NEWCASTLE UNITED v WIGAN ATHLETIC, 2-1 Sat 19 Aug
2006
Shola Ameobi rose to the challenge of replacing Alan Shearer as
Newcastle United launched the new Barclays Premiership campaign
with a hard-fought victory over Wigan Athletic.
The 24-year-old fired home the winning goal on 64 minutes to hand
Glenn Roeders men three points just as it looked as though they
had surrendered at least two of them.
Skipper Scott Parker had headed the Magpies into a 38th-minute lead
but Newcastles defensive frailty struck once again 14 minutes
after the break as Lee McCulloch levelled.
But with his side struggling, Ameobi converted after Chris Kirkland
could only block Charles NZogbias stinging drive to claim victory
in front of a crowd of 51,569.
The visitors, who had earlier hit the post through Henri Camara,
seen Shay Given keep out a McCulloch header and Nolberto Solano
hack an Arjan de Zeeuw effort off the line, will feel they should
have left with at least a point.
However, Ameobis intervention justified Roeders belief in his
team with new signings in the pipeline.
The big talking point on Tyneside all summer has been the task of
replacing retired skipper Shearer and the injured Michael Owen, and
while Roeder remains optimistic for a successful campaign, there
was a sense of trepidation at St James Park as torrential rain
heralded the start of a new era.
By the time the half-time whistle sounded, some, if not all, of the
fans fears had been quelled.
A half played on a treacherous surface saw Ameobi lead the line
well, new signing Damien Duff cause problems and Given once again
at his excellent best.
There was also a place for midfielder Nicky Butt, starting his
first Barclays Premiership game for the club in 16 months.
The former England internationals days at St James seemed to have
drawn to a close when he was sent out on loan to Birmingham
City.
However, he was applauded warmly from the pitch when he was forced
to make a premature exit after a clash of heads.
Perhaps most significantly, Parker, the man handed the armband in
the wake of Shearers swansong, took over the Geordie legends
mantle in more ways than one.
Not only did he lead by example but made the decisive contribution
seven minutes to put his side ahead.
Ameobi did well to control Stephen Carrs long ball on his chest
and then twist and turn before delivering an inviting cross from
his captain to plant an emphatic header past Kirkland.
The on-loan Liverpool keeper had earlier tipped away a long-range
Parker drive and a Nolberto Solano header but the Magpies did not
have it all their own way.
Wigan, with six new arrivals in their starting line-up, held their
own for much of the half with record signing Heskey and Camara
causing problems.
Camara was unfortunate not to level two minues before the break
when his header came back of the foot of the post and Given had
earlier had to claw away a McCulloch effort.
Newcastle re-emerged determined to kill the game off and they might
have done so within two minutes when Solano met Emres
quickly-taken free-kick with a lob which sailed just over
Kirklands crossbar.
Dutchman Denny Landzaat might have dragged his side back into it on
53 minutes after substitute Steven Taylor fouled Heskey 20 yards
out, only to drill his free-kick over the bar.
Solano had to come to the home sides rescue two minutes later when
de Zeeuw climbed high to head a Landzaat corner towards goal and he
hacked the ball off his own line.
The reprieve proved to be only temporary and when Carr made a mess
of clearing a long ball, Heskey headed down for McCulloch to curl
an equaliser through a crowded penalty area and past Given.
Just as Wigan sensed an opportunity with Newcastle in disarray,
Ameobi chose his moment to strike.
Substitute Charles NZogbia surged forward before unleashing a
long-range effort which Kirkland could only parry, and the striker
supplied a Shearer-like finish to raise the roof.
However, the game was far from over and Landzaat might have spoiled
the party had he kept his shot down from Camaras 80th-minute
cross.
The pressure was intense as time ran down and Camara saw an
84th-minute shot deflected just wide and a penalty appeal against
Tirus Bramble waved away, but the Magpies managed to hold out to
claim the points.
