Norwich City 1 Newcastle United 2

Last updated : 28 July 2006 By Footy Mad - Editor

Youngster Peter Ramage says he knows it will be a hard season keeping his place in the United defence, but he showed the strikers how to finish when he latched on to a loose ball in the six-yard box following Nolberto Solano's right-wing cross. It put Newcastle ahead on 21 minutes and was his first senior goal, although unfortunately it won't show up in the stats.

The visitors could have quickly been 2-0 up but for a flying save from Paul Gallacher to beat away Charles N'Zogbia's 20-yard strike.

Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder made four changes at the start of the second half - with Scott Parker, Solano, Stephen Carr and Titus Bramble all replaced.

Darren Huckerby, once on the books at St James' Park, cut in from the left and forced a smart low save from Harper at his near post.

At the other end, Milner's quick free-kick was deflected on to the woodwork by Norwich defender Jason Shackell.

On 57 minutes, another good delivery from Milner was headed out by Gary Doherty, but fell at the feet of N'Zogbia, who took a touch before drilling the ball left-footed across goal into the roof of the net from 15 yards.

A superb crowd of 15,305, watched the match, and Norwich reduced the deficit through Paul McVeigh's close-range strike with 16 minutes left.

More changes and Paul Huntinton headed against the crossbar and Kris Gate forcing a point-blank save from Gallacher before the heavens opened with a flash thunderstorm sweeping around Carrow Road.