Albert Luque steered Newcastle to the top of UEFA Cup Group H with the only goal in a 1-0 away win over Palermo on Thursday. The result gave the English Premiership side six points from two games, three more than the second-placed Sicilians.

Palermo looked more likely to score in a lively opening at the Stadio Barbera, with Newcastle's defence back-pedalling to clear shots by Franco Brienza and Andrea Caracciolo off their line.
In the 37th minute, however, James Milner broke down the left and whipped in a cross for Luque to head past home keeper Alberto Fontana.

Newcastle's teenage goalkeeper Tim Krul, making his debut, made a series of fine saves to keep out Palermo, much to the delight of manager Glenn Roeder. The Magpies boss said afterwards: ‘‘Tim had a night to remember but it didn’t surprise me. He’s the best keeper of his age in Holland. Of  Luque's goal, Roeder said: ‘’Albert was given an opportunity, scored the winner and did well up front playing on his own. Now he has to cut it in the Premiership.’’

Palermo coach Francesco Guidolin said: "A draw would have been a fairer reflection of the game, and a point certainly would have been welcome. But we are still on course to qualify from the group.’’ He added: "We started well and missed two or three good chances. We also had a bit of bad luck. These are things that can happen when you've got a lot of first-team regulars sitting on the bench.’’