Zeljeznicar S. 0 - 1 Newcastle

By Matthew Jones
August 15 2002

Kieron Dyer's cool finish gave Newcastle victory and a vital away goal in their Champions League qualifier against NK Zeljeznicar in Bosnia

Kieron Dyer's cool finish gave Newcastle victory and a vital away goal in their Champions League qualifier against NK Zeljeznicar in Bosnia.

The England midfielder, Newcastle's biggest goal-threat throughout, claimed the only goal of the game on 56 minutes when he calmly lifted the ball over goalkeeper Kennan Hasajic.

Dyer had earlier missed a number of chances to put Newcastle in control but his strike makes Sir Bobby Robson's side firm favourites to progress to the group stages of the competition.

United endured a nervy opening and almost found themselves behind within three minutes when Almir Gredic found the back of the net, only for the linesman's flag to rescue the Magpies.

United hit back and Lomano Tresor Lua Lua headed wide before Dyer and Hugo Viana wasted opportunities to hit the target.

Dyer was then denied by a brilliant save from Hasajic as the teams went in all square at the interval.

The home side started the second half brightly and Jure Guvo forced Shay Given into a fine block before Dyer gave Newcastle the lead and that vital away goal.

Zeljeznicar refused to go down without a fight and Gredic struck the woodwork but Newcastle held on to take firm control of the tie.