GOONERSGUIDE ENGLISH PREMIER NEWS SECTION

This is our English Premier news section where we provide any news items that might have a significant effect on the matches being played - or sports betting in general.

English Premier News :: Newcastle relegated from Premier League after 0-1 loss at Aston Villa

Posted on 2009-05-24 by Gooner

Newcastle United's 16-year stay in the top flight ended in tame fashion as they dropped into the Championship with a lack-lustre defeat at Aston Villa.

Damien Duff's unfortunate own goal - deflecting in Gareth Barry's 20-yard shot after 38 minutes - meant that Alan Shearer's mission to save Newcastle from relegation ended in devastating failure.

Newcastle's performance was desperate, but after the first 15 minutes it lacked ire and urgency despite the scale of the prize on offer if they escaped.

Newcastle had opportunites to grasp at a lifeline early in the first half, with Obafemi Martins firing off target and Mark Viduka having a shot cleared off the line by Carlos Cuellar.

But when Newcastle needed to find inspiration in the second half, all that was on offer was a lack of attacking menace up front as they failed to exert any serious pressure on Villa.

Michael Owen made an appearance as substitute midway through the second half, but he made no impact and barely touched the ball. It now appears relegation will almost certainly mark the end of his Newcastle career.

Shearer led the applause for Newcastle's heartbroken fans as the despair of relegation sunk in - and it was clear their affection for the Tyneside icon has not diminished despite this bitter end to his spell in charge this season.

Sourced From : BBC Sport

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