celts lose at newcastle

David Friel
CELTIC’S trip to England’s north-east ended in disappointment as Premiership side Newcastle United beat the SPL champions 4-1.

Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins opened the scoring for the Magpies and a double from Spanish winger Albert Luque put Sam Allardyce’s men three up at the break.

Both sides pressed forward in the second period but chances proved scarce until Scott Brown powered home a header in 72 minutes to give Celtic some consolation. However, James Milner added a fourth for United in injury-time.

This was Celtic’s seventh pre-season friendly of July, while Newcastle had been in action twice in the last week – beating Hartlepool United and drawing with Carlisle United.

However, home fans arriving at the impressive St James’ Park hoping to get a look at big-name summer signings Joey Barton and Mark Viduka were left disappointed.

The former Manchester City midfielder fell victim to the dreaded broken metatarsal curse last week, while ex-Celt Viduka was given extra leave due to his Asian Cup commitments with Australia.

Michael Owen, nursing a thigh injury, was also missing for Allardyce, but Geremi and David Rozehnal made their home debuts following summer moves from Chelsea and Paris St. Germain.

With the start of the SPL just over a week away, Celtic manager Strachan fielded a strong line-up, with youngster Paul Caddis the least experienced of the 11 players on show.

John Kennedy partnered Stephen McManus in central defence, while Maciej Zurawski headed up the attack with Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.

The Pole had the first opening of the evening. Donati exchanged passes with Aiden McGeady and lofted a pass over the Newcastle defence.

However, just as it seemed as if Zurawski was racing clear former Celtic youth goalkeeper Given, who spoke of his strong feelings for the Hoops in the match programme, sweeped up expertly.

Minutes later, the Premiership side took the lead. Nobby Solano picked up a loose ball and crossed along the 18-yard box for Martins, whose curling effort wrong-footed Artur Boruc.

Celtic responded well. Paul Hartley looked to have been tugged as he sprinted through on goal and the former Hearts midfielder then teed up Zurawski – but his effort flashed wide.

Kennedy had a shot blocked following a penalty box melee, while Geremi blazed over from 30 yards as Newcastle ventured forward. The Cameroon midfielder also skidded a right-foot drive a foot past Boruc’s post.

McManus’s overhead kick attempt failed to trouble Given as Celtic hunted for an equaliser, but it was Newcastle who grabbed a second. James Milner’s curling cross evaded the Hoops defence and Luque’s finish went under Boruc.

McGeady forced Given into a fine finger-tip save as Celtic again looked to bounce back. Brown then lost his footing after Donati’s pass released him on the edge of the box.

With 40 minutes on the clock, only superb defending from Peter Ramage prevented Vennegoor of Hesselink from netting. Zurawski’s flick left Given stranded, but the Dutch striker’s shot was blocked.

As half-time approached, Luque added a third. Solano, in space on the right wing, picked out Luque at the back post and he cushioned a volley into the net.

Mark Brown replaced Boruc at the break as Celtic emerged from the tunnel determined to salvage something from this friendly.

Hartley’s daisy-cutter skidded beyond Given’s goal, while McGeady’s curling effort was gathered by Irish international colleague.

Newcastle substitute Andy Carroll was then gifted a chance, but Mark Brown saved the day with a brave block at his feet. Milner’s rasping drive then narrowly missed the target.

Just after the hour mark, Brown took matters into his hands with a rampaging run that took him into the Newcastle box, but Steven Taylor managed to clear.

Celtic did bulge Given’s net with 18 minutes remaining. Kennedy, substitute Kenny Miller and Naylor combined to find McGeady and his deft chip was steered into the top corner by Brown.

The former Hibs midfielder was outstanding in the last quarter of the match and Given had to be at his best to save low to his right after another penatrating run from the 21-year-old.

Yet, Newcastle had the final say. Milner picked up possession on the left wing, cut inside and fired a low shot past Brown.

Pre-season Friendly
Thursday, July 26, 2007
St James’ Park, Newcastle

NEWCASTLE UTD…4
(Martins 11, Luque 28, 42, Milner 90)
CELTIC…1
(Brown 72)

NEWCASTLE UTD ( 4-4-2) Given; Carr, Rozehnal (Edgar 70), Ramage (Carroll 46), Huntington (N’Zogbia 46); Solano (Pattison 46), Geremi, Butt (Harper 78), Milner; Luque (Taylor 46), Martins (Troisi 65)
Subs: Edgar, Krul

CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc (Brown 46); Caddis (Jarosik 76), Kennedy, McManus, Naylor; Hartley, Donati, Brown, McGeady; Vennegoor of Hesselink, Zurawski (Miller 66)
Subs: Irvine, Pressley, Riordan, Gravesen, McDonald, Balde, Killen

Attendance: 30,225