Harper happy with Toon win

Steve Harper was pleased as Newcastle came through their “no-win situation” in the UEFA Cup tonight.

Obafemi Martins scored the only goal of the game in the 68th minute, as Glenn Roeder’s team sealed a 4-1 aggregate success over Belgian side Zulte Waregem at St James’ Park.

Goalkeeper Harper said: “When a team come up and set themselves up like that it’s a big compliment.

“They had 11 men behind the ball and made it hard. We couldn’t find a way through in the first half.

“We did the job away from home and tonight was a no-win situation, but a great finish from Obafemi won it for us.”

The Magpies will tackle AZ Alkmaar for a place in the quarter-finals and Easington-born Harper added: “It will be very tough.

“They have performed well in the last couple of years, but we are confident we can progress.”