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Europa League Qualifying
(Attendance: 4,872)
Atromitos 1 Newcastle United 1
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
At the Peristeri Stadium
Atromitos 1 (Epstein 24)
Newcastle United 1 (R Taylor 45)
Ryan Taylor netted a stunning free-kick right on the stroke of half-time to earn Newcastle United a 1-1 draw away at Atromitos in their Europa League fourth qualifying round first leg tie.
The Magpies trailed to Denis Epstein's composed finish midway through the first period, but Taylor stepped up to score a trademark 'over the wall' set piece with the final kick of the half.
Njazi Kuqi and Matias Iglesias both threatened for the hosts before Epstein got in down the right to slot home and give Atromitos a shock lead at the Peristeri Stadium.
Taylor almost bagged an equaliser direct from a free-kick out on the touchline but found the back of the net with a curled 25-yard effort to hand United what could be a crucial away goal as they strive for a place in the competition proper.
And history was also re-written as 17-year-old Adam Campbell became the Club's youngest European debutant when he was introduced from the substitutes' bench with 13 minutes remaining.
After a patient opening period from both sides - in sweltering heat - it was the hosts who created the first chance of the evening, however Kuqi - younger brother of former United front man Shefki - was unable to steer his strike on target, having connected with a Elini Dimoutsos cross from the right.
Next to try his luck was Matias Iglesias in the 12th minute, with the holding midfielder striding forward and unleashing a 30 yard drive which was never going to trouble Steve Harper as it flew harmlessly over the bar.
It took a further four minutes before United threatened, but Papiss Cisse was unable to connect properly with a superbly lofted through ball from Vurnon Anita and skewed a difficult volley well off target.
Atromitos goalkeeper Charles Itandje almost gifted the visitors a breakthrough on 21 minutes when he made a right hash of James Tavernier's deep right-wing delivery, but the former Liverpool stopper managed to scramble the loose ball behind for a corner before Dan Gosling could pounce.
But having survived that scare, Atromitos went straight down the other end and grabbed a shock lead. Nikola Beljic knocked a ball in behind Tavernier, and Epstein was on to it like a shot, taking a touch before steering a confident finish past Harper and into the far corner.
United were shocked and nearly fashioned an unlikely equaliser on 35 minutes through Ryan Taylor. Having been fouled out wide on the left touchline by Ioannis Skondras, the full-back picked himself up and curled a low delivery right into the six-yard box.
In fact, it was heading for the back of the net until Itandje stuck out a foot in desperation, managing to somehow clear the danger.
But that one was clearly just a sighter as Taylor went one better with the final kick of the half. Dan Gosling was halted in his tracks by a near rugby tackle from Iglesias and Taylor did the rest, stepping up to curl over the wall and past the despairing dive of Itandje, who was absolutely helpless.
Newcastle came out for the second half spurred on by their leveller and should have edged in front within two minutes of the restart, but Sylvain Marveaux - provided with a free header from Papiss Cisse's cross - somehow contrived to almost completely miss his cue, and the ball ran safely through to the keeper.
The visitors were starting to dominate and when Gabriel Obertan reacted quickest to a loose ball which dropped around 15 yards out, the winger's strike only ended up inches over the bar due to a deflection.
Atromitos had already made two changes by the time Alan Pardew rolled his dice for the first time of the evening in the 64th minute, introducing Romain Amalfitano for his Magpies debut in place of Gosling.
Jonas Gutierrez was next to enter the fray, in place of Sylvain Marveaux, but it was the substitution on 77 minutes which made history for Newcastle.
Campbell was handed his debut, and in doing so became the youngest player to represent the Club in Europe, at just 17 years and 236 days.
But with all eyes on the youngster, it was Atromitos who stole up field and could have snatched the lead for the second time on the night. Left-back Konstantinos Giannoulis suddenly found the ball at his feet inside the area, but showed a defender's finish with a lashed effort which swerved off the outside of his boot and miles wide.
Campbell was to get one goalscoring opportunity, as he raced on to a pass down the right, but the angle was too tight for the diminutive forward and his effort was simple for Itandje to claim at his near post.
