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Shearer secures victory for the Toon

Newcastle skipper Alan Shearer once again proved the man for the big occasion as he headed his side to within touching distance of the UEFA Cup semi-finals.

The 34-year-old powered home a 37-minute header from a Laurent Robert free-kick to claim his 19th goal of the season in a tense encounter which both Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer played their parts.

It was the perfect response to Saturday's horror show against Aston Villa and gives the Magpies every chance of progressing when they head for the Jose Alvalade Stadium next Thursday evening.

Newcastle were dealt a blow at the break when Shay Given failed to re-appear after complaining of a hip problem, with Steve Harper taking over between the posts.

Dyer picked up an injury and was, perhaps inevitably, replaced by Saturday's nemesis Bowyer, and the newcomer was given a warm welcome as he embraced his team-mate and ran on to the pitch.

Bowyer had a chance in the dying minutes to win the tie but fired over the bar after being played in by Stephen Taylor.

Elsewhere, CSKA Moscow made light work of French outfit Auxerre in this evening's early kick-off.

The Russians knocked four past the visitors to go into the second leg clear favourites to make the semis.

Austria Vienna came back from 1-0 behind at home to Parma.

Sebastien Mila equalised for the home side to cancel out Andrea Pisanu's first-half strike.

And Villarreal lost 2-1 at home to AZ Alkmaar setting up a difficult return fixture for the Spanish side.

 
Skipper Shearer once again scored the winner for the Magpies
Skipper Shearer once again scored the winner for the Magpies
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