Derby Day Demolition

Newcastle United came out on top of the Tyne-Tees derby thanks to goals from Marlon Harewood and Shola Ameobi.

The Toon opened up a 10 point gap at the top of the table with the victory over their North East rivals Middlesbrough.

The game wasn't the most exciting, but the Geordies did play some good stuff, the partnership of Jonas Gutierrez and Jose Enrique down the left was quite impressive as they tore open the Boro defence at will.

On paper the Teesiders have a few quality players with the likes of Leroy Lita, Dave Kitson and Gary O'Neill who have all played their trade in the top tier at some point.

However none were able to impose themselves on the game and caused little trouble for a solid United defence, who kept their 14th clean sheet of the season.

Harewood bundled the ball in to the net, as Boro keeper Brad Jones made a mess of collecting the ball from a Newcastle free kick.

Middlesbrough should have equalised when Isaiah Osbourne's shot was blocked on the line by Steven Taylor's arm. The ref failed to spot it and the Geordie defender got away with it.

United's second was a simple header by Ameobi, though the cross for the goal was a sublime one by Danny Guthrie.

Top of the table and bragging rights, what more could you want for Christmas.

Chants of the Day

Here are some of the best chants I heard at the match between Newcastle United and Middlesbrough at the sportsdirect@St James' Park

Newcastle Fans:
"feed the boro, let them know its Christmas time"
(along to band aid tune)

"your going down on your sister"

"duh duh duh duh, F**k the boro"

"paedo,paedo,paedo"

"dirty smoggies, dirty smoggies, dirty smoggies"

"what's it like to taste fresh air"


Middlesbrough Fans:
"there is only one Mike Ashley, one Mike Ashley"

"come on you reds"

and that was about it from them.

Middlesbrough Preview

Time for the Tyne-Tees derby, where the victor will claim bragging rights, just in time for Christmas.

Newcastle are sitting happy at the top and look on course to go straight back up at the first attempt, whilst Middlesbrough are struggling to cope since being relegated from the Premier League.

I'm attending tomorrow's game at St. James' Park as a neutral, I'm hoping for a good game of football which I witnessed when I attended this same fixture last year.

Although the rivalry is not the biggest in the North East, it still counts and the fans will turn out in force to prove that.

Boro lie 14th in the table, but don't let that fool you, they perform well away from home and tend to score quite a few goals on their travels.

Also they now have Gordon Strachan in charge and perhaps he hasn't changed the teams fortunes much since he arrived, but don't forget he has plenty of experience in one of the biggest derbies in the world, the Old Firm.

Geordie striker Andy Carroll is suspended for the game after picking up five yellow cards this season.

Danny Guthrie is scheduled to return and the Toon should be at near enough full strength, Joey Barton apart. Plus left back Jose Enrique will hope to keep up his good form as he picks up his November player of the month award before kick off.

The Teesiders have a few injury worries before the big match, Adam Johnson, Jeremie Aliadiere, Didier Digard, Seb Hines and Chris Riggott are all out. And with defender Sean St Ledger ending his loan spell and returning to Preston, Strachan will have to reshape his team.

One interesting point for the Smoggies is that striker Dave Kitson has never featured in a derby game and with the form he is in, the big ginger fellow is one to watch.

World Cup Bid

It was announced this week that both the Sunderland and the Newcastle/Gateshead bids to be a host city for the 2018/2022 World Cup were successful.

If England's campaign to stage one of the future World Cups is accepted then we could see some of the World's greatest talent brace the North East and play in either St. James' Park or the Stadium of Light.

This is fantastic news and I sincerely hope it goes ahead, our region is so passionate about sport and football in particular, so what better way to celebrate it than stage World Cup games.

A Draw is not a Bad Result

The winning run had to come to an end at some point and fortunately it came in the form of a draw away from home.

A point at Oakwell is not a bad result with all things considered as they have really turned the corner under the stewardship of Mark Robins.

