Newcastle condemned by Villa

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Newcastle United suffered a 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa to confirm their relegation from the Premier League on Sunday.

During a feisty opening, the Magpies, with striker Michael Owen on the substitutes' bench, had chances to hand their survival hopes a much-needed fillip but they were guilty of profligacy in front of goal.

News then filtered to interim Toon manager Alan Shearer of fellow relegation candidates Hull City losing, meaning Newcastle were set to preserve their 16-year stay in England's top flight if they could at least hold on in the Midlands.

However, the Tyneside club were dealt a sucker punch on 38 minutes when Gareth Barry's powerful but wayward shot cruelly deflected off stand-in left-back Damien Duff to wrong-foot goalkeeper Steve Harper.

An onslaught on Villa's goal was expected in the second half as the Magpies aimed to save themselves, but it was not to be as they created very little and the final whistle confirmed their demotion to the Championship.

More to follow...


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