Martins at the double for Magpies
Martins continued his impressive form in the Uefa Cup
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Thursday, 08, Mar 2007 10:10
A brace from Obafemi Martins helped Newcastle to a 4-2 win over AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Uefa Cup tie at St James' Park.
The Magpies raced to a 4-1 lead at half-time thanks to an own goal from Gretar Steinsson, and strikes from Kieron Dyer and Martins' double.
Goals from ex-Rangers striker Shota Averladze and Danny Koevermans gave the visitors two potentially vital away goals, though.
AZ got off to a nightmare start and trailed by a goal after just eight minutes when defender Steinsson turned in Dyer's low cross.
Newcastle doubled their lead on 22 minutes with a stylish goal after Antoine Siberski's backheel was collected by Dyer who dinked the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.
A minute later, the Magpies looked to have taken a huge step towards the quarter-finals after Martins cut inside and fizzed his low shot home from the edge of the box to make it 3-0.
AZ then woke up with Shay Given palming away Averladze's shot from the edge of the area on 29 minutes.
Two minutes later, AZ got back in the game when Julian Jenner's whipped cross was headed in off the underside of the bar by Averladze.
A breathtaking first-half was capped off by Martins grabbing his 16th goal of the season on 37 minutes after drilling his low shot into the corner from Nolberto Solano's cutback.
AZ improved after the break and only a last-ditch tackle from Titus Bramble prevented Koevermans getting a shot at goal on 56 minutes.
Louis Van Gaal's side were able to grab a lifeline on 71 minutes after being awarded a controversial penalty.
Stephen Taylor was judged to have handled in the box and after Given parried Moussa Dembele's spot kick, Danny Koevermans fired in the rebound.
Midfielder Emre made his return from 11 games out in the closing stages to replace Damien Duff.
The second leg takes place next Thursday with AZ unbeaten at home in Europe for 30 years.