A first half back-heel from Kieron Dyer started proceedings before Alan Shearer’s deflected shot on the stroke of half-time all but ended the Greek club’s hopes.
In a performance that was possibly the best of the season with regards to passing, movement, invention and fluidity, we added a further two second half goals to eradicate the pre-match nerves that Graeme Souness had previously spoke openly about.
First Lee Bowyer scored after a Jermaine Jenas pull back, and then Alan Shearer netted his 191st
The tie ended 7-1 on aggregate, quite an impressive outcome given the apparent quality of our opposition.
Peter Ramage made his debut after replacing Steven Carr whilst Steven Taylor started a game for the first time in two months.
Match analysis to follow.