All,
for those of you unable to attend games at Gallowgate for whatever reason here is my last home match account for this season, including personal thoughts as a Newcastle supporter as the day’s events unfolded both outside and inside St James Park.
This fixture was always going to be special as it had several ingredients not usually associated with attending Sunday devotions at the Cathedral on the hill known to the faithful as St James Park. Firstly, on my way into the Toon I had the pleasure of meeting a fellow Mag that had followed the club since 1948. Always enjoy talking to those who have seen us win something. Mainly because many appear to me to be quite humble about our past success rather than the rest of us who are simply craving for something to crow about. To be honest I could have listened to him recount his memories all day and not got bored. The players, supporters, games and legends witnessed. Not convinced my ramblings to any future generations willing to listen will have quite the same impact. Secondly, was the small matter of a pre match training session with Canny, Fairsy, Capt’n M and the DogMan...Broon for his first ever game at SJP. Thirdly, the prospect of Citeh wanting to not only put one over us and do the only possible double left, but more importantly take a huge step towards securing the title from under the red nose of Fergie and his mob across in Madchester. As I eventually crossed the Tyne Bridge into Newcastle, I thought to myself it’s going to be a good day no matter what the outcome.
Shortly afterwards I joined fellow supporters at my usual pre match watering hole. Imagine a scene from the new Marvel Avengers Movie…...only now renamed NUFC Renegades Assembled. There they were….Fairsy (Thor), he may not be actually Norwegian but he is a God among Headhunters. Capt’n M (Captain America), doesn’t have a shield, but is man enough to take on any crank in the world of F1. Cannyman (Iron Man), international playboy and all round sound guy, even if vertically challenged with a dodgy knee and even dodgier ponytail. Broon (Hulk), a bear of a man who may not turn green when upset, but with a great sense of camaraderie and humour to match his stature. Not sure where I fit in, however expect they will think of something to get their own back…probably more negative Karma.
I’m sure we did talk about our hopes and expectations for the game, however to be honest most recall of that is a bit hazy to say the least. Hardly surprising as Fairsy was running on Norwegian time so had arrived an hour earlier than agreed. Broon had two watches just in case he forgot which Time zone he was in, Eshington or Bedlington! Capt’n M, meanwhile recovering gradually from his trip up the Motorway had a permanent grin. Whether from the journey or the beer remains a mystery. While Canny resolutely filled his injured leg up with various ales in an attempt to kill the pain. Regrettably, Marlene, Roma, Polly, Seb and Leazes were unable to be there in person; however, all had sent their regards or were there in spirit. Shadow and Banshee would arrive after the match had concluded.
In the name of international harmony between The Geordie Nation and elsewhere there was an exchange of gifts however, Broon presented with a book on local dialect kindly donated by Leazes to assist with his understanding of what the rest of us were ta’kin aboot! In return our Philly Mag issuing the Order of the Waldo…...a black T-shirt from the famous establishment in Scranton, PA.
Following a quick set of further introductions as Jazz, Ann1 and Skint turned up and with the clock running down towards kick off the assembled gathering finally decided to head up to the ground.
One further memorable pre match moment occurred just before we gained entry into SJP when I gave Broon my Blue Star badge. It just felt right and I was happy to do it…. Now I have to try to obtain a few more, including a replacement for me, which could be a challenge. Once inside the ground and with the lads sorted in their seats in the East Stand, I made my way to my own regular spot. Just in time to hear Graeme Danby blast out a rendition of The Blaydon Races, to set the scene before the teams arrived on the pitch.
APee had decided to name the same team that faced Chelski in midweek with James Perch again stepping in for Danny Simpson who was out injured. With the noise, level raising the game kicked off with Newcastle attacking the Leazes End. As expected from a game with a lot, riding on the result for both sides it was a cautious start. The respective teams’ midfield attempts to gain early domination only resulted in them cancelling each other out. Meantime both sets of defenders were also coming out well on top of the attacking players in any exchanges thus setting the tone for the first half. Barry and Toure appeared to be sitting deep in front of the Citeh back four almost inviting Cabaye to try to play through them. That proved a difficult task for the Toons French maestro. Not that he was assisted much by either Jonas who just didn’t look like getting involved much as he defended against Nasri or Tiote who had received an early Yellow from Howard Webb for not much more than a push. All in all very much a case of cut and thrust without too much real penetration by either side. The Toons strike force of Ba and Cisse were not getting much joy out of Kompany and Lescott with the two Citeh men making it a very physical confrontation. Far too many high balls punted up to the Senegalese pair playing to the defenders strengths rather than our forwards. Ben Arfa being the pick of the front three for me with his movement, yet also not quite able to create something due to the close attentions of Clichy on the left and Zabaleta on the right. Although Ben Arfa did eventually manage to test keeper Hart in the Citeh goal with the England international producing a good block to prevent the home side from opening the scoring. As the half proceeded, the game slowed considerably with Citeh retaining more and more of the ball however, despite probing runs and clever movement from Silva neither Tevez nor Aguero ever looked like making it count in the final third. The nearest Citeh came to scoring being a Barry effort that Santon cleared from in front of goal with Krul beaten. With neither side having been able to break the deadlock, it was almost a relief when Howard Webb finally blew his whistle to end the first half. That said in my opinion his fussy officiating and the sometimes dubious decision making of both assistants had not helped the game flow much and probably suited Citeh with their approach far more than The Toon.
