Ninety-six seconds later, Manchester United took the lead. From a free kick just inside their own half, Beckham passed to Scholes, who gave it back to David May; May passed forwards to Andy Cole, who turned away from Dabizas and Hamann before aiming a pass towards Giggs on the left wing, only to find Sheringham in the ball's path. Sheringham played the ball delicately past Lee, who had come in for a tackle, then through the legs of Speed to Scholes, who feinted to shoot, only to pass the ball back to Sheringham, who had continued his run into the penalty area, and his shot went through Harper's legs into the net for the opening goal. Further chances fell to Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Cole and Sheringham in the first half, but all were unable to convert their efforts. Newcastle's best chance of the half fell to Hamann, a powerfully hit long-range shot just being diverted away from goal by Schmeichel.