|
|
| February 19, 2002 | Tuesday | Zilhaj 6, 1422 |
Newcastle sink 10-man Man City
LONDON, Feb 18: Peruvian Nolberto Solano scored on the hour to give Newcastle United a 1-0 home win over 10-man Manchester City Sunday and a place in the English FA Cup quarter-finals.
City defender Richard Dunne was sent off in the 28th minute of a pulsating fifth-round tie at St James’ Park for pulling Craig Bellamy down just short of the penalty box as the striker broke through on goal.
Right wing back Solano raced on to a high crossfield pass from Gary Speed, beat Nicky Weaver when the goalkeeper rushed out to meet him at the edge of his penalty box and tapped the ball into the net in the 59th minute.
First division City’s former Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan was welcomed back to rapturous applause before kickoff — but it was Bobby Robson’s side who remained on course to reach the final for third time in five years.
Although Keegan was unhappy about the sending-off, he was also pleased for his former club.
In the quarter-inals, Newcastle will be at home to Arsenal — who beat them in the 1998 final to complete the league and FA Cup double.
Keegan’s side, already handicapped by the absence through suspension of defender Stuart Pearce and midfielder Ali Benarbia and injury to striker Shaun Goater, played their part in an exciting cup tie.
City continued to defend well after Dunne’s dismissal and caught Newcastle offside eight times in the first half.
But in the second half, far from sitting back they took the game to Newcastle in typical Keegan swashbuckling style.
They actually dominated for more than 10 minutes after the Newcastle goal, creating a string of chances that almost brought them a deserved equaliser.
Costa Rica’s Paulo Wanchope was close twice in two minutes, Shay Given saving his second effort well and the Ireland keeper also made a fine diving save from Darren Huckerby.
Weaver, at the other end, also made a number of saves to keep City in the hunt to the very end, especially diving stops to foil Aaron Hughes and Bellamy three times.
Newcastle substitute Clarence Acuna was just wide of the post and Speed’s header was blocked on the line.
FA CUP QUARTERFINAL DRAW
West Bromwich v Fulham
Newcastle United v Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea
Middlesbrough v Everton or Crewe
Matches to be played on weekend of March 9 and 10.—Reuters
|
|
