said.
"It's looking like Manchester United will win it now but you will be able to tell after a couple more games.
"I just hope Newcastle can come back."
He also had a special word of gratitude for Alan Shearer.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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