Joey Barton is spot on for Magpies

Aug 4 2010 by Nick Purewal, The Journal

TURNING villainy into heroism in a flash, Joey Barton struck the winning penalty to land Newcastle United the prestigious Trofeo Teresa Herrera.

The first English club to scoop the long-running Deportivo La Coruna pre-season competition, Newcastle did it the hard way, missing a host of chances.

A goalless deadlock resulted in penalties, and after missing a late spot-kick in normal time, midfielder Barton coolly converted the winner for Newcastle.

Nerveless Barton could have turned down a second attempt at finding the net from 12 yards, but put himself forward as United’s fifth and final penalty-taker.

Peter Lovenkrands and Kevin Nolan put Newcastle’s opening two penalties away with ease, and Ze Castro did likewise with Depor’s first. Then Riki fired wide to give Newcastle the advantage.

Andy Carroll’s power effort fired in off Manu’s legs, before Artiles Aythami slotted his home.

Ryan Taylor converted without trouble, and then Andres Guardado did likewise.

Barton then atoned for his late normal-time penalty, which he had scuffed before skying the resulting rebound.

But this time he stepped forward with a chance of lightning-fast redemption – and he did not waste that opportunity.