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The Magpies were much the better side in the opening exchanges as the Bluebirds failed to hold on to the ball and create any openings.
The visitors won a number of corners and they profited in the 18th minute when David Marshall failed to clear a cross from Ryan Taylor and Coloccini headed in from close range.
Gavin Rae and Joe Ledley were struggling in midfield against a Newcastle side with skipper Alan Smith, Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton gaining a lot of possession and it was midway through the half before City won their first corner after Jay Bothroyd's shot was deflected wide.
When they did break through in the 26th minute, Michael Chopra crossed into the danger area but Gavin Rae scooped his shot over the bar.
The Bluebirds improved as the half drew to a close but they still failed to make use of the flanks where Chris Burke in particular had the beating of his full back.
Five minutes after the break, Chopra raced through and passed inside to Bothroyd but Steve Harper was out quickly to clear the danger.
Newcastle brought on Peter Lovenkrands for Danny Guthrie in the 61st minute as they went looking for a second goal to seal the victory.
City countered with Kelvin Etuhu replacing the largely ineffective Peter Whittingham and he brought the crowd to their feet with a strong run down the left but the visitors were defending in numbers and the ball was cleared.
A header by Bothroyd from Burke's free kick flashed just wide of Harper's far post as the Bluebirds mounted an attack but Newcastle responded by trying to close out the match by putting on Nicky Butt for the last 15 minutes.
Smith received a second yellow card in the 90th minute to leave the Magpies playing out stoppage time with only ten men but the Bluebirds were unable to get back on terms.
External Reports
Cardiff City Official Website
The Telegraph
The Guardian
South Wales Echo