NUFC: Harper, Kadar, Hall, Coloccini (R.Taylor 50), Simpson, Gutierrez, Nolan, Guthrie, Pancrate (Best 78), Lovenkrands (Butt 70), Carroll.
Subs n/u: Krul, Enrique, Routledge, Ranger.

Goals: Lovenkrands 16, Carroll 82.

Team: Harper, Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Enrique (Kadar 33), Pancrate, Guthrie, Nolan (R.Taylor 73), Gutierrez, Carroll (Best 72), Lovenkrands.
Subs unused: Krul, Hall, Butt, Ranger.

Newcastle just keep scoring at home.  18 goals over the last 4 homes games, including six today.  Two goals for Lovenkrands, two more for Guthrie, one from Nolan and one from Guiterrez, who donned the spiderman mask to the delight of the watching toon faithful.

Newcastle travel to Watford tomorrow.  I imagine Chris Houghton will probably go with his normal away 4-5-1 formation.  We’ve a few bodies out injured, so will wait for team news tomorrow.

Team News : Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Danny Guthrie, Alan Smith (c), Kevin Nolan, Jonas Gutierrez, Leon Best, Andy Carroll
Subs: Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Fitz Hall, Ryan Taylor, Nile Ranger, Fabrice Pancrate, Ryan Donaldson

Well, Leon Best and Andy Carroll both start – to me this is good news and I’m ever hopeful this means that Chris Houghton is going with a more attacking 4-4-2.  Peter Lovenkrands is out injured, and Leon Best comes in to replace him.  Come on the Toon! – it’s about time we had an away win – my guess – 2-1 to Newcastle – scorecast – 2-1 Nolan or 2-1 Carroll!

Match Result – Watford 1-2 Newcastle United

The Travelling Toon managed to get their first away win in 8 matches with a well earned 2-1 win.  Argentinian Fabricio Collocini headed in on 4 minutes after a Guthrie free kick was flicked on by Nolan.

Newcastle registered their first away win in 8 games on the road today at Watford, with a solid and well earned 2-1 victory.

It was 3 minutes last time out before Newcastle scored, and today it was 4 minutes until Newcastle scored their first goal.  Danny Guthrie put in free kick nicely into the penalty area, and Kevin Nolan’s flick was put back across goal by Andy Carroll.  A fantastic start to the match and Newcastle looked nicely in control.  Newcastle then went 2-0 up on 50 minutes, when Guthrie swung a corner in – this time Andy Carroll rising above the defenders to thump a header into the back of the net.

It was Andy’s 11th goal of the season and that put him just one goal behind Kevin Nolan, and one more than Peter Lovenkrands.

An injury time goal by Will Hoskins pegged one back for Watford, resulting in arguments from the Newcastle defenders, however – that aside, the Toon were good value for their 3 points, and with Forest getting beat again today, things are looking good at the top of the pile for Newcastle’s promotion chase.

Match Result : Newcastle United 3 – 0 Preston North End

Another valuable 3 points after another good home performance.   Peter Lovenkrands opened up the scoring after just three minutes to let Darren Ferguson know what was on the cards as a visiting manager to St. James Park – for the second time this season!  Kevin Nolan added a second with a cleverly worked move with Alan Smith and Leon Best, giving the scouser his 11th goal of the season, hopefully ending his somewhat barren spell in front of goal in recent games – but hey – at the end of the day we should not be overly critical and would happily accept another few mid-fielders that can score regularly!  Talking about scoring mid-fielders, Ryan Taylor ended the match nicely and netted for a three nil victory.  Alan Smith pulled the strings effectively, and all in all – a good all round performance was watched by 46,000 fans.  Newcastle now stand at the top of the table, 5 points clear from Nott’s Forest, with a game in hand over them, and 6 points clear of the Baggies.

Preston travel to St. James Park today.  Hopefully Chris Houghton will play the sensible home option and put out another attacking team.  It’s been great to see a couple of wingers working so effectively, with Routledge and Gutierrez charging up and down the flanks, providing service to the front boys.  Three points are a must today as things are tight at the top.

Final Score: Newcastle 4 – 1