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Magnificent Marveaux Eyes Pole Position
Written by Newcastle Utd
After scoring his first Magpies goal to help Newcastle progress in the Europa League, Sylvain Marveaux insisted United now want to top Group D
By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Sylvain Marveaux's first competitive goal for Newcastle secured United's progress into the knockout stages of the Europa League and the Frenchman has now set his sights on qualifying in style in his homeland.
The Magpies weren't at their best in Thursday night's 1-1 draw against Maritimo but are still unbeaten in continental competition this term and the point was enough to guarantee their place in the last 32 of the tournament.
A win at Bordeaux in the final group game next month would see Alan Pardew's side top Group D ahead of the French side and Marveaux insisted that was now the aim.
He told nufc.co.uk: "We're through to the next round so that's good. It's the most important thing.
"It will be nice to go to France - it's been a while - and we want first place now."
United looked on course for three points against their opponents from the island of Madeira when Marveaux gave them a first half lead, but substitute Fidelis equalised with 11 minutes left.
And Marveaux admitted: "I think the second half was not very good for us because we didn't keep the ball enough. We were a bit scared at the end because they could have scored a second goal but we're okay now.
"For my goal, Hatem got the ball and I just demanded it on the right side of the goal. I had a good first touch so I could be on my left foot to score. It went through the goalkeeper's legs so that was lucky.
"I was looking forward to scoring my first goal so I'm happy. The last time I played was two weeks ago but it's always good to be on the pitch."
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