NEWCASTLE'S chances of rescuing a season of false dawns with a UEFA Cup place look brighter after the irrepressible Alan Shearer performed his magic against a Chelsea side hungover from FA Cup glory.

The Wembley finalists were blown away by a first half rampage and went in at the break three goals down, two of them through Shearer.

The opening goal went to Shearer after he tracked a long punt upfield from defender Darren Peacock after It minutes. While Frank Leboeuf misjudged the bounce, Newcastle's number nine stole in behind the Frenchman to lob keeper Frode Grodas with precision from 18 yards.

Faustino Asprilla made his mark after 30 minutes when running into a Les Ferdinand flick on, the Colombian coolly pushed the ball past the advancing Grodas.

Chelsea's blues deepened 10 minutes from the break when Asprilla's inch perfect cross found Shearer at the far post and he slotted home.

Chelsea's Craig Burley headed in from close range just after the hour mark.