It may have been an instantly forgettable evening at St James’ Park last night but to use a traditional footballing cliche - it was the result that counted.
In all honesty the performance was quite good apart from a lack of ruthlessness in the final third.
And had there been somebody to polish things off in the danger zone it could have been a heavy defeat for FK Ventspils with enough chances created to win two or three games.
United will probably play worse and win similar games this season.
The main talking point of the night was the introduction of Obafemi Martins who enjoyed a terrific reception at St James’ Park and indicated that he could prove to be a real Gallowgate favourite - twirling his black and white scarf round his head certainly won’t do him any harm but even he knows he will be judged on goals from now on.
Albert Luque could really have done with a strike himself, yet the likes of Damien Duff, Scott Parker, Charles N’ Zogbia and James Milner all suggested there is enough attacking impetus in the side to provide for the rest of the firing line.
And what about the 30,498 crowd?
22,000 shy of full capacity it may have been.
But considering the game was on TV and against minor European opposition it was still better than the crowd that turned up to watch Gareth Southgate’s first Premiership home game in charge against the champions Chelsea.
The aggregate 1-0 win means a place in the first qualifying round with Belgium, Portugal, Norway, Ukraine or Estonia the next port of call for the Toon Army and Glenn Roeder.
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