Newcastle United visited Pride Park expecting Michael Owen to continue his rich vein of form to score the goals that would see them reach the dizzy heights of the top four, ahead of Manchester United and Chelsea.

Scotland Striker Kenny Miller Returns From Injury

Former Celtic striker Kenny Miller made his debut after signing on transfer deadline day in August. Miller marked his debut in the best way possible, on 39 minutes he volleyed past Steve Hooper who was stranded off his line. Toon manager may now be regretting his decision to stick with Newcastle’s longest serving player between the posts instead of a more experienced goalie like Ireland’s Shay Given.

Newcastle were not without their chances, although few of them came from the ineffective boots of Michael Owen, who was replaced by Martins. The closest the visitors came to threatening Bywater’s goal was a chance that fell to Rozenhal.