The real disappointment about the outcome was that twice United took the lead and failed to hold as Barnsley finally equalised in the 87th minute.

Manager Chris Hughton made several changes to his side, admitting that he needed to keep his squad fresh for the Christmas run in.

His selection was proved decisive as Kevin Nolan returned from suspension to give the Magpies the lead with a delicate finish past keeper Luke Steele.

The Tykes drew level early in the second half through Emil Hallfredsson before on loan striker Marlon Harewood restored the Toon's lead.

However it wasn't enough as the robust Barnsley fought back and grabbed a share of the spoils when Bobby Hassell headed home from a corner.

A small slip in Newcastle's surge to the top but still a point gained and what a point it could prove to be come the end of the season.

Barnsley Preview

Chris Hughton has a bit of a selection headache for the trip to Barnsley, however I think it's a one that he will welcome.

The selection dilemma comes as he has so many forwards to choose from who have all been scoring in recent weeks.

Shola Ameobi returned from injury against Coventry in midweek and scored the opener. Nile Ranger grabbed his first league goal for the club in the same game. Andy Carroll has been ever present and has provided some vital strikes for the campaign so far, whilst the partnership of Peter Lovenkrands and Marlon Harewood has helped destroy a number of defences.

The ex-Spurs coach may decide to freshen things up following a tough encounter against the Sky Blues recently and Barnsley are another difficult team to play under boss Mark Robins.

The Tykes have already claimed six points against the two teams chasing United, in West Brom and Cardiff at Oakwell. Therefore it is a game the Geordies should not take lightly, especially as the Toon Army following of 7000 fans will be there to cheer them on.

Barnsley have a number of players hoping to return for the big clash. Skipper Stephen Foster, Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Emil Hallfredsson and once Sunderland striker Andy Gray should all be fit.

Newcastle last played Barnsley in 2007 in the Carling Cup, the Magpies won 2-0 and there was five players involved who are likely to compete again tomorrow.

Sky Blue's the limit for Newcastle Championship Charge

Not quite 'the Entertainers' under Kevin Keegan, but the current crop of Newcastle's squad have equalled one of their records with seven consecutive victories.

Though I don't think many will be rushing to proclaim manager Chris Hughton as the next 'Messiah', it must be said again that he is doing a wonderful job and looks set to guide the Geordies back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Last night's win over Coventry has now opened up a seven point gap between United and second placed West Brom, so it is all in Newcastle's hands if they are to complete their main objective.

A terrific away following of 3,937 fans witnessed this remarkable achievement and were in good voice to boost their team forward.

The biggest cheer erupted when Shola Ameobi, starting upfront after returning from injury, showed a lovely bit of quality and opened the scoring. The striker gained control of the ball in the box before turning his defender and firing past Cov keeper Kieren Westwood.

The Sky Blue's did have their chances, twice they hit the woodwork in quick succession and Toon keeper Steve Harper had to be alert as he made a low save from Republic of Ireland striker Leon Best.

However all three points were wrapped up when youngster Nile Ranger came off the bench and tapped in following good work by left back Jose Enrique. It was the forwards first professional goal in the league and he will be hoping to add to it sooner rather than later.

The Newcastle Championship charge continues as they look to smash the victory record and set their own.

Coventry Preview

Games are coming thick and fast in the Championship as the festive period is under way. It's the time when Newcastle United must prove their mettle and show that they can handle the pressure at the top.

A Wednesday night trip to the Ricoh arena is the next test, with United looking to keep up their impressive form against a struggling Coventry City.

The magpies have an opportunity to extend their lead to seven points as fortunately for them second placed West Brom were beaten by Cardiff City last night.

United will have to do it without the suspended Kevin Nolan after he was sent off in the match against Watford. The midfielder is likely to be replaced by fit again Nicky Butt.

Another option would be to give winger Fabrice Pancrate his first start in black and white, following his tremendous goal at the weekend. Though manager Chris Hughton may just decide to ease the Frenchman in, planning for a busy schedule ahead.

