An own goal from Gillingham's John Egan has given Newcastle United a 1-0 lead at half time over their League One opponents in the Capital One Cup this evening.
Massadio Haidara tried to create an early chance for the visitors, but he found himself in an offside position while looking to collect the ball from a cross.
The hosts thought that they should have been awarded a penalty when Fabricio Coloccini challenged Cody McDonald in the box, but the referee judged it to be a fair tackle.
The Premier League side continued to create the majority of the chances, and opened the scoring 23 minutes in when Egan turned the ball into his own net while attempting to defend a Gabriel Obertan cross.
Danny Kedwell and McDonald worked hard to create opportunities for the home side to level the scores before the break, while Matt Fish forced a save from Tim Krul, but they were unable to find an equaliser before the half-time whistle.
Sian Cowper
