Match reviews

Newcastle United 2-2 Manchester City

A late equaliser from Stephen Ireland broke Newcastle hearts as Manchester City escaped with a 2-2 draw at St.James Park.

Newcastle, playing without influential striker Michael Owen, received an early setback when defender Habib Beye was sent off in the 12th minute for a challenge on Robinho by referee Rob Styles. The former Real Madrid forward coolly converted from 12 yards to give City the lead. Styles was the referee who gave Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo a controversial penalty against Bolton Wanderers in September. Styles admitted to making a mistake in judging J Lloyd Samuel’s challenge, and television replays showed that Beye had a fair case too.

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Trinidad and Tobago 2-1 USA- 2010 WC qualifier

Bob Bradley’s youthful USA squad were handed their first defeat in qualifying as Trinidad and Tobago beat them 2-1 in Port of Spain. The win was the Soca Warrior’s first over the USA since 1994, and also puts them in prime position to join the USA as one of the two qualifiers from Group 1.

In the earlier leg between these two teams last month in Illnois, the USA had run out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Brian Ching.

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SuperSport United win inaugural Gauteng 4 trophy

SuperSport United won the inaugural Gauteng 4 trophy by beating Bidvest Wits 2-0 at the Bidvest Stadium on Sunday. Goals from Glen Salmon and David Kannemeyer in the first half gave Gavin Hunt’s men victory, after they had beaten Platinum Stars 2-0 in the semifinal earlier in the day. Bidvest had advanced to the final by beating Moroka Swallows 3-1 in the other semifinal.

In the semifinal against the Stars, Rongo Masibusana and Salmon were on target for United. Bidvest had beaten Moroka Swallows 3-1, with their goals coming from Phikolethu Spelman, Mbongeni Dlamini and Sifiso Myeni. David Radebe scored the consolation goal for the Swallows.

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