Newcastle take step towards quarter-finals

Newcastle 4 AZ Alkmaar 2

Newcastle put themselves within touching distance of the UEFA Cup quarter-finals despite a controversial late fightback by AZ Alkmaar.

Gretar Steinsson’s own goal and further strikes from Kieron Dyer and Obafemi Martins gave the home side a 3-0 lead with just 23 minutes gone.

Martins cancelled out Shota Arveladze’s 31st-minute header within six minutes, but Danny Koevermans gave AZ hope 17 minutes from time, converting the rebound after Shay Given had saved substitute Moussa Dembele’s penalty.