The Half Time break included a quick chat with Canny and co, and a story involving Pies…..If you want to know more best ask one of the terrible trio to explain the details.
As the second half got underway with Citeh now attacking the Leazes End where their supporters were housed the game was very much in the balance. The conversation around me among those I sit with on a regular basis was very much about how the pattern of the game might be changed. That said it was easier to see what Mancini would do with his bench full of talent costing millions than what APee could try to mix it up as the game settled into much the same kind of thing as the first half had produced. One thing for sure whoever scored first would receive a huge lift and probably go on to win the game or at least not lose.
Newcastle as they have done for the majority of the season continued to work hard although on this occasion without ever getting a break or creating a golden chance to score. As the clock reached the hour mark, the Italian Mancini made a crucial move. He withdrew Nasri for De Jong to a torrent of boos for the incoming player followed by further chants from the Toon Army in support of Ben Arfa. With the introduction of De Jong, YaYa Toure now moved forward to support Silva. The Ivorian is an awesome player and I guess it’s like most things you have to pay the going rate (around £25M from Barcelona no less in 2010) to get the quality he provides. The final twenty minutes of this game was simply all about Toure.
Citeh having pressed Newcastle back with a sustained period of pressure opened the scoring on seventy minutes with what may have looked like a soft goal yet for me only highlighted the quality of a great player. An exchange of passes between De Jong, Aguero and then Toure just outside the box before the midfielder sublimely curled the ball to the left hand side of Tim Krul in the Newcastle goal giving the big keeper no chance. That goal knocking some of the stuffing out of what up until then had been a very spirited Toon side. There then followed a quick succession of substitutions by APee to try to save the game. Despite this throw of the dice from The Toon, that man Toure continued to be at the heart of everything, almost getting another with a header. Then setting up another chance for Citeh’s second only for Aguero to put it past the post when really he should have scored. Not satisfied with that he had another golden opportunity to seal the game, however slipped at a crucial moment as Krul came out to meet him, Aguero missing the follow up when again he should have hit the target. At the other end Newcastle pushed for an equaliser with Ba, Cisse, Ben Arfa and Stroller all going close, but the title challengers defence stayed strong.
Then finally, the killer blow as Citeh charged forward following an interception when a pass looked to have just failed to reach Cabaye. The ball finally put out wide to Clichy on the left who then put it through the legs of Santon to a waiting Toure. The Citeh man crashing the ball past Krul for his second and effectively ensuring it was game over with all three points going to a team that may well end up winning the title. It was not the result I had hoped for but still in football terms a breathtaking finale to a memorable season.
With the final whistle blown, all that remained was to give thanks to the manager and players for a great effort that has taken NUFC back into Europe next season. Whether that is Champions League or Europa is actually still to be determined however, it’s been a campaign that has exceeded most if not all the expectations any Magpie supporter could have had before it kicked off last August. Somewhat sad in a way it’s all over…
Positives...the Manager and side have done themselves and us proud more than they have let us down. Many of those involved have proven themselves capable of reaching levels even they may have doubted possible... I know at times I did not think they had that in them so on that basis alone plaudits from me go to Guthrie, Obertan, Perch, Simpson, Raylor, and Williamson for simply sticking at it despite some dodgy moments. As always, the support for The Toon just beggars belief… In addition, The Toon Army will be back making a noise in Europe.
Negatives…Yeah there are some as NUFC lost another final home game of the season, but they are probably best put aside for another day.
Next up is the final game of the season away to Everton next Sunday 13th May with a 3pm kick off. Anyone fancy there may be another twist left in the tail to this amazing season...
CWL
.....an evil man,,,,,
I've seen Newcastle United win silverware!