38 mins Baraja, Moretti and Silva combined for Joaquín to get between Cacapa and N'Zogbia slip a low shot past Given in the Gallowgate goal 0-1.

Half time: Newcastle 0 Valencia 1

77 mins The equaliser was an incredibly simple one, with a totally unmarked Damien Duff heading in a right wing corner at the Gallowgate End to claim his fourth goal of the pre-season. 1-1

91 mins Gutierrez forced his way down the United right and crossed to the far post. Steven Taylor's header came back off the woodwork, but James Milner was on hand to lash in the rebound between the keeper and his right-hand post. 2-1

Full time: Newcastle 2 Valencia 1

Kevin Keegan commented:

"It was a really good pre-season game. They were a good side and showed their quality. They were good on the ball and comfortable from back to front.

"But they are maybe a week behind us in terms of preparation and we looked fitter as the game went on. We finished really strongly."

On Duff:

"Damien Duff has been terrific for us - you could be talking about seven goals pre-season. 

"He's been working very hard. It's the first time he's had a pre-season - and it shows. It looked like he could run forever.

"The goal today is not the sort of goal you associate with Damien Duff but his fitness level is fantastic, he has really trained hard, and he is now getting his rewards."

On Owen:

"We need a game in midweek. We've got an open day session for the fans to come in on Wednesday so we will probably try to do it on Thursday. 

"Michael will feel much more comfortable if he has a game. He's back in full training now and we will have a better idea by the middle of the week."

On Gutierrez:

"He is a combination of ability and a big heart, and Geordies love that."

On Coloccini:

"I can't tell you anything at the moment.

"He was here, that's for sure. I like his hair, it's like mine in the seventies, but I can't tell you any more than that."

On other arrivals:

"I'd like to think that once (Coloccini) is completed then two more players will arrive, and then we'll see what happens.

"I think there'll be a lot of comings and goings late on as clubs try to re-balance and somebody will come available who will be of interest.

"I think we'll be in there pitching just like everybody else."

(A left back and a midfielder are the current tips)

New signing Jonas Gutierrez stole the show as two late goals from Damien Duff and James Milner gave Kevin Keegan's side a timely boost in the final pre-season warm-up.

The advertised 3pm kick-off was altered to 5pm on the morning of the game, after Valencia's plane apparently developed technical problems (this after their own website had earlier written that the Spanish squad would fly into Newcastle on Thursday - then updating that piece to say Friday).

Thanks to the multiplicity of modern media, most punters got the message but there were still a good amount unaware of the change or unable to alter their travelling plans who milled around the stadium from early afternoon.
 
There had even been a possibility that the fixture would be pulled by the visitors, which would have left a sizeable hole in our preparations ahead of next Sunday's opener.

As it was though, the game went ahead and Duff returned to goalscoring form to set up a morale -boosting victory, as well giving Martins an important run out and Beye a second game in four days in which to get back up to speed.

A mid-week behind-closed-doors games should give Michael Owen the chance for some equally vital
pitch time,  but that looks like also being the sole possible chance Coloccini has of integrating with his new team mates

After a week of transfer speculation heightened by his non-appearance against PSV, Alan Smith had recovered sufficiently from his ankle knock to appear as a second half substitute - entering to the accompaniment of comedy booing of the type Nicky Butt encountered two years back.

Precisely what this was meant to achieve is unclear - but as a motivational tool it hardly inspired him and when the opportunity arose to emulate but and silence the jeers with a goal, Smith badly sliced a shot wide.

That was a rare negative mark on an otherwise upbeat day - although those late goals did give the game an overly positive spin that may paper over cracks that still need filling before Sunday.

While the sponsors had given Duff the man of the match accolade, Gutierrez showed more for us, exhibiting a heartening  mixture of skill, pace and determination. 

We just hope his pre-season promise continues into the Premier League season and he doesn't
implode like a previous long-locked Argentinean who crashed and burned - Senor Cordone.

PS: Monday's papers again carried claims that Gutierrez has not yet received clearance to play in the league due to an ongoing registration dispute with Real Mallorca.

Biffa