Owen Draws Bumper Crowd

Last updated : 14 August 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

NEWCASTLE RESERVES: Forster, Huntington (Francis 77), Edgar, Pattison, Ramage, Cacapa, Troisi (McLaughlin 70), Dyer (Godsmark 70), Ameobi (Donaldson 77), Owen (Lough 59), LuaLua (Ferguson 85),

Subs not used: Cook, Morris, Danquah.

Shola Ameobi bagged a brace, his third 'double' in pre-season, after doing the deed against Gateshead and Hartlepool.

But all eyes were on Owen, who returned from a thigh injury to play an hour, in the 2-0 win.

Another England international, Kieron Dyer, lasted 70 minutes, and Brazilian new boy Cacapa also had a run out.

Ameobi: "I am delighted with two goals again. For me it is all about match fitness and getting back into contention. Goals are important for my confidence, but I am just happy to be back out there.

"It has been a long road and I am finally over my problems now and I can just look forward to playing for Newcastle. I was happy to get through unscathed again and now I am ready for Aston Villa.

"Blue Star equipped themselves very well and they were hard to break down.

I didn't think it would be as tough as it was, but it just shows you it is a big game for these lads.

"They did themselves proud and good luck to them for the new season."

On 43 minutes Ameobi latched on to a ball into the 18-yard area from Kazenga LuaLua before squeezing home from a tight angle.

And a minute after Owen had been replaced, Ameobi curled one in off the post from another pass by the younger brother of former Toon ace Lomana LuaLua.