Could this be our year?“Tell me mam, me mam, a won’t be home for tea, we’re going to Wemb-er-ley, tell me mam, me mam.”. Well it’s a long shot, but who knows? And before we dream of finals we’ve got the fairly hideous task of an away trip to Devon at the start of 2010, after Newcastle were drawn away to Plymouth Argyle in the third round of the FA Cup in today’s draw.
Having beaten the Green Arrrrmmmyyy already at home this season, the reverse fixture was always one that most supporters weren’t going to look forward, considering the 800+ miles round trip. And just for good measure we’ve now got to do it twice in one season, though history is on our side, because our last tie at Home Park in the FA Cup saw us run out 6-1 winners back in the 1957/58 season. Although our last trip down there was a dismal 2-0 (un) festive defeat in the run-up to Christmas ’91, in a fairly depressing season. Thankfully, my dad wasn’t mad enough to take us down there for that one. Although this time round, as coincidences go, I might be in the area and it would be a bit rude not to go? (more…)
Ad libertyWell maybe we are, and maybe we aren’t. But this isn’t actually about Newcastle fans, it’s partly about football fans in general and specifically, following their unenviable and ultimately fruitless journey to the North East, Plymouth Argyle fans.
After all, it’s the longest trip that can be made in the English fixture list and it’s a helluva roadtrip to make. So I think it’s only fair to doff my cap in their general direction, by way of acknowledging that it was a pretty good effort to get 2000+ of them safely ensconsced in the gods of the Leazes stand.
While they weren’t the noisiest supporters I’ve heard up here, they were in good spirits despite the 400+ mile trip, played their part and should be saluted for their efforts. (more…)
You'd think 'direct' would be our mottoWell that’s certainly how it felt. I’ll cut to the chase on this one because I’ve got my GNR preparations and an early night ahead of me. And frankly most of today’s game was instantly forgettable. From Enrique’s elaborations, to Joey Barton’s wonky radar and then over to a lop-sided and blunted formation, there was much to brush under the carpet come 4.50pm this afternoon.
However, thanks to a timely substitution, the endeavour of young Ranger and the fact that Plymouth were on the whole pretty horrible, we walked away with three points and a slightly flattering scoreline. And given that results went our way, we’re sitting quite comfortably behind West Brom who hammered the Smogs 5-0 at home.
Hughton promoted Geremi and Lovenkrands into the starting line-up amidst raised eyebrows in the Upper Tier of the Sir John Hall stand. Although there was a general acceptance that Butt should be replaced by Smith in the middle of the park. The new fella started on the bench. And once again we went with an uninspiring 4-5-1 approach to the game. (more…)
Newcastle v PlymouthBottom of the table Plymouth make the pilgrimage to St James’s Park today as the Toon hope to get back on track after the midweek defeat at Blackpool.
Plymouth have a paltry 2 points from their opening 7 games, picked up via an away draw at Crystal Palace and a home draw against QPR in the first 2 games of the season. Since then they’ve lost to Cardiff, Derby, Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom and Watford, scoring just 6 goals along the way. Alan Gow – a £200,000 signing from Rangers in the summer – is Plymouth’s top scorer with 2 goals and they also have Bradley Wright-Phillips on the books.
Alan Smith returns from suspension for us which means we only have Ameobi and Jonas unavailable for selection. I’d expect Smith to come straight back into the team, most logically at the expense of Butt although I’m not entirely convinced Hughton will drop Butt. We shall see. (more…)
