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Fri 03 Mar 2007Newcastle take controlSOCCER/Uefa Cup Round of 16, first leg/Newcastle 4 Alkmaar 2: It is stating the obvious to say that Newcastle United would gladly have taken this scoreline if offered it before kick-off. But having seen the limitations of AZ Alkmaar at close quarters Newcastle were left wondering last night how they could be so clearly superior and yet concede two goals that give the Dutchmen hope if not expectation in the second leg next Thursday.Three up inside 23 minutes, then 4-1 up in 37, Newcastle were cruising until a 72nd-minute penalty award gave Alkmaar the chance of a precious second goal. Danny Koevermans made it two from a rebound and, with Obafemi Martins then missing a glorious opportunity eight minutes from time, the balance of the tie had tilted back towards AZ.