"news From The Toon"

[geordie joe]

Newcastle united 2 v wigan 1
(St.James'Park Sat.19/08/06).

RATINGS.

Shey Given.Sound,not a chance for the goal. 7/10.
Stephen Carr.At fault for the goal but a solid performance for most of the game. 7/10.
Celestine Babayaro. Off the pace,poor distribution. 5/10.
Titus Bramble. Shaky start,lucky not to concede a late pen. 6/10.
Craig Moore. Strugled before early withdrawl. 5/10.
Nol Solano. Busy game,linked up well with Duff. 6/10.
Scott Parker. Worthy captian,took his goal well. 8/10.
Nicky Butt. Solid in midfield,before been taken out by Emre.6/10.
Emre. No chance to shine but got stuck in where it matterd. 6/10.
Damien Duff. Promising prem.debut,looked dangerous throughout. 7/10.
SHOLA AMEOBI. (m.o.m.) Made the first goal,took the second,well 8/10.

Substitues.

Charles N'Zogbia. (for Butt 16 mins) Excellent work rate,should start. 7/10.
Steven Taylor. (for Moore 45 mins). Struggled on his return. 5/10.
Albert Luque. (for Ameobi 76 mins). Worked hard,unlucky to have a goal ruled out. 6/10.

Not used: Harper . Milner.

Shots on target- New 6. Wig 6.
Shots off target- New 1. wig 4.
Fouls conceded-New 17. Wig 19.
Corners- New 4. Wig 11.
Offsides- New 7. Wig 2.
Possession- New 45%. Wig 55%.

Newcastle.
Goals - Parker (38 mins). Ameobi (64 mins).
Bookings - Luque (90 mins,foul).

Wigen.
Goals - McCulloch (59 mins).
Bookings - Heskey (9 mins,foul).Valencia (56 mins,foul).

Referee - Martin Atkinson (york) 7/10.

Attendance - 51.569 (wigan did not sell thier full allocation of tickets).

Next game - Toon v Ventspils (St.James'Park)
Thursday 24/08/06. Kick off 19:45.
Second leg of the U.E.F.A. cup qualifier.(Toon 1-0 up from the first leg.)


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