Magpies grind out win
Summer signing Sibierski on target again
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Thursday, 19, Oct 2006 10:55
Newcastle United opened their Uefa Cup group H campaign with a solid 1-0 win over Fenerbahce at St James' Park.
A solitary strike came courtesy of midfielder Antoine Sibierski, who won the Magpies earlier away trip to Levadia Tallinn in similar style.
The former Manchester City playmaker struck on 79 minutes to snatch the game away from the stubborn Turkish visitors, but was fortunate to be on the pitch to do so after surviving a heavy challenge in the opening minutes.
Initially it appeared that Edu Dracena's tackle may have added his name to Glenn Roeder's lengthening injury list, but Sibierski recovered and was on hand to smash home the loose ball after Rustu Recber spilled Steven Taylor's effort.
Newcastle were deserved winners after carrying the greater goal-threat throughout an open, attacking game.
The industrious Obafemi Martins drilled a 25-yard shot narrowly wide and saw a strong header smothered by Rustu in Newcastle's best chances of the first half.
Fenerbahce enjoyed a renaissance at the start of the second half with ex-Juventus ace Stephen Appiah to the fore, but for all their intricate build-up play Steven Harper was rarely tested.
Martins stung the palms of Rustu once more before Sibierski finally broke the deadlock and his team comfortably played the game out.