Clark’s dangerous Terriers eventually put doon by Toon.

Posted on August 27th, 2009 | 7 Comments |

Nee Stevie Tayla, not even on the bench was the word when the teams trotted out, though the also absent Collocini received less mention, despite a decent performance last time out. The crowd sounded in fairly good voice anyway, despite the stadium being half empty. I was looking forward to having a look at Kadar again, in what was to be his debut start, along with wor Kazenga LuaLua. The much anticiapted young Slovenian destroyer, Haris Vuckic, who was rumoured to be playing a role tonight, was only on the bench though apparently. On a gossipy note, the latest ownership candidates, Barry Moat and latecoming Uncle Fester-a-like, Graham Sheard, didn’t seem to be in attendance this evening.

Nolan and Guthrie did the honours at the kick-off, and it was Great start for wor lads, some great attacking play straight out the blocks with some good work by Lua Lua down the flanks, a very nice run, then a shot, soon followed by another decent chance by Ranger which the ‘Udders had to fend off. Guthrie had a very good chance at around the quarter hour point when Enrique banged in a cross, however his connection was poor or non-exitent.

Things seemed to calm down a bit though, and though Toon remained on top generally, it was definitely a game. There were another two chances, both for Geremi, with one attempt being a little disappointing perhaps. Then, wahey! Huddersfield strike a ball into the crowd, and none other than John Gibson heads the ball back with some aplomb.

Rumours were circulating on the Geordie grapevine that Tottenham have promised two loan players as part of the Bassong deal including, possibly, Gareth Bale. And then, wahey! an excellent, well placed goal from Danny Guthrie, who picked up tempting loose ball in the Huddersfield half. But then, catastrophe! Two goals followed in fairly quick succession, followed by another very good chance for the Yorkshire Terriers, which fortunately went wide.

As I have warned in previous match reports, Newcastle United seem to be basking too much in the afterglow of goals, losing concentration instead of getting on and imediately the advantage, and so it happened here. Seconds after the restart, Hudderfield just seemed to get an easy goal, before Newcastle seemed to have got started really. Joe Harvey would have been livid, and I hope Hughton keeps giving them a Mike Bassett style talking to every time they do it, because it’s a definitely a bit of an achilles heel at the moment.

Then, to rub the salt in, Huddersfield are then promptly awarded a penalty when Krul made contact with Hudderfield’s Robinson, who proceeded to bang the penalty in despite a correct guess from Krul. 2-1. Though some might say that Krul may have been slightly lucky to stay on the pitch (he received a yellow card instead) many were arguing that it was a beautiful dive from the Huddersfield striker.

The Terrier’s rabid assault continued as well, as Krul had to make a very good stop to deny Jordan Rhodes as the half time interval looms.

Shola comes on after the half-time interval, however the madness continues, and Newcastle conceed yet another goal, then Newcastle bang one back in with Geremi slotting a decent finish past the ‘Udder’s keeper. I could hardly keep up, feeling the need for a stiff dose of smelling salts and a nurse by this stage! Unfortunately, neither were on hand. Meanwhile, the atmosphere starts to go a little off key in the stands.

A mazy litle run by Shola, followed by a half chance on goal, then a headed chance from Geremi (high and wide) rallied the spirits a little. Then Jonas comes on, then a Newcastle penalty, which Shola converts! 3-3.

Jonas show a bit more class with one on his gangly little runs again, then it looks like Ranger knacks his leg, but he seems ok eventually. Newcastle keep pushing, trying to force a winner to avoid extra time, one highlight being an excellent run by Enrique, topped off with a good cross rolling through the box temptingly with no connection.

Then it’s time to celebrate salvation with a timely goal from Nolan. After 84 minutes, an Ameobi header once again flew across the goal, very closely this time, and the Scouse hitman made no mistake because he was so close, that would have been virtually impossible.

But it isn’t over quite yet. Shola’s off and Vuckic eventually gets his run out at the death. But it’s a slow death, more wounded, more injury time, and then, after what seemed like forever, it’s all over. I needed a lie down to recover from that one, however I didn’t get one with the long journey ahead.

Match facts:

Newcastle United: Krul, R Taylor, Simpson, Kadar, Enrique, Geremi, Butt (Ameobi, 46. Ameobi then subbed by Vuckic, 90), Guthrie, Nolan, LuaLua (Gutierrez, 65), Ranger.

Subs: Harper, Smith, Jonas, Ameobi, Tozer, Donaldson, Vuckic.

Huddersfield Town: Smithies, Peltier (Berrett, 57), Skarz, Collins, Clarke, Kay, Robinson, Rhodes (Simpson, 88), Butler, Pilkington, Drinkwater (Ainsworth,80).

Yellow cards: Krul, Pilkington, Butler, Skarz, Berrett.

Crowd: 23,815.

Referee: Tony Bates.

NUFCBlog Author: workyticket workyticket has written 1096 articles on this blog.

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