O'Neill: We should have won it

Aug 20 2007 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

MARTIN O'Neill was disappointed that Villa could not convert three or four golden chances to earn a deserved win at St James' Park.

Nevertheless, the Villa boss was content to see Villa stretch their unbeaten away run to six matches since a defeat at Reading in February.

John Carew, Martin Laursen and Nigel Reo-Coker all brought good saves out of Steve Harper whilst Gabby Agbonlahor missed a good opportunity before the break.

O'Neill said: "We've got one point now and we're up and running, but I'm convinced we can and will get better although this was very encouraging.

"I'm actually disappointed to come away with just a point and the players are disappointed too.

"We were playing away from home against a Newcastle side very buoyant from last week, but I thought we were the better side. I thought for a split second that Nigel Reo-Coker had scored but the goalkeeper made a fantastic save.

"I thought we bossed it but at 0-0 there was always a chance of a goal going in, but we defended very strongly and when we had the ball I thought we kept it.

"We had a lot of possession, and yes, deep down I am disappointed."

Not too many chances arrived for either side after the break, although Reo-Coker came closest.

"I actually thought that our second half performance was really good," said O'Neill. "I thought there was a 10-15 minute spell when we were picking up the second ball."

Laursen deserved to earn the plaudits of his manager after a giant performance at the back.

"I thought Martin Laursen was absolutely outstanding for us," O'Neill said. "Martin was fantastic at the back, and probably should have scored in the first-half and was unlucky with his header.

"He headed everything, and in everything that was asked of him he was terrific, so was Olof Mellberg - the whole team were really good. I was delighted with the effort and the energy - particularly the younger boys.

"I genuinely think we should have won the game. If you look at the balance of play, we definitely shaded it."