A muscular performance from Newcastle centre-back Titus Bramble inspired the Magpies into a comfortable 3-1 victory over Zulte Waregem in Gent last night. The Toon were never in any real danger throughout the match, the Zulte goal coming from a rare foray into Steve Harper’s penalty box, and the three United goals did not really do justice to Newcastle’s dominating performance.

The Belgians started the game brightly, but after an initial ten minute spark from the home side, Newcastle soon extinguished any hope of Zulte having any real command on the match. Martins saw an early drive clasped by ‘keeper Merlier, and the host’s goalkeeper was forced into two more good stops before half time.

Martins and Dyer, as dangerous an attacking combination if there ever was one, were combining once again - a neat interchange saw the re-invigorated England international gallop into the box, but Merlier was on hand to thwart any chance of a goal.

Some neat trickery was witnessed at periods from an effortless Zulte side; Tim Matthys having skinned Celestine Babayaro in the Newcastle half, but the powerful Bramble was on hand to prod away. Bramble was a constant menace to the Belgian attackers all night long. His constant sliding tackles and authoritative command in the backline almost led us into being fooled that he is a good defender. Of course by next weekend, we shall be able to give a more realistic inspection of Bramble, when he comes up against Premiership strikers, and not part-time shoesellers.

Despite Newcastle’s sheer dominance in the first period, creativity was lacking from the wings. Damien Duff was putting in a more acceptable shift compared to his last few Premiership appearances, but the final ball was still either missing or simply inaccurate. On the opposite flank Milner, who had been so impressive of late, was having a frustrating game - unable to find his man on several occasions.

The best chance of the half however, did come from a piece of play from the right hand side. Nobby Solano’s sweeping cross somehow evaded the head of Sibierski, and landed unexpectedly at Martins’ feet a few yards from goal. The Nigerian poked the ball towards goal but Merlier was on hand once again to tip the ball wide.

The teams went in at the break with the away side clearly on top, and a goal seemingly not far away.

And that was the case, as it took the Magpies a mere two minutes to grab the initiative in the second half. A lovely passing move involving the ever-penetrating Dyer and Solano, saw a swerving pass picked up by Dyer inside the box. He drove forward and laid in a pass that was destined for Martins’ feet, but centre-back Dindeleux got there first and prodded the ball into his own net. A dejected Dindeleux was comforted even by the referee following the goal.

The referee, Genov of Bulgaria, was the fussiest we have experienced in the competition so far - having booking Nicky Butt for an innocuous challenge inside five minutes. However, atleast he was consistent, the camp raise of the perfectly vertical right arm, clutching a yellow card, was a constant factor of the match’s entertainment.

It was not long before Newcastle extended their lead. Martins had had one or two more attempts at goal, but to no avail, however he was provided with a great chance from the penalty spot in the 59th minute. Damien Duff’s mazy run saw him skin three defenders before being ‘fouled’ by the goalkeeper 6 yards from goal. On closer inspection, however, it was clear that the Irishman had theatrically tumbled following no contact whatsoever from Merlier. As disappointing as it was to see, it was nice to have a dive go in our favour for once. Nevertheless, one would hope that Glenn may drill the Chelsea influence out of Duff eventually.

The hungrily passionate Martins pleaded with Solano to let him take the penalty, and Nobby eventually accepted his request. Oba comfortably slotted away to the keeper’s left.

From that point on, the rest of the match should have been a formality. However, the short sideways passes from the midfield merely invited pressure from the Belgians, who by this point were obviously desperate to get back into the game. It wasn’t a surprise to see us sloppily give away possession, and Zulte’s constant spirit and determination led into Babayaro getting frustrated - foolishly bringing down the right-winger. A cross was planted into the box from the right-flank, with D’Haere ghosting in and duly taking advantage of the despicable amount of space he was allowed.

The Zulte goal riled the Magpies up and it didn’t take a huge amount of time for the two-goal lead to be regained. It was Sibierski, who had had a relatively quiet evening upfront, who stole the show with a fine effort in the 76th minute. Uncharacteristically, he outdone two Zulte defenders, including his best man Dindeleux, and then the keeper to slot home from 8 yards.

From that point on, the score was never going to change. The Belgian’s energy had been extinguished and Newcastle played the ball around the pitch with ease.

The Toon Army take the tie back to St James’ Park with a two goal advantage, meaning the Belgians must win by three clear goals if they are to progress.

Man of the Match: Titus Bramble. Constantly dominating in the backline with powerful headers and superb sliding tackles. The big man didn’t put a foot wrong at the back and one would hope that he can continue this form into the next few games. We haven’t said that many times, though…

Donkey of the Match: Surprisingly to some, I’d have to go with Milner. I don’t think he had a quiet game, he just had a poor one. He couldn’t seem to beat his man on any occasion and his passing was inaccurate throughout. He wasn’t the penetrative and dangerous winger that we have witnessed in recent weeks.