Striker Andy Carroll may have damaged his chances of getting back into the starting line-up due to being arrested late on Sunday night for apparently fighting in a city centre nightclub.

Coventry have a number of injury worries to deal with. Full back Marcus Hall who only just returned from a long spell on the sidelines aggravated a calf problem in the Sky Blues recent loss to Scunthorpe.

Ben Turner and Sammy Clingan are not yet ready to return to action, plus Isaac Osbourne has another few weeks out of the squad.

Former Sunderland defender and Cov captain Stephen Wright is suspended.

Out of 66 meetings between the two clubs since 1936, Newcastle have won 32 of them and tonight look like making it 33.

Wey Aye

cracking start to the festive period

On the fifth day of Christmas the Toon Army asked me, "can we have three points and plenty of goals please?"

Well the attendance of 43,050 got that, plus more as West Brom dropped points it meant that Newcastle have opened up a four point lead at the top of the table and are 10 points clear of third placed Nottingham Forest.

The new deadly duo of Marlon Harewood and Peter Lovenkrands worked the opening for United, with the latter tapping in from close range following a poor back pass from Watford defender Craig Cathcart.

Things weren't always going Newcastle's way though when midfielder Kevin Nolan was sent off for collecting two yellow cards early in the second half. This gave Watford belief in pushing on for an equaliser. They created a number of good chances but the black and white defence stood firm to claim their 11th clean sheet so far this season.

It's this sort of strength and determination in defence which is the foundation that United have built their season upon and that should lead them to promotion. With a near enough fully fit squad, the Geordies had a lot of options from the bench to help determine the games outcome.

The substitutions against Watford all played a part, Andy Carroll offered direction and enthusiasm upfront, a physical presence to keep a hold of the ball, whilst Nicky Butt provided more protection for the defence as he used his experience to help steady the ship from Nolan's sending off. Then there is new boy Fabrice Pancrate, his pace and trickery made sure that Watford were open to the counter attack, and boy did it work. Pancrate ensured the win in the 83rd minute when he turned two Watford defenders in the box and unleashed a ferocious shot in to the roof of the net.

It was a cracking strike, it proved why Chris Hughton took a gamble and signed the Frenchman. Hughton has received constant praise this term for guiding Newcastle to the top, he picked up the November manager of the month award, his third so far. With signings and substitutions like that I can see him winning many more awards over the next couple of months.

Watford Preview

On the fifth day of Christmas the Toon Army asked me, "can we have three points and plenty of goals please?"

Well after last weeks performance this could happen. Through the week United manager Chris Hughton has suggested that he may stick with the front pairing of Marlon Harewood and Peter Lovenkrands, who scored the goals to tare Swansea City apart.

This new partnership (although not first choice to many fans) did the business last week and their styles of play seemed to compliment each other, so it may just work again against a play-off chasing Watford side.

Hughton will have options from the bench as he welcomes back Shola Ameobi and Andy Carroll who have been out with a foot problem and illness respectively. Plus young striker Nile Ranger may play some part as United have a busy week ahead with trips to Coventry and Barnsley following the Watford game.

Newcastle's treatment room is starting to empty, with the likes of Nicky Butt and Steve Harper recovering well in time for the home clash against the Hornets. Only midfielder Joey Barton is a long-term absentee, which bolds well for a tough festive period.

Newcastle will have to look out for Watford's on loan Manchester United star Tom Cleverly, whom the Geordies have recently been linked with. The young midfielder has scored six goals so far in the league this season and has produced some fantastic performances to help get the Golden Boys up to 9th place.

Watford a club in financial trouble have midfielder Don Cowie back in their squad and defender Jay DeMerit has been training this week but the game could come to soon for him. Manager Malky Mackay may choose to switch his team around after losing 3-0 to Crystal Palace last time out.

I get what I want

Ask and you shall receive, this was the case for Chris Hughton as his Newcastle side ended Swansea City's 11 game unbeaten run.

