Both English Newcastle and French Marseille clubs tied their second leg matches to scrape into the UEFA Cup knockout round on Thursday (Aug 24th).

Newcastle drew 0-0 with Latvian minnows Ventspils, and only went through on away goals after winning the first leg of the second preliminary round tie 1-0.

The Magpies, who introduced new signing Nigerian Obafemi Martins on the pitch before kick-off at St James's Park, dominated from start to finish, but were denied by goalkeeper Andris Vanins.

Marseille also failed to find the net against Young Boys Berne but progressed due to a 3-3 draw in Switzerland two weeks ago.

The Swiss could have stolen the tie at the death when Marcos saw a header come off the bar.

Irish minnows Derry City also reached the next round with a 2-2 draw at home to Gretna of Scotland, giving them a 7-3 aggregate win.

Welsh side Llanelli, who were just 1-0 down against Danish outfit Odense after the first leg, fell on neutral territory at Swansea, losing 5-1 on the night and 6-1 on aggregate.

Amongst others going through to the next stage were Germany's Hertha Berlin who drew 2-2 at Ameri Tbilissi in Georgia but went through 3-2 on aggregate while Trabzonspor of Turkey beat APOEL Nicosia of Cyprus 1-0 for a 2-1 aggregate win.

The night's marathon tie was played in Ireland were Drogheda beat IK Start of Norway 1-0 on the night for a 1-1 aggregate score.

After the regular time, it was the Norwegians who began to celebrate following a 12-11 penalty shoot-out.

Editor: Donald