Atromitos (4-1-4-1): Charles Itandje; Ioannis Skondras (c), Sokratis Fytanidis, Nikolaos Lazaridis, Konstantinos Giannoulis (Athanasios Karagounis 87) ; Matias Iglesias; Nikola Beljic (Anastasios Karamanos 60), Elini Dimoutsos, Eduardo Luiz Brito, Denis Epstein; Njazi Kuqi (Anastasios Karamanos 60)
Subs not used: Velimir Radman, Eustathios Taylaridis, Sebastian Pitu Garcia, Evaggelos Nastos
Newcastle United (4-2-3-1): Steve Harper; James Tavernier, Mike Williamson (c), James Perch, Ryan Taylor; Gael Bigirimana, Vurnon Anita; Gabriel Obertan, Dan Gosling (Romain Amalfitano 64), Sylvain Marveaux (Jonas Gutierrez 71); Papiss Cisse (Adam Campbell 77)
Subs not used: Tim Krul, Davide Santon, Steven Taylor, Yohan Cabaye
Referee: Alon Yefet (Israel)
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) to centre, foul by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) on Sokratis Fitanidis(Atromitos). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Charles Itandje(Atromitos) from own half, resulting in open play.
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) to far post, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Charles Itandje(Atromitos).
Weak shot by Adam Campbell(Newcastle) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Charles Itandje(Atromitos).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) to far post, foul by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) on Anastasios Karamanos(Atromitos). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Charles Itandje(Atromitos) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Eduardo Brito(Atromitos) on Vurnon Anita(Newcastle). Atromitos substitution: Konstantinos Giannoulis replaced by Thanassis Karagounis (tactical). Direct free kick taken right-footed by James Tavernier(Newcastle) from own half, passed.
Attacking throw-in by James Tavernier(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Giannis Skondras(Atromitos).
Attacking throw-in by Denis Epstein(Atromitos).
Cross by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle), clearance by Giannis Skondras(Atromitos).
Cross by Romain Amalfitano(Newcastle), clearance by Nikos Lazaridis(Atromitos).
Shot by Konstantinos Giannoulis(Atromitos) right-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken short by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Foul by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) on Sokratis Fitanidis(Atromitos). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Charles Itandje(Atromitos) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Foul by Eduardo Brito(Atromitos) on Romain Amalfitano(Newcastle). Newcastle substitution: Papiss Cisse replaced by Adam Campbell (tactical). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Steve Harper(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Giannis Skondras(Atromitos).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Denis Epstein(Atromitos) to centre, clearance by James Perch(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Konstantinos Giannoulis(Atromitos).
Attacking throw-in by James Tavernier(Newcastle).
Konstantinos Giannoulis(Atromitos) caught offside. Newcastle substitution: Sylvain Marveaux replaced by Jonas Gutierrez (tactical). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Steve Harper(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) on Eduardo Brito(Atromitos). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Charles Itandje(Atromitos) from own half, passed.
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Cross by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle), resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Giannis Skondras(Atromitos).
Shot by Walter Iglesias(Atromitos) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Steve Harper(Newcastle). Attacking throw-in by Elini Dimoutsos(Atromitos).
Cross by Denis Epstein(Atromitos), clearance by James Perch(Newcastle). Attacking throw-in by Konstantinos Giannoulis(Atromitos).
Newcastle substitution: Dan Gosling replaced by Romain Amalfitano (tactical). Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Giannis Skondras(Atromitos).
Attacking throw-in by Denis Epstein(Atromitos).
Foul by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) on Charles Itandje(Atromitos). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Charles Itandje(Atromitos) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Eduardo Brito(Atromitos) on Dan Gosling(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Konstantinos Giannoulis(Atromitos).
Attacking throw-in by Konstantinos Giannoulis(Atromitos).
Atromitos substitution: Nikola Beljic replaced by Da Silva Chumbinho (tactical).
Atromitos substitution: Njazi Kuqi replaced by Anastasios Karamanos (tactical).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Sylvain Marveaux(Newcastle) to centre, weak header by Dan Gosling(Newcastle) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken short by Charles Itandje(Atromitos).
Foul by Nikola Beljic(Atromitos) on Sylvain Marveaux(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from left wing, shot by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle) right-footed from centre of penalty area (18 yards), blocked by Nikos Lazaridis(Atromitos).
Defending throw-in by Giannis Skondras(Atromitos).Foul by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle) on Elini Dimoutsos(Atromitos). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Elini Dimoutsos(Atromitos) from right channel, resulting in open play. Weak shot by Konstantinos Giannoulis(Atromitos) mishit right-footed from left channel (25 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) to centre, save (punched) by Charles Itandje(Atromitos). Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Foul by Eduardo Brito(Atromitos) on Vurnon Anita(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by James Tavernier(Newcastle) from own half, passed.
Foul by Gael Bigirimana(Newcastle) on Elini Dimoutsos(Atromitos). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Denis Epstein(Atromitos) from right wing, resulting in open play.
