Source: Daily_Mail
Coventry 0 Newcastle 2: Ameobi's star turn lifts table toppers Toon
Shola Ameobi marked his first start in four months with a goal that evoked memories of Tyneside glory days.[LNB] The big striker's cool finish in first-half injury-time helped make it seven consecutive league wins for Newcastle as they extended their lead over West Bromwich at the top of the table to seven points.[LNB] Best foot forward: Ameobi finds space in the Coventry area and thumps a fierce shot into the corner[LNB] Ameobi's fine form was a key factor in Newcastle's confident start to life outside the Premier League, until a stress fracture of the foot sidelined him.[LNB] And his strike last night would not have looked out of place if it had been scored by Kevin Keegan's far superior crop of 13 years ago, who were a match for any side.[LNB] Last night, Chris Hughton's men possessed too much strength and know-how for Chris Coleman's struggling Coventry, a team peppered with enthusiastic teenagers. It was painfully clear that unless Coleman is able to strengthen his squad, relegation looms.[LNB] Newcastle's last visit to the Ricoh Arena was a Carling Cup tie last season. That night ended in a rare triumph. [LNB]However, it was also the evening Martin O'Neill set in motion the £12million offer for James Milner that was to cause such unrest at Newcastle.[LNB] Matters have only just settled down due to improved results, albeit against Championship opposition. And there could hardly have been a starker contrast as these sides lined up.[LNB] Coventry had not won since beating Watford at the end of September and their position, two places above the relegation zone, summed up their predicament.[LNB] Yellow peril: Newcastle's Nile Ranger (left) takes on Coventry's Martin Cranie[LNB] The first action of note demonstrated the difficulty Coleman has at a club hampered by cash constraints. Teenage right back Jordan Clarke hobbled off and was replaced by Jermaine Grandison, another graduate of the club's academy.[LNB] There was little goalmouth action to excite a larger-than-usual home crowd early on, but Jose Enrique saw a low drive deflected wide with Coventry keeper Kieren Westwood struggling to make his ground.[LNB] Newcastle's front pair of Peter Lovenkrands and Ameobi tumbled over inside the area under ill-advised challenges. Referee Grant Hegley waved those appeals aside, with Coventry's defence at full stretch.[LNB] Steve Harper had been a spectator but underlined his value with a fingertip stop eight minutes before the break.[LNB] Leon Best unleashed a fierce drive on the left of the area, only for Newcastle's keeper to divert the ball on to the bar. Freddy Eastwood collected the rebound and crossed for Michael McIndoe, who saw his header hit the bar as well.[LNB] In first-half injury-time, the inexperience in the home ranks was exposed. Grandison tried to step in front of Ameobi as Enrique rolled a pass into the forward, who had his back to goal. Ameobi rolled his marker, took a giant step forward and thumped a left-foot drive past Westwood.[LNB] As a scrappy second half drew to a close, Westwood showed why he is being watched by top clubs as he dived to prevent Alan Smith scoring an all-too- rare goal. Then Harper once more got in on the act, saving smartly from Eastwood.[LNB] Newcastle sealed victory on 82 minutes when Enrique broke down the left and crossed for Nile Ranger to shoot home from close range. [LNB] Michael Owen is three and easy with his third Champions League treble - here's Sportsmail's list of hat-trick heroes, including Alan Shearer, Andy Cole and Mike NewellIt's not all black and white for Doctor Shearer at Newcastle University [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People:Martin Cranie, Martin O'Neill, Leon Best, Chris Coleman, Kevin Keegan, James Milner, Alan SmithPlaces:Newcastle
