NEWCASTLE UTD 3 VILLARREAL 3
I don't read too much into pre-season friendlies, myself. Although they are important for the fitness of the players, I generally regard them as a waste of money for the fans. But no-one can doubt United fans have had value for their hard earned cash these last two fixtures at St James' Park. OK, we didn't win either, but this could be the unlikely match that could transform Nicky Butt's Newcastle career. He came off the bench to head in two late goals as Newcastle drew 3-3 with Villarreal at St James' Park.
The Spaniards were well in control after moving 3-1 ahead through Moreno Josico, former Arsenal winger Robert Pires and Gonzalo Rodriguez just after the hour. But there was a sting in the tail as Butt produced two fabulous headers to rescue Geordie pride ... and who knows ... save his Newcastle future.
Damien Duff got another chance to impress following his move from Chelsea, but just like last week against PSV Eindhoven, he looked well short of match fitness.
Villarreal punished Titus Bramble early doors, when the defender allowed Forlan in on goal, but his effort beat goalkeeper Shay Given only for the ball to come back off the post.
Villarreal took the lead on 13 minutes. Jose Maria Poyon picked out Josico, who set himself before rifling the ball into the top corner from 18 yards.
Within 10 minutes, however, Newcastle were level. Duff was brought down by Josico on the left. Nolberto Solano sent the ball to the back-post, where Shola Ameobi headed in.
A long ball upfield caught out the Newcastle backline, which allowed Forlan to run clear. He centred for Pires, who made no mistake from close range on 34 minutes.
Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder introduced Jean Alain Boumsong and Steven Taylor, for Moore and Bramble, and Milner replaced goalscorer Ameobi at the start of the second period.
On 62 minutes, it was 3-1 to the visitors. Calmache's corner found Rodriguez unmarked, and the Argentinian defender headed in from eight yards.
Newcastle rallied late on and drew level with two goals in as many minutes.
Milner swung the ball in from a corner, and substitute Butt headed in from six yards.
It was almost a carbon copy in the 80th minute when, this time from the right, Butt was on hand again to glance the ball home and level at 3-3 as St James' Park erupted.