Football
ESPN staff 10y

Newcastle roll vs Sydney, Everton draw

Newcastle United's recent transfer signing Emmanuel Riviere paid immediate dividends for his new squad -- playing a key role in the Magpies first two goals in a 4-0 win over the A-League's Sydney FC in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Riviere notched up an assist with the Magpies' opening goal, setting Siem de Jong up to slot home from distance. Then the ex-Monaco striker buried a Yoan Gouffran ball to put NUFC up 2-0. 

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Adam Armstrong finished off the scoring for Newcastle and Riviere was in high spirits following the team's preseason opener.

"I enjoyed my first game -- it was good to play with my new team," said the 24-year-old.

Newcastle continue their Australian tour with a match against Wellington Phoenix at the Westpac Stadium, in Wellington, on Saturday, July 26.

Roberto Martinez and Everton had a preseason-opening friendly win vs.Tranmere Rovers spoiled when a late Rovers goal from James Rowe brought the game level for a 2-2 draw.

Steven Naismith and Leon Osman knocked in goals for Everton in the first and second half, respectively, at the Rovers' home of Prenton Park. 

Cole Stockton levelled just before half-time for the League Two Rovers with a chip over Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles. The match was quite a stop-start affair, with Martinez substituting all 10 of his outfield players at halftime. U.S. national team goalkeeper Tim Howard did not take part in the match for Everton.

Newly-promoted Leicester City made easy work of Ilkeston City dumping a six-goal avalanche on their hosts at the New Manor Ground for a 6-1 win.

Leicester find themselves back in the Premier League this year and the romp over Ilkeston was a feel-good way to start the season. Captain Wes Morgan scored first for the Foxes with Chris Wood adding another before the half. 

All 10 field players were substituted for the second half but the scoring continued for Leicester in the second half with David Nugent making it 3-0 right away, tucking in a goal just 60 seconds into the second half. Nugent scored twice.

Tom Hopper popped one in and Laurie Wilson made it 6-0 before Robins' striker Andre Johnson netted late for the home side.

The preseason campaign for Queens Park Rangers started with a 1-0 road win against Rot-Weiss Erfurt, who were playing their final warm-up ahead of the 2014-15 season. 

Former Manchester United fixture Rio Ferdinand, who just signed with QPR did not play in the game. Charlie Austin -- QPR's top scorer in the Championship last season -- scored the only goal of the game.

Sunderland paid a visit to Brunton Park for a preseason installment against Carlisle United. The Black Cats pulled off a 1-0 win thanks to a Michael Mandron goal on the 71st minute.

Gus Poyet rolled out a strong starting XI including Alfred N'Diaye, Connor Wickham and Billy Jones, all three of whom had close scoring opportunities. 

The win was Sunderland's second in two preseason games having beaten Darlington 1883 5-1 in their opener.

^ Back to Top ^