Newcastle cruised past Zulte-Waregem in Belgium on Thursday to register an emphatic 3-1 win in their first round tie.

It would now seem like a formality for them to go through to the round of the last 16 next Thursday at St. James Park.

Newcastle always looked the better side but had to wait until the second half for a goal. That came from a cross from Kieren Dyer, which was turned into his own goal by Dindeleux.

A second from the penalty spot from Obafemi Martins (number 13 for the season) seemed to have put the tie away – but Newcastle’s defense went to sleep on a Zulte-Waregem free kick and they conceded.

Interestingly – this was the first goal conceded in Europe by Newcastle on away soil this season.

An excellent third goal from Antione Sibierski (number 7 for the season) gave the score some semblance of reality.

For all the injuries they have sustained this year Newcastle’s season is now coming alive. They are 9^th in the league and now have a good chance of going far in this season’s UEFA cup. Players are now returning from injury so there is renewed competition for places and Oguchi Onyewu will certainly help strengthen our suspect defense.

The remainder of the season is going to be very interesting for Geordie fans.