Maritimo 0-0 Newcastle United

Newcastle are left frustrated in their Europa League opener after hitting the woodwork three times in a tight clash in Portugal.

In a cagey opening it was the home side who went close to breaking the deadlock, Sami forcing third choice Toon goalkeeper Rob Elliot into two good saves early on.
On a difficult surface Newcastle eventually played their way into the game and should have taken the lead when Mike Williamson's shot was blocked, the ball falling to Shola Ameobi whose header was tipped onto the post and behind by Romain Salin.
A few minutes later Dan Gosling went close with a long range effort, the 22-year-old's shot striking the foot of the post and bouncing away from danger.
After the break Newcastle again went within inches of taking the lead when Ameobi took advantage of a defensive error by Maritimo before curling his effort onto the face of the bar.
Maritimo rarely threatened in the second half but did go very close to snatching it late on when Valentin Roberge's header was nodded onto the underside of the cross bar by the man on the line Davide Santon as he saved Newcastle's blushes.
Having made seven changes from the team that drew with Everton on Monday night a point for Alan Pardew's men on the road could be a good result in the long run, despite the missed opportunities.