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Pardew insists disallowed goals will give Newcastle fire in their belly for Metalist return leg
Papiss Cisse saw two goals questionably ruled out for offside in Thursday's goalless draw, decisions their manager insists his side will use for motivation in Ukraine
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Papiss Cisse saw two efforts ruled out either side of half-time, the first after Moussa Sissoko was adjudged to be offside, while the Senegal striker himself was penalised in the second 45, with television replays showing both decisions to be questionable.
However, Pardew refused to blame the officials as Newcastle earned a 0-0 home draw, and has called on his player to travel to Ukraine with "fire in your belly".
"Both goals were goals. You see the replays and you can see that," Pardew told reporters after the game.
"The first one I was a little undecided, but the second was a definite goal, and that was tough to take, because in these games the margins are the difference, and the benefit on those lines are meant to be for the striker.
"That's the rule. Both decisions were level. [However] I thought the referee was excellent tonight. The two decisions were the linesman's call.
"When you get decisions like that go against you it puts fire in your belly. We've come off the pitch tonight very, very disappointed."
The night marked another frustrating evening for Cisse in front of goal, who, despite seeing two of his efforts ruled out, also missed a host of chances to earn victory. However, Pardew is confident the striker is close to finding his fantastic form from last season.
"He hasn't seen the replays [of the disallowed goals] yet, and I think that could hinder his sleep somewhat," Pardew joked.
"He looks sharp and keeps getting in there. The last three or four games he's had more chances than he has all season, and Sissoko, who was absolutely brilliant again, is opening up space for him.
"I think all strikers feel a lot better when they score, and I think when he looks back and sees them, they'll put fire in his belly. He's a natural finisher, and he was very unlucky not to score tonight."
The ex-Southampton boss was also full of praise for their Ukrainian opponents, and is anticipating a difficult match in next week's return leg, while also looking ahead to entertaining his former side at St. James' Park the following weekend.
"They were itching for a game and they played with enthusiasm, and they played well, for long periods of the game. But I don't think my team could have played much better and we should have won the game today.
"The more I saw of them, I knew they were a very, very good side. They'll be a tough nut to crack in these two legs.
"We were never going to win 3-0, we were either going to earn a slender lead or in this case, no goals. A score draw takes us through, so that's good. Our best moments came on the break, and I think that will be a big part of the second leg.
"We won't want to lose the second leg, and we won't want to lose against Southampton. We'll look at the squad and make sure we put out the right team for that game and the right team for Southampton."
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