Newcastle Fall In Spain

Last updated : 03 September 2005 By Footy Mad - Editor

A Newcastle reserve side held out for 45 minutes in Malaga but the La Liga team ran out 2-0 winners at the final whistle.

There was no doubt the Spanish club were the better side as they dominated possession and tested Steve Harper many times in the first half, but United should have gone in ahead at the interval. Alan O'Brien beat his marker Alexis in the 20th minute and Carl Finnigan missed a sitter.

Robbie Elliott (pictured left) challenged Salva in the penalty area, the player went to ground, but the referee waved play on.

Celestine Babayaro allowed a ball to Paco Esteban under his foot. Although the shot was saved, the ball was not cleared and Duda followed up with an effort which rippled the side-netting, taking a deflection on the way.

However, with quarter of an hour remaining, Malaga did get a penalty and took the lead. Edgar was brought down by Lee Clark. Antonio Hidalgo placed the spot-kick inside Tony Caig's right-hand post for 1-0.

Five minutes later Pablo Couqago doubled the advantage with a shot which deflected off Elliott and over the diving Caig.