Pardew targets derby-day boost

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is challenging his players to launch a late-season charge with a derby victory over bitter rivals Sunderland.

The Magpies' 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light in August provided the foundation for a fine start by Pardew's men, and a similar return would give them the perfect launch pad to mount a concerted bid for a top-six Barclays Premier League finish.

Pardew said: "It would give whoever wins a real boost. It will be a difficult game to win. Sunderland are very disciplined and organised and are going to make it difficult for us and put pressure on the ball."

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