Bianchi sends City through

Sven-Goran Eriksson's most expensive purchase as Manchester City manager spared his embarrassment at Bristol City as the Blues squeezed into the Carling Cup third round with a 2-1 win.

Italian striker Rolando Bianchi was the City hero, lashing home from 20 yards to give the Blues victory.

The win was totally deserved and should have been achieved without the late fright Bradley Orr provided Eriksson with when he levelled Emile Mpenza's first-half opener.

But Bianchi's name figured prominently in a list of missed City chances, and a nervy ending would have been given a dramatic injury-time twist had Mark McIndoe's cheeky back-heel not correctly been ruled out for offside.

Michael Owen ended his 20-month wait for a Newcastle goal as the Magpies finally saw off stubborn Barnsley with a 2-0 win.

The 27-year-old England international struck 12 minutes after the break, finding the net in a competitive game for his club for the first time since December 17, 2005.

Owen departed to warm applause seven minutes from time when he was replaced by Obafemi Martins, who wrapped up the victory three minutes later with a smart volley.

South Korean striker Dong Gook Lee finally grabbed his first Middlesbrough goal as the 2004 winners rode their luck against Northampton to book their place in the Carling Cup third round with a 2-0 win.

Lee drove home a powerful low shot from the edge of the box in the 66th minute to wrap up victory for Gareth Southgate's men after Fabio Rochemback's free-kick had broken the deadlock.

But it could have been a different story for spluttering Boro had the bright Coca-Cola League One outfit capitalised on early chances, the best of which saw Ian Henderson's diving header hit the post.