Sibierski earns Magpies slender lead
Damien Duff hit top form for Newcastle
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Thursday, 14, Sep 2006 11:37
Newcastle United will return to St James' Park with a one-goal advantage after their Uefa cup first-round tie as debutant Antoine Sibierski's early goal secured victory over Levadia Tallinn.
A largely unnoticed deadline day signing from Manchester City, Sibierski met Damien Duff's tenth-minute cross with a powerful header which deflected in off a covering defender.
After that Glenn Roeder's side relied on a combination of good fortune and, at times, desperate defending to keep a clean sheet against the forceful Estonians, but ultimately deserved their victory.
The Tynesiders started well and could have had a more formidable early advantage with a host of chances going to waste in the opening period.
Obafemi Martins has enjoyed a rocky start to his Newcastle career after his move from Inter Milan with some on the Gallowgate already questioning whether he might become the latest addition to a long list of big-money flops at the club.
But his pace caused the hosts' defence constant concern and it was his weighted pass that put midfielder Scott Parker through before goalkeeper Artur Kotenko smothered his shot.
At the other end though Newcastle never seemed entirely settled. Titus Bramble, who was at fault several times against Fulham in the Premiership at the weekend, allowed Marek Lemsalu to escape his attention at a set-play and volley narrowly wide.
There were more anxious moments after the break as Shay Given was forced into a spectacular parry from Vladimir Voskoboinikov and Konstantin Vassilijev ballooned the loose ball over the bar.
But as the game wore on Newcastle reined in their attacking intent and shored up their rearguard to see the game out and guarantee a lead for the return leg on 28th September.