Newcastle Given a lifeline |
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 AGONY AND ECSTACY: Fernando Edgard of Real Mallorca scores as goalkeeper Georgi Lomaia of Spartak Moscow looks on during their UEFA Cup third round match at the Locomotive stadium in Moscow. Mallorca won 3-0
AP PhotoValerenga (Norway): Shay Given made several saves to ensure Newcastle avoided defeat in the first leg of their UEFA Cup tie against Valerenga in Norway yesterday.
Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson opted to rest several regulars, with Alan Shearer, Kieron Dyer and Laurent Robert among the substitutes.
And the wisdom of his gamble seemed open to question when Valerenga created the game's first clear opening after just seven minutes.
Morten Berre found striker Dos Santos, who struck a right-foot shot across Given that the Newcastle goalkeeper did well to palm to safety.
The home side suffered a crucial blow when Tom Hovi, still suffering the effects of being struck on the head by an Ambrose shot, was substituted after 25 minutes.
The ensuing reshuffle resulted in Dos Santos, the teams main goalscoring threat, moving to the centre of defence. And as half-time approached Newcastle started to pose more of a goal threat.
Gary Speed came close with a header that Hanssen cleared off the line. And seconds later Newcastle scored.
Hanssens clearance fell to Viana, who crossed for Bellamy to superbly volley across Bolthof with his right foot.
Valerenga started the second half positively and levelled the tie when Normann rose above the static Aaron Hughes to head Brockens deep cross past Given.
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