Foul by Sylvain Marveaux(Newcastle) on Giannis Skondras(Atromitos). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Giannis Skondras(Atromitos) from right channel, passed.
Weak shot by Njazi Kuqi(Atromitos) volleyed right-footed from left channel (20 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken short by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Konstantinos Giannoulis(Atromitos).
Attacking throw-in by Konstantinos Giannoulis(Atromitos).
Cross by James Tavernier(Newcastle), header by Dan Gosling(Newcastle) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Charles Itandje(Atromitos).
Foul by Walter Iglesias(Atromitos) on Dan Gosling(Newcastle). Fantastic free kick scored by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from left channel (25 yards).Atromitos 1-1 Newcastle. Assist by Dan Gosling(Newcastle) from left channel.
Goal kick taken long by Charles Itandje(Atromitos).
Goal kick taken long by Charles Itandje(Atromitos).
Goal kick taken long by Charles Itandje(Atromitos).
Weak shot by Dan Gosling(Newcastle) overhead kick right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Charles Itandje(Atromitos).
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Njazi Kuqi(Atromitos) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Steve Harper(Newcastle) from own half, passed.
Foul by James Tavernier(Newcastle) on Eduardo Brito(Atromitos). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Nikos Lazaridis(Atromitos) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Walter Iglesias(Atromitos) on Sylvain Marveaux(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) from right channel, resulting in open play.
Shot by Giannis Skondras(Atromitos) drilled left-footed from right channel (30 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Cross by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle), comfortable save (caught) by Charles Itandje(Atromitos).
Foul by Giannis Skondras(Atromitos) on Ryan Taylor(Newcastle). Free kick drilled right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from left wing (25 yards), save (parried) by Charles Itandje(Atromitos). Shot by Gael Bigirimana(Newcastle) volleyed right-footed from right channel (20 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Charles Itandje(Atromitos).
Cross by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle), save (punched) by Charles Itandje(Atromitos).
Attacking throw-in by Giannis Skondras(Atromitos).
Foul by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) on Walter Iglesias(Atromitos). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Charles Itandje(Atromitos) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Sylvain Marveaux(Newcastle) to centre, clearance by Sokratis Fitanidis(Atromitos).
Attacking throw-in by James Tavernier(Newcastle).
Weak header by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Charles Itandje(Atromitos). Defending throw-in by James Tavernier(Newcastle).
Cross by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle), clearance by Nikos Lazaridis(Atromitos). Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by James Tavernier(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by James Tavernier(Newcastle).
Foul by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle) on Nikola Beljic(Atromitos). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Walter Iglesias(Atromitos) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by James Tavernier(Newcastle).
Goal by Denis Epstein(Atromitos) left-footed (bottom-right of goal) from left side of penalty area (12 yards).Atromitos 1-0 Newcastle. Assist (pass) by Nikola Beljic(Atromitos) from right channel.
Foul by Nikola Beljic(Atromitos) on Sylvain Marveaux(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Sylvain Marveaux(Newcastle) from own half, passed.
Foul by Vurnon Anita(Newcastle) on Elini Dimoutsos(Atromitos). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Walter Iglesias(Atromitos) from own half, passed.
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) to near post, clearance by Sokratis Fitanidis(Atromitos). Defending throw-in by Konstantinos Giannoulis(Atromitos).
Shot by Denis Epstein(Atromitos) right-footed from left side of penalty area (6 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Weak shot by Dan Gosling(Newcastle) drilled right-footed from left channel (25 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken short by Charles Itandje(Atromitos).
Cross by Denis Epstein(Atromitos), clearance by James Perch(Newcastle).
Weak shot by Papiss Cisse(Newcastle) mishit right-footed from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Charles Itandje(Atromitos).
Defending throw-in by Konstantinos Giannoulis(Atromitos).
Goal kick taken short by Charles Itandje(Atromitos).
Attacking throw-in by James Tavernier(Newcastle).
Shot by Walter Iglesias(Atromitos) drilled right-footed from right channel (30 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken short by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Giannis Skondras(Atromitos).
Attacking throw-in by Giannis Skondras(Atromitos).
Cross by Elini Dimoutsos(Atromitos), shot by Njazi Kuqi(Atromitos) left-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken short by Steve Harper(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Konstantinos Giannoulis(Atromitos).
Defending throw-in by Konstantinos Giannoulis(Atromitos).
Attacking throw-in by Konstantinos Giannoulis(Atromitos).
Goal kick taken short by Charles Itandje(Atromitos).