Last Updated: Fri, 23 Nov 2012 11:45
Boss Alan Pardew was pleased to see Newcastle reach the knock-out stages of the Europa League, despite only drawing with Maritimo.
Newcastle booked their place in the last 32 of the tournament despite only picking up a point against the Portuguese outfit at St James' Park on Thursday night.
Sylvain Marveaux gave Pardew's men a first-half lead but were pegged back after the break as the visitors grabbed an equaliser on 78 minutes.
Pardew admits he is disappointed his side couldn't see off Maritimo, but insists that qualification is all that matters and is delighted to have guided Newcastle out of the group stages.
"We wanted to qualify, so we have done the job," he told the Chronicle.
"The last 20 minutes of the game, Maritimo had nothing to lose and we were poor in that period. I am not going to cloud over that."
He continued: "But I am delighted we are through. It's very important for us because up until that last 20 minutes, we have been excellent in this tournament, so I am not going to get carried away by that."
Newcastle are currently 12th in the Premier League table, having finished fifth last season, and have managed to pick up just one point from their last three games.
Pardew believes his side's European exploits are having an impact on their domestic form but the Newcastle boss hopes to end their winless streak at Southampton on Sunday.
He added: "Unfortunately, it's impacting on the Premier League and the Europa League at the minute.
"We are trying not to make too much of it and trying to get on with what we have got, but we know we are going to have to be a lot better on Sunday than we have been in the last three games."
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