NEWCASTLE UNITED v WATFORD, 2-1 Sat 16 Dec
2006
Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins enhanced his blossoming
reputation with a superb double to kill off stubborn Watford.
The 22-year-old Nigeria international snatched victory four minutes
from time with a blistering drive from substitute Damien Duffs
cross to deny the Hornets a precious point on Tyneside.
Martins, who now has eight goals since his £10million switch from
Inter Milan, had headed the home side in front in the 49th minute
to set the stage for what his side hoped would be a comfortable
victory.
However, Hameur Bouazzas 57th-minute equaliser sparked a Watford
fightback which might have amounted to even more before the
Newcastles new number nine took a leaf out of predecessor Alan
Shearers book to claim the headlines at the death at St James
Park.
Much has been said about the muscular approach adopted Adrian
Boothroyds men, but they played enterprising football which never
allowed the hosts to relax and will count themselves unfortunate to
have left the north-east empty-handed.
The news that Newcastles 37-year wait for a trophy may have ended
- the Magpies are awaiting official confirmation that they will be
awarded the Intertoto Cup after surviving longer in the UEFA Cup
than any of the other qualifiers - cut little ice at St James
Park.
Manager Glenn Roeder, while happy to accept any silverware that
might come his way, played down the achievement, although the fact
that Saturdays game was his sides 30th of the season dating back
to July 15 illustrated just how hard his players have worked to
keep fighting on all fronts despite crippling injury
problems.
However, the momentum Newcastle have established in recent weeks
brought the home fans to St James Park brimming with confidence as
Boothroyds side, without an away win since their return to the top
flight, headed north.
The return of both Kieron Dyer and Emre from injury, with skipper
Scott Parker and Duff on the bench, simply served to increase the
anticipation, although there was an air of frustration around the
stadium by the time the half-time whistle sounded.
That the scoreline was 0-0 was perhaps no surprise - the Hornets
had scrapped out goalless draws in each of their last two games -
but the fact that the Magpies had struggled to break them down, and
then failed to trouble goalkeeper Richard Lee unduly when they did,
was a disappointment.
Only once was Lee in real trouble, saving with his legs as Dyers
swerving 16th-minute shot almost caught him wrong-footed.
The home side showed flashes of their best form as Dyer, Emre and
Martins linked well down the left, but genuine chances were few and
far between.
The Nigerian poked a weak shot straight at Lee after a thrilling
build-up and Nicky Butt blasted a drive wide of the far post after
bursting into the box, but there were few real scares for the
visitors despite Roeders men enjoying the greater share of
possession.
Indeed, Shay Given had to be at his best to turn over Darius
Hendersons dipping 39th-minute shot and 19-year-old Paul
Huntington, once again playing at right-back, saw a little more of
Bouazza than he would have liked.
The visitors re-emerged in determined fashion as both Alhassan
Bangura and Bouazza went close in quick succession, but they fell
behind with 49 minutes gone.
Butt picked out James Milner in space on the right and his cross
was tailor-made for Martins, who had pulled away from Danny Shittu,
to head powerfully past Lee.
However, Watford refused to throw in the towel and Given had to
make a good save to deny Bouazza in the 54th minute after he had
turned Steven Taylor.
And they got their reward three minutes later when Henderson
flicked on Ashley Youngs corner and Bouazza stabbed the equaliser
home from close range.
The goal simply served to increase the visitors confidence and
Newcastle were forced to endure something of an onslaught as the
game wore on.
Given saved twice from Henderson within seconds as the Hornets
pushed for a winner with the game opening up.
Milner had a glorious chance to snatch victory 15 minutes from time
when he was played into space on the right, but he could not keep
his well-struck shot down.
With Duff and Parker both having joined the fray, hopes of a
rousing finish were high, and Martins duly obliged four minutes
from time when he controlled Duffs pass and blasted a shot into
the roof of the net to send the home fans home happy and
relieved.