Hughton wanted a strong start from his side as they looked to carry on their good form and push for promotion.

The United manager said,"I asked for a high-tempo start and after half an hour I was delighted - I couldn't have asked for any more.

"To get three goals in that period was tremendous and it has won us the game.

"It would have been nice to add a couple more, of course, but take nothing away from Swansea, they're a side in form and we were never going to get it all our own way.

"All we can do is continue to do what we are doing and be hopeful that the other results go for us."

The goals flowed for the new forward partnership of Marlon Harewood and Peter Lovenkrands, who were brought in due to injuries to Shola Ameobi and Andy Carroll.

Harewood broke the deadlock when he headed in from a well worked United corner, before Lovenkrands doubled the lead as he rose high between the Swansea defence, to score his first goal since his return to the club in September. Harewood on loan from Aston Villa completed the scoring after 28 minutes, again heading in, this time a cross from his strike partner.

Steve Harper made a couple of decent saves in the first half, chances caused due to sloppy passing from his midfield. However he was replaced at half time by young Dutch keeper Tim Krul, since he was complaining of back ache.

So another comfortable victory for the Toon as they stay top of the league.

FA Cup Third round draw

Sunderland have been draw at home to face either Oxford United or Barrow.

Whilst Newcastle United will make the long journey south to face Plymouth Argyle.

Ties to be played over the weekend of 2/3 January

Swansea Preview

It is time to welcome the Welsh up North and across the Tyne. As Newcastle United return home to host Swansea City.

Many fans might think that with being at home and sitting top of the league, this will be an easy game. Well that sort of attitude can quickly undo all of the hard work that has gone on so far, which is why manager Chris Hughton is giving no such impression.

CH has constantly praised his team this season and quite rightly as they have battled away in each match, when behind the scenes the club has been through turmoil. He has kept their focus and drive to try to gain promotion at the first attempt.

I think that Newcastle will take another step in that direction tomorrow, but it won't be all plain sailing. Swansea sit fourth in the league, not far behind the black and white leaders, and this is for good reason. The Swans are unbeaten in 11 games and currently the in-form team of the Championship. So far in this campaign they have kept 10 clean sheets, with half of those games finishing 0-0.

These sort of stats are why I predict a frustrating afternoon at St. James' Park, both teams will probably cancel each other out and both goalkeepers may get a little bored. Unless Newcastle strike early on and force the opposition to chase the game, that is when players like Jonas Gutierrez and perhaps Fabrice Pancrate can really exploit the space available and seal a comfortable victory.

Andy Carroll and Danny Simpson are both minor doubts after coming off on Monday night’s game against Preston, with illness and a thigh problem respectively. Zurab Khizanishvili is available after serving a three game ban whilst Pancrate may be given his chance to impress.

City captain Garry Monk could be missing with a leg injury, along with Mark Gower and Stephen Dobbie. Loan signing David Cotterill will be hoping to make an immediate impact in order to turn his move into a permanent one come January.
Back to the traditional time of 3pm kick off. Enjoy

It's Results that Matter

Newcastle grinded out another three points against a testing Preston team, with a performance which I would best describe as functional.

Kevin Nolan popped up with another goal late in the game to regain Newcastle's place at the top of the Championship. Kev is indeed proving to be a valuable member of the United squad, scoring vital goals in tight games which are part of the reasons why Newcastle are leading the way for promotion.

Nolan and his central midfield partner Alan Smith epitomised the black and white work ethic, providing a strong shield to the united defence. They hardly allowed Preston's midfield to gain space and try to create anything, which is why they resorted to firing long balls up to the physical forwards Chris Brown, Neil Mellor and later Jon "the beast" Parkin.

United were similar in style, with Andy Carroll again a good target in which they could build upon, however they took their chance that made all the difference. Each player is doing his job and doing what is necessary in a professional manner.

