Smith celebrates Magpies’ debut with winner

ALAN SMITH enjoyed a dream debut for Newcastle with the only goal in a pre-season friendly against Sampdoria.

Smith, who signed a five-year contract on Friday following his move from Manchester United, scored with a header from Geremi’s corner just before the hour mark. The 26-year-old partnered former Leeds team-mate Mark Viduka in attack before reverting to midfield later in the game.

Giovanni dos Santos, Andres Iniesta and Ronaldinho scored as Barcelona kicked off their three-game Asian tour with a 3-0 victory over Chinese Super League side Beijing Guo’an at the Beijing Fengtai Stadium. Mexican youngster Dos Santos opened the scoring after eight minutes before Iniesta doubled the lead two minutes before the hour mark and half-time substitute Ronaldinho, who replaced Thierry Henry at the break, curled home a free-kick with 13 minutes remaining.