Newcastle’s unbeaten run continued last night, as they triumphed over a valiant Barnsley side, 2-0 at Gallowgate. £27m strike pair Michael Owen and Oba Martins were the goalscorers, on a low key night where a tough Barnsley outfit challenged United bravely - for 45 minutes atleast.

A decent crowd rolled up to St James’ Park in their outfits; over 30,000 people (almost three times the amount that turned up at the Riverside on the same night) paying their money for what was potentially to be the most low key contest of the season.

One or two smiles were triggered when the PA man announced the line-ups, as Shay Given made a return - and the mysterious Nobby Solano saga was possibly quelled - as he took his place at right-back. Home debuts for defensive pair Claudio Cacapa and Jose Enrique were welcomed, and the two made an impressive beginning to their respective Newcastle careers.

It was Cacapa though who drew the vast majority of the plaudits, as he put in a tough-tackling, rough-and-tumble performance at centre-back - seemingly with an arrogant nonchalance. Several tough challenges left the Barnsley attackers kicking the ground in frustration, as the Brazilian classily just ‘got on with it’.

Our newest Spanish recruit, Enrique, started slowly - clearly nervous and worryingly unsure on several occasions in the first half. But the Geordie crowd had immediately warmed to the big full-back, and following several chants of his name, he came into his own in the second half and put in a very decent shift from an attacking point of view.

As for the game itself, the first half was something of a non-event. Michael Owen had an instinctive run and shot comfortably palmed after 15 minutes, and with the England international clearly in the mood to impress, he will have been disappointed with a first half that saw goalscoring chances at a minimum.

Barnsley themselves had one or two charges at goal, a clearly direct system countering our stop-start passing play. Steven Taylor had a strong game aerially though, and with Cacapa’s concentration and quality a potent factor in defense throughout the match, the Yorkshiremen barely had a good chance all game.

The troops trundled into the half-time dressing room goalless. A poor opening display undeniably from United, and with Barnsley’s defense resolute and well organised, Newcastle were finding it difficult to pass their way through. Alan Smith was uncomfortable down the right all night and the attackers simply weren’t getting on the ball. However, in spite of undoubted frustration, the Geordie faithful still held hope for a decent second half, given the vast amounts of possession Newcastle had currently sustained.

The game picked up for Newcastle significantly in the second period, and with the crowd clearly buoyed by a rejuvenated side, it was merely a matter of time before they scored.

The Magpies pegged Barnsley back constantly. N’Zogbia and Enrique were forming an effective offensive system down the left, and with Geremi’s driving determination through the middle and Owen’s clever touches, a goal was coming from the word go.

A smart move was finally buried in the 57th minute - an inch perfect Shola Ameobi through-ball finding Owen, who’s clever run took him deep into the box where he scuffed the ball under the disappointed Muller. A sense of relief filled the vast majority of the stadium, none more so than with Owen, who hadn’t seen the net ripple since December 2005.

From that point on it was largely all Newcastle, but for one or two Barnsley counter-attacks. N’Zogbia (who was getting better and better as the half progressed) twice went close to smashing the net with rebounds from corners, and Nicky Butt spooned a shot wide after Ameobi had played him in.

It was in the 86th minute when Newcastle scored again. Martins’ had been introduced to proceedings a mere four minutes prior to his controversial goal, the Nigerian bagging his third effort in four games. He controlled it with his back to goal, seemingly aided by a hand, and a smashing finish on the turn put the game beyond all doubt. Celebrating with his trademark somersault, the popular number 9 had done his job.

A long range effort from Solano was the only other piece of action that the game could muster - Newcastle content with a 2-0 victory and a 3rd Round entry.

Man of the Match: Claudio Cacapa - controlled the defense and tackled hard with a nonchalant quality.

Donkey of the Match: Alan Smith - very uncomfortable in the midfield.