An opportunist strike by Norberto Solano in the 38th minute gave Newcastle a 1-0 away win over Partizan Belgrade in their Champions league third qualifying round first leg on Wednesday.

The Peruvian midfielder poked the ball home from close range after Gary Speed sent in a cross from the left and captain Alan Shearer drew away his marker with a clever run inside the box.

Newcastle manager Bobby Robson said his team, who now have an excellent chance of a place in the competition proper, were fortunate to come out on top.

"It was always close. The difference in the two teams was very minimal and maybe we were a little lucky. But it was also a good save by the goalkeeper," he said.

"I think Partizan are still very much in the game and I expect a similar match in Newcastle."

The first half brought few clear cut chances as Partizan, roared on by a passionate 30,000 home crowd, applied the pressure but failed to penetrate a well organised Newcastle defence.

Striker Andrija Delibasic missed a good chance to equalise on the stroke of halftime when Newcastle's goalkeeper Shay Given parried his weak shot from 10 metres for a corner.

The home side kept pushing forward after the interval but almost got caught on the break when Olivier Bernard forced a save from Partizan keeper Ivica Kralj in the 73rd minute.

Second half substitute Ljubinko Drulovic kept the home side going with his intricate passing and Newcastle had to survive a late onslaught when they were twice rescued by Given.

The keeper first kept out a Taribo West scorcher from the edge of the penalty box and then made a diving save from skipper Sasa Ilic's close range effort in injury time, Milan Stojanovski heading the rebound just wide.

Partizan manager Lothar Matthaeus rued the opportunities his players squandered.

"We missed our chances. My team was in the game until the last minute and we have nothing to be ashamed of as we played against a very good team."

Close

Today's Top News		Top Sports News
+Commentary: Don't meddle with yuan ( 2003-09-02) +200,000 troops to be cut by 2005 ( 2003-09-02) +Beijing Games marketing plan launched ( 2003-09-02) +Flood forces 10,0000 to evacuate ( 2003-09-02) +Beijing courts announce 50 major changes ( 2003-09-02)		+ China beat South Africa 2-0 in soccer friendly ( 2003-09-02) +Sun Jihai-Seaman mix up sends Arsenal top ( 2003-09-01) +China retains top place at world games ( 2003-09-01) +Real's Makelele completes Chelsea move ( 2003-09-01) +48-year-old Olympic champion is making a comeback ( 2003-09-01)