Newcastle United FC

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• Manager:Alan Pardew

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Roeder pleased with response

20 Oct 2006 - 08:55:13

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Newcastle United boss Glenn Roeder admitted he was relieved to see his side keep a rare clean sheet as they secured a 1-0 UEFA Cup victory over Fenerbahce at St James' Park.

The Magpies manager pulled no punches after his side threw away a one-goal lead to go down 2-1 to Bolton last weekend and, after making wholesale changes to his defensive line, Roeder was pleased with the response.

Under-fire central defenders Titus Bramble and Craig Moore were dropped with Steven Taylor recalled, Peter Ramage moved into the middle and Damien Duff drafted in an as emergency left-back.

"It was very pleasing and it was deserved. We have beaten a well above average European team," admitted Roeder.

"They certainly gave us a hard test. I was conscious of them breaking quickly on the counter-attack but for me, it was the perfect result, to score one and keep that elusive clean sheet, which we have not done for a while.

"I said it was vital that we won the first home game, which we have done. I believe if you win your two home games, it will give you a great opportunity to qualify.

"And if you can pick up a point or two out of your two away games, you should go through to the knockout stage.

"But there is a long way to go."