Archive for tag: Newcastle v Birmingham match report.

Safe! Newcastle United v Birmingham City match report.

May 8th, 2011 | 13 Comments |

The turning point of the game...
The turning point of the game...
Although Newcastle United were looking pretty safe with 41 points with three games to go, I think it could be said that this was still an important match for the Magpies, not just in terms of ensuring safety beyond all doubt with a win, but also in terms of morale.

With some slightly disappointing late season from an injury ravaged team, and tough encounters with Chelsea and a resurgent West Brom to complete our Premiership season, a victory and a few more points against Birmingham’s ‘Bluenoses’ would be just what the doctor ordered as they move towards the close season break.

This match saw Newcastle United fielding almost exactly the same team as they did against Liverpool in their last game, a 3-0 defeat for the Magpies. The only exception was Steven Taylor, replacing the injured cantre back, Mike Williamson, who broke his arm in training.

After kick off, the first few minutes saw the Magpies probing, and elbowing in the case of Steven Taylor on Birmingham’s Cameron Jerome. Referee, Chris Foy, seemed to be looking kindly on Newcastle’s seeming transgressions though, as he did when Birmingham appealed for a penalty after around ten minutes. It looked like a handball from Ameobi as Newcastle attempted to clear a Stephen Carr free kick from danger. Once again though, there was nothing doing from Foy. (more…)