Owen ends goal drought

Michael Owen ended his 20-month wait for a Newcastle goal as the Magpies finally saw off stubborn Barnsley.

The 27-year-old England international struck 12 minutes after the break.

It was Owen's 14th start and 17th appearance in total for Newcastle and came two days before he celebrates two, injury-wrecked years on Tyneside.

Obafemi Martins wrapped up the victory four minutes from time with a smart volley.

Fabio Rochemback set Middlesbrough on their way to a place in the Carling Cup third round after seeing off Coca-Cola League One Northampton at the Riverside Stadium.

Rochemback drilled home a 53rd-minute free-kick from 35 yards then Dong Gook Lee grabbed his first goal for the club in the 66th minute to settle the tie.

Sven-Goran Eriksson's most expensive purchase as Manchester City manager spared his embarrassment at Ashton Gate as the Blues squeezed into the Carling Cup third round.

At £8.8million, Rolando Bianchi did not come cheap.

But the former Reggina star was the City hero, lashing home from 20 yards to give the Blues a 2-1 victory over Bristol City.

Bradley Orr provided Eriksson with a scare when he levelled Emile Mpenza's first-half opener.

But Bianchi spared City's blushes.

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