This approach may not be too appealing to the Toon faithful who crave to see the same flair as years gone by, but at least they are winning games and still on course to go straight back in to the Premier League.

Newcastle are lacking pace and creativity, someone who can put their foot on the ball, dictate games and carve the opposition open, a complete and talented midfielder. New signing Fabrice Pancrate may play some part in filling that role and he may get the opportunity rather soon as Peter Lovenkrands has failed to show the same form as last season and Danny Guthrie looked nervous against North End, as if he wasn’t up to the challenge of competing for a place.

It may not have been an overly exciting and entertaining game, with limited chances and very little attacking quality, but Newcastle United carry on winning and are top of the table with two points to spare.

Courtesy of your friendly neighbourhood Spiderman

Spiderman finally opened his account in a black and white shirt, but failed to live up to his superhero status and soon departed on another adventure.

I'm talking about Newcastle winger Jonas Gutierrez who scored his first goal for the club against Peterborough. However instead of pleasing the crowd and revealing his famous celebration of wearing a Spiderman mask, he had to leave the pitch after picking up a knock. The injury ruled Gutierrez out of Argentina's friendly with Spain, but he was given permission by boss Chris Hugton to jet off and support his international colleagues, one of which was United defender Fabricio Coloccini.

Back to his club, Gutierrez set the ball rolling against the Posh with a silky and smooth run from the half way line, beating several defenders before curling in with a right foot shot.

Local lad Andy Carroll doubled the lead with a powerful header from a left wing corner. Before right back Danny Simpson, on loan from Manchester United, grabbed his first for the North East club when he cut inside and drove a left footed shot into the top corner.

Peterborough gained a consolation when Dean Keates knocked the ball past Steve Harper from close range, but Newcastle were never really in trouble and won their third game in a row to stay top of the Championship.

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton:
"We have got a totally-focused group of players who, from minute one, saw an opportunity for us to stay on top of the division, and very much took that opportunity.

"We have got used to getting on with the job. There are things we can't affect, but I am very lucky that I have got a group of players who are focused on one thing, and that's on staying where we are at the right end of the table with the ultimate aim of getting promotion.

"We are focused enough and it certainly hasn't taken anything away from the victory."

(quotes taken from bbc sport)

Peterborough preview

Sitting top of the league, Newcastle welcome Peterborough United to the newly-named, sportsdirect@ St James' Park, hoping they can gain another three points to firmly establish a lead in the Championship table.

Toon manager Chris Hughton looks set to welcome back defender Steven Taylor who has been out injured for a number of weeks with a hamstring injury. It proves a timely boost with Zurab Khizanishvili unavailable due to suspension.

Although after Newcastle's solid display in Sheffield on Monday night, they may not need Taylor so urgently. Young defender Tamas Kadar looked very comfortable alongside Argentine centre-back Fabricio Coloccini, the pair put in a strong performance against a physical Sheff Utd team. And I can't see Peterborough casing their black and white opposition too many problems, especially as they have only scored five goals away from home so far this season.

Shola Ameobi and Joey Barton are still long term absentee's for the magpies, whilst the Posh are missing striker Craig Mackail-Smith.

These two teams have already played each other once before this season, Darren Ferguson's Peterborough side were victorious with a 2-0 scoreline in the Carling Cup, but with Newcastle looking settled in the league with a steady line-up they will be favourites to win.

Toon fans get to the ground early, (no not in protest to the re branding of the stadium) it is to see Newcastle midfielder Kevin Nolan be presented with the Player of the Month award for October.

sportsdirect.com@St James' Park Stadium

Can owner Mike Ashley make any more of a mockery of Newcastle United?

Just as things are starting to settle on the pitch, with the appointment of Chris Hughton on a full-time basis bringing some stability to the team. As the players look focused and steady at the top of the Championship. Mr Ashley makes another decision which destroys another part of this fallen giant.

