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Magpies increase lead at top
22:45, Dec 9 2009
Newcastle again proved their promotion credentials to see off a battling Coventry outfit 2-0 and open up a commanding seven-point lead at the top of the Coca-Cola Championship.
A first-half which was evenly matched, with the Sky Blues twice hitting the woodwork, was turned on its head in stoppage time when Shola Ameobi fired the visitors ahead in what was his first appearance since August due to a foot injury.
Coventry put up a brave effort throughout but the Magpies' quality in the final third proved the difference again in the 81st minute as substitute Nile Ranger grabbed his first professional goal.
The big news prior to kick-off was Chris Hughton's decision not to include England Under-21 striker Andy Carroll in his matchday 18, just days after he was released on police bail having been questioned over an allegation of assault at a Newcastle night spot.
But for all the controversy off the pitch there was very little on it in the opening quarter, with neither keeper forced into a save and both sides battling for midfield supremacy.
The first chance of the encounter finally came midway through the half as Magpies left-back Jose Enrique saw his strike deflected narrowly wide.
Coventry could consider themselves fortunate on the half-hour mark as centre-back Leon Barnett appeared to pull back Peter Lovenkrands just outside the area when clean through. However referee Grant Hegley, who was in a good position, wasted no time waving away the Dane's protests.
The hosts were then more than unlucky themselves not to go ahead after 38 minutes. Michael McIndoe back-heeled the ball to Leon Best in space on the left side of the penalty area and he rifled a shot that beat Steve Harper but cannoned off the bar. The ball then fell back to Freddy Eastwood who crossed for McIndoe whose header clipped the bar for a second time in a matter of seconds.
But with a goalless interval approaching, Ameobi received the ball 12 yards out, turned Barnett and lashed a shot past Keiren Westwood.
Another goal was looking likely as the game approached the final 15 minutes and Newcastle forward Ranger was only denied by some last-ditch defending from the hosts. But he got his goal with nine minutes remaining, converting from close range after a great run and cross on the left from Enrique.
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