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Newcastle 3 Portsmouth 0

Rossi scores his first for Magpies
Magpies ease past Pompey

Newcastle defied the elements to snap their poor run with a 3-0 victory over Portsmouth in the Carling Cup.
Torrential rain had put the game in doubt but, despite a slow start, The Magpies sloshed through the puddles to book their place in the fourth round.
Loan star Giuseppe Rossi marked his full debut with the opener and a brace from Nolberto Solano made the game safe, while the return of Kieron Dyer put some icing on the cake for Newcastle.
The conditions were hardly conducive to attractive football, although Pompey settled the better and a long-range drive from Sean Davis almost embarrassed Steve Harper.
Harper was the busier of the two keepers in the first half and he had to be alert to make a low save after David Thompson had burrowed his way into the box.
The home side's best chance of the first half fell to Obafemi Martins who latched onto a long ball which eluded Linvoy Primus, but his lob over David James landed on the roof of the net.
Andy Cole should have netted against his former cub ten minutes before the interval. The veteran striker dashed down the middle but, with the conditions seemingly playing on his mind, he took a heavy touch and this allowed Harper to smother.
Martins did not reappear for the second half and the introduction of Damien Duff prompted The Magpies to emerge from their slumber.
Glenn Roeder's side looked much sharper and they were in front within three minutes of the restart. The ball fell to Rossi following a scramble in the box and the youngster showed exactly why Sir Alex Ferguson rates him so highly with a neat turn and finish.
The goal boosted Newcastle's confidence and they extended their lead five minutes later as Solano stooped low to head home a deep cross from Duff.
The biggest cheer of the night was reserved for the introduction of Dyer and the returning star went within a whisker of marking his seasonal bow with a goal, but his shot fizzed just wide of the far post.
Pompey looked devoid of ideas, but they were almost thrown a lifeline 12 minutes from time as Harper got himself caught under a long ball and was fortunate to tip the effort over the bar.
After Pompey had a goal chalked off for an infringement, Newcastle put some gloss on the scoreline when Solano bundled home from close range after a ball into the box from James Milner had not been cleared by Pompey.

posted by giusepperossi.blogspot.com @ 10:28 AM