Magpies top Group H after stalemate
Glenn Roeder can now focus on the knockout stages
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Thursday, 30, Nov 2006 10:52
Newcastle United secured top spot in Uefa Cup Group H after holding on for a battling 0-0 draw away to Eintracht Frankfurt.
The German side started the game with greater urgency as they attempted to rescue themselves form the foot of the group while the Magpies sat back, having already safely qualified.
The hosts seemed likeliest to secure an early breakthrough as they attempted to exploit their aerial superiority.
Albert Streit and Ioannis Amanatidis both latched onto early deliveries but their headers flew harmlessly wide of Shay Given's goal.
Charles N'Zogbia had the pick of Newcastle's few first-half openings but opted to try and find a team-mate with a cushioned knock-down rather than head for goal.
As the second-half progressed the Bundesliga team increased their dominance, forcing Newcastle to hang on grimly for a point.
Amanatidis failed to connect with Nahiro Takahara's skidding centre with the goal gaping in front of him soon after the break, before Benjamin Kohler saw another header float just wide.
Although Turkish midfielder Emre came close to a classic counter-attacking goal, there was little possession for Glenn Roeder's side to utilise.
The game drew to a close with even Frankfurt's goalkeeper, Markus Proll, prowling the Newcastle box, but still the home side could not conjure a winner.