Nolberto Solano and Shay Given teamed up to hand Newcastle the advantage in their Champions League qualifier with a precious victory over Partizan Belgrade.
The midfielder claimed the only goal at the Partizan Stadium six minutes before the break, but it took fine saves from his team-mate to deny Igor Duljaj, Ivica Iliev, Nikola Malbasa and substitute Milan Stojanoski.
Meanwhile, Celtic were back on top form as they took a massive step towards the group stages by romping to an impressive win over MTK Hungaria.
Henrik Larsson, Didier Agathe, Stilian Petrov and Chris Sutton provided the goals that allow the Hoops to head into the second leg of the third round qualifier at Parkhead with a great opportunity to progress in the competition.
The portents are not so good for Rangers who drew with FC Copenhagen and conceded an away goal in the process. Todi Jonsson's second-half equaliser at Ibrox cancelled out Peter Lovenkrands' early opener and the away goal was fully deserved for the Danish champions.