Sibierski strike puts Newcastle in control
The former Lille team-mates have known each other since age eight, and Dindeleux was Sibierski’s best man.
However, Zulte’s defender endured a nightmare, opening the scoring with a 47th-minute own goal and then seeing his close friend outpace him to wrap up victory with a stunning solo effort 14 minutes from time.
Obafemi Martins’ 13th goal of the season from the penalty spot put the Magpies in charge, and although they wobbled after Karel D’Haene had pulled a goal back, Sibierski took his Magpies tally to eight to send them into next Thursday night’s second leg in pole position to claim a last 16 clash with Fenerbahce or AZ Alkmaar.
Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder declared himself “very pleased” with the win. “I’m very pleased. Overall it was a relatively comfortable victory.
“It’s always difficult to come away anywhere in Europe and get a win.”
He hailed the performance of Damien Duff. “I thought Damien did well all night and he will get a lot of confidence from that game. He’s not played the full 90 minutes for us for a while so he can be pleased with his contribution tonight.”
Zulte coach Francky Dury were angry with Bulgarian referee Anton Genov’s decision to award a penalty for goalkeeper Pieter Merlier’s challenge on Damien Duff, but in truth, his side were well beaten.
That the Belgian Cup holders survived to the break without conceding was simply a matter of poor finishing by the Magpies. Martins was the main culprit, firing wide on 25 minutes after being played in by Kieron Dyer and then saw Merlier save his close range effort on the stroke of half-time.
The deadlock was broken within 90 seconds of the restart. Nolberto Solano picked out Dyer’s intelligent run and when he drove the ball across goal, Dindeleux deflected the ball into his own net.
Martins hit the outside of the post from a narrow angle as the Magpies stepped up a gear, and he finally got his reward on 59 minutes.
Duff’s surging run came to an end when he went down under Merlier’s challenge. Replays showed there was minimal contact but the ref pointed to the spot. Martins sent the keeper the wrong way with his left foot shot.
On 68 minutes the home side grabbed a lifeline. Midfielder D’Haene climbed to meet Loris Reina’s free-kick and glance a header past Harper to give his side hope. But Sibierski restored order 14 minutes from time, mesmerising Dindeleux and Stefan Leleu before rounding Merlier to score.
Merlier, De Brul (Van Steenbrugge 81), D’Haene, Dindeleux, Leleu, Reina, Meert (Buysse 86), Sergeant, Van Den Driessche (Vandermarliere 65), Verschuere, Matthys.
Harper, Solano, Taylor, Bramble, Babayaro, Milner, Butt, Dyer, Duff, Martins (Luque 85), Sibierski. Referee: Anton Genov (Bulgaria).
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