United ensured a comfortable route into the UEFA Cup Second Qualifying Round with a 3-0 win over in Norway today. Shola Ameobi came into the side in place of the injured Albert Luque, and gave us the lead just before the half hour after Fredrikson could only parry N’Zogbia’s powerful free kick. Stephen Carr then sent skipper Scott Parker away down the right, and his brilliant ball across the 6-yard box was put away by Shola for our 2nd goal, which left the Norwegians needing 3 to progress.

From then on it was just a question of protecting our lead and taking things easy, and the lads did that, even finding time to add a 3rd in added time in the 2nd half, when Emre’s shot from just outside the area was watched into the net by Fredrikson.

Craig Moore appeared as a second half substitute, making a return from his post-World Cup break on a day United achieved a welcome clean sheet, 3 goals and safe passage into the UEFA CUp Qualifying Round. Mission very much accomplished.

NUFC: Given, Carr, Bramble, Taylor, Babayaro (sub Moore 69 mins), Solano, Emre, Parker, N’Zogbia (sub Pattison 86 mins), Milner, Ameobi (sub Butt 79 mins).
Subs not used: Harper, Faye, Ramage, O’Brien

Goals: Ameobi 29, 36; Emre 90

Booked: Parker

Lillestrom: Fredrikson, Rambekk, Stefanutto, Sogard (sub Strand 46 mins), Winsnes, Koren, Riise, Kippe, Mifsud (sub Sundgot 60 mins), Mouelhi (sub Wehrman 46 mins), Occean
Subs (not used): Muller, Bertheussen, Myklebust, Andresen

Ref: Stanislav Sukhina (Russia)

Att: 8,742

We now go on into the 2nd Qualifying Round of the UEFA Cup. The 1st Qualifying Round concludes this week, and the draw will take place on Friday. The tie itself will be on Thursday 10 and 24 August. Stay tuned to Newcastle-Online.com for all UEFA Cup news.