England’s star striker Michael Owen finally broke the jinx and scored his first goal in 20 months as Newcastle downed Barnsley 2-0 in the Carling Cup.
Owen played 82 minutes before he was substituted by Obafemi Martins whose spectacular volley in the dying minutes sealed the game in Newcastle’s favour.
Owen had twisted his knee in the World Cup match against Sweden last year and subsequently he underwent a surgery. Since then, critics were apprehensive whether he can reach the dizzy heights again and the goal against Barnsley would surely bring smiles to his fans.
Owen made a shrewd run into the Barnsley’s defence to receive an inch-perfect pass from Shola Ameobi in the 57th minutes and then unleashed a right footer that beat goalkeeper Heinz Muller to crash into the net.
Newcastle in fact could have won by a bigger margin but their profligate players, especially Nicky Butt and Ameobi squandered couple of sitters.
Owen’s goal would also come as a relief for England manager Steve McClaren who was present in the match.
