Newcastle shut out but still go through

NEWCASTLE completed their convoluted journey into the UEFA Cup proper despite being shut out by Latvian minnows Ventspils.

On another night, the Magpies might have run up a cricket score but a combination of the woodwork, poor finishing and keeper Andris Vanins kept them at bay.

After starting their season in the Intertoto Cup on July 15, Newcastle — who paraded new £10 million (e14.8 million) signing Obafemi Martins on the pitch before kick-off — have achieved their first aim for the season.

“The most important thing is we’re through,” said winger Damien Duff. “It’s where you want to be, hopefully this year will be a long run in the UEFA Cup.”

With Ventspils not mustering a single credible effort on goal, the game — the Magpies’ 12th without defeat — was a virtual procession.

Skipper Scott Parker might have opened the scoring on 13 minutes had he made better contact with Milner’s right-wing cross, and Parker again, Charles N’Zogbia, Emre and Duff all went close without hitting the target.

In the second half defender Titus Bramble almost broke the deadlock on 54 minutes when he curled a shot just over from 20 yards.

Vanins tipped an N’Zogbia drive over 16 minutes from time as the Magpies queued up to take pot-shots, but he was helpless as Milner’s free-kick bounced down off the crossbar and ran safe seven minutes later.

“It was pretty laughable by the end but we are happy with that and we are through to the next round,” said Duff afterwards.

NEWCASTLE: Harper, Carr, Taylor, Bramble, Babayaro, Duff, Parker, Emre, N’Zogbia, Luque, Milner.

FK VENTSPILS: Vanins, Kacanovs, Ndjoumek-Ndeki, Gorkss, Pokarynin, Vukovic, Dubensky, Bicka, Zizilevs, Rimkus (Stukalinas 90), Kolefnicenko (Kosmacovs 86).

Referee: T Einwaller (Austria).