A scrambled 79th minute goal by Antione Sibierski was enough to give Newcastle a crucial victory over Fenebahce on Thursday night at St. James’ Park in front of a disappointing crowd of only 30,000.

Manager Glenn Roeder had asked for a win and a clean sheet after Sunday’s disastrous second half display against Bolton and he got exactly what he asked for with a makeshift Newcastle defense that included local youngsters Taylor and Ramage in the center and Damien Duff at left back.

This was Newcastle’s seventh game in Europe this season having qualified via the newly organized Intertoto Cup and their fourth victory. With three teams of the four in the group going through to the next round things are looking good that Newcastle can again put together a good run.

This is sorely needed given our poor performances so far in the league.

The result was everything in this game and 1-0 is a score-line Newcastle must start putting together regularly if they are to move up the league this season.

Both Craig Moore and Titus Bramble were dropped after their escapades on Sunday and youngsters Ramage and Taylor looked solid in defense. No surprise that Bramble was left out – unfortunately he is just not a Premiership player for all his promise - and it wouldn’t surprise Newcastle fans if he is allowed to move on next summer when his contract expires.

It was a little surprising that Moore was left out but I would expect him to play with Ramage at the center of defense in the upcoming game against Middlesbrough on Sunday – another must win game.

Antione Sibiesrski scored another vital goal for Newcastle and he is certainly becoming a favorite with the Newcastle crowd -he has now scored two vital goals for Newcastle in Europe this year. Antione seems an excellent squad player and has such a wonderful positive attitude about the game – he’s turning out to be a sensible buy.

However, the league remains the number one priority this season and a win on Sunday against Middlesbrough is what is needed –anything less will bring the clouds of doubt down over Newcastle.

Let’s hope we give Giuseppe Rossi a game – I’m sure Sir Alex Ferguson is wondering what we are doing with the boy – our attack is hardly full of talented players right now.