Newcastle Utd 2 - 0 Aston Villa
Two goals from Oba Martins in the second half was enough to see off a dissapointing Aston Villa, and lift Newcastle six places.
In a game that saw both teams create a few chances, it was the toon that took theirs.
Villa had the better of the first half with Martin Laursen hitting the post after about 10 minutes, England hopeful Gabby Agbonlahor missing the ball eight yards out, and tricky winger Ashley Young denied at point blank range by Shay Given after a good touch and turn.
Newcastle came out in the second half with more fight, and on the hour Martins basically scored out of nowhere. Barton played a ball that shouldn’t have caused problems but after turning quickly and Laursen slipping, the diminutive Nigerian fired a low shot past Brad Friedel from 20 yards out.
The goal lifted the atmosphere in St. James’ and the players reacted accordingly, controlling the ball and taking advantage of a jaded Villa team who’s heads had dropped. Martins had his second from a tap-in a yard out after Jonas Gutierrez strolled along the byline and picked out a great simple pass for the goal.
Teams:
Newcastle (4,4,2) – Given, Beye, Coloccini, Taylor, Enrique, Duff, Gutierrez, Butt, Barton, Martins (Cacapa), Ameobi (Owen)
Villa (4,4,2) – Friedel, L Young, Cuellar, Laursen, Shorey (Sidwell), Milner, Reo-Coker (Harewood), Barry, A Young, Carew, Agbonlahor
