Lillestrom 0 Newcastle Utd 3

LILLESTROM SK: Fredriksen, Winsnes, Kippe, Rambekk, Stefanutto, Riise, Mouelhi (Strand 46), Sogard (Wehrman 46), Koren, Occean, Mifsud (Sundgot 61).
Not used: Muller, Bertheussen, Myklebust, Andresen.

NEWCASTLE: Given, Carr, Taylor, Bramble, Babayaro (Moore 69), Solano, Parker, Emre, N'Zogbia (Pattison 86), Milner, Ameobi (Butt 77).
Not Used: Harper, Ramage, Faye, O'Brien.

Newcastle booked their place in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup with two goals from Shola Ameobi and one from Emre, as the Toon Army celebrated another victory on foreign soil.

United started well, and never seriously dropped down a gear, always keeping the Scandies at bay.

Ameobi will come away proud that he did his job well, and hopefully done enough to show to the doubters that he CAN do it when the chips are down. I'm not saying this was the 'big stage', but it was a game that HAD to be won, and he played his part as well as anyone.

He knows he won't be offered the famous number 9 shirt this season, even though he has made it known he would the chance to join the St James' Park legends. But full credit to the 24-year old, be really gives this club 100% when other more famous names around him (Kluivert for one) couldn't care less about Newcastle United.

Ameobi's first sniff of goal came after a quarter of an hour when he got on the end of an Emre corner but headed powerfully just over the top.

The breakthrough came for Newcastle following another set-piece after 28 minutes. Solano back-heeled on the edge of the box to Charles N'Zogbia who fired a shot goalwards. Lillestrom goalkeeper Otto Fredrikson managed to block the Frenchman's shot, but Ameobi followed up to give Newcastle the lead.

N'Zogbia released Ameobi beyond the Norwegians' defence after 33 minutes and the striker managed to square the ball across goal but no-one was up in support.

The Magpies doubled their lead in the 36th minute when Scott Parker rounded off a good run with a cross which was poked home by Ameobi to put the visitors in firm control.

Lillestrom, captained by former Liverpool player Frode Kippe, had more of the possession in the second half but barely threatened Shay Given's goal. They had an effort sail over the bar and Given was on hand to make one save, which to be honest, he put his cap on it.

Emre added a third in the final minute as he unleashed a curling shot into the top corner on an encouraging afternoon for Magpies boss Glenn Roeder.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.