After recently taking the club off the market, again. Mike Ashley's latest announcement has angered the Toon Army further when he decided to change the name of St. James' Park. Many fans believe that the name of the stadium is a historic part of the club, a name which people from all over the world recognise and associate with Newcastle United. Yet Ashley has used this as a marketing opportunity by simply adding his other companies name to the stadium, just for an extra bit of publicity.

This may actually work in the club's favour, if Ashley's other business 'Sports Direct', the cheap sportswear retailer, increases their revenue, then he may decide on investing that money back into the club. Any extra cash should surely be given to Hughton to spend on players who could help push United to promotion.

But this is Mike Ashley we are talking about. Does he really have the club's future in his best interests? Or is he really just that greedy and want to make more money?

Whoever has future naming rights for the club should seriously consider naming a stand in tribute to the late, great Sir Bobby Robson.

Key Clash

Newcastle United claimed all three points at Bramall Lane thanks to a bit of luck, when Ryan Taylor's shot took a wicked deflection of Sheffield United defender Chris Morgan to find its way to the back of the net.

But it is young striker Andy Carroll who is getting most of the praise after the game for his strong and determined performance against Morgan, one of the hard men of the beautiful game.

The Blades captain has a mixed response from football fans all over the country, some refer to Morgan as an old school centre-back who plays to his strengths, he is strong, committed and tough in the tackle as he doesn't mind getting dirty. Which is what majority of people see him as, a dirty defender who is physical in an extreme way, many think that he basically just kicks people. Which is why he holds the record for being sent off the most times as a Shef Utd player!

However last night Carroll stood up to him and treated the defender to some of his own medicine, as he hassled and hurried him, mixing it up with his own physical presence. The lad from Gateshead almost scored a deserved goal, when he out jumped and muscled his way between three Sheffield defenders, only for his header to hit the post.

Late in the game that miss could have proved costly as the Yorkshire club pushed for an equaliser. Steve Harper was having none of that, he produced three fantastic saves to keep his clean sheet. He was adamant that he would not concede, perhaps he wanted to impress his mate Shay Given who was in the stands watching after years of being in the opposite position with Harps watching on.

Blades Preview

Newcastle have a tough fixture against Sheffield United tonight, an away game at Bramall Lane is always physical and Newcastle will have to match their oppositions efforts if they are to gain anything from the game.

The Toon could return to the top of the Championship tonight with a victory, whilst a draw would put them level on points with West Brom, who have a higher goal difference after the Albion demolished Watford 5-0 over the weekend.

Tonight's game is also the first for Chris Hughton as full-time manager, after owner Mike Ashley gave him the permanent position because he failed to sell the club. Hughton has done remarkably well so far this season as caretaker, he has been able to unite his players and get them performing as a team.

Many people would have loved for Alan Shearer to take over as manager at the start of the season, however after months of speculation it never occurred and so Hughton went on quietly to do a dignified job. Whether the ex-Spurs coach has the ability to lead Newcastle to promotion is on most people's minds, but he is now responsible for results, starting with tonight.

The Blades are faltering at the bottom half of the table but with Newcastle's recent poor away form, they will fancy their chances, so it is shaping up to be an interesting encounter on Sky.
What do you think the result will be?

Welcome

hi everyone, my name is Mark Maughan and I am creating this blog as part of a module in the course I am studying, Sports Journalism.

I am a Sunderland fan and therefore decided to base my blog around the team I am so passionate about, but with a twist. I really enjoy the derbies and miss them this season, so in order for the rivalry between Sunderland and Newcastle United fans to stay fierce and enjoy some banter, I have decided that I will post blogs which include issues and events from both clubs.

I appreciate that some people won't like the fact that I am a mackem, however I will try to have no bias toward any club as I want this site to be fun and enjoyable for Newcastle, Sunderland and all football fans.

I am looking at posting several blogs a week or whenever there is a major story regarding the teams published, so I hope that you will follow this blog and please feel free to add your opinions and comments. Or if you here of any other stories and would like them to be published send them to me at holawoodsy07@hotmail.co.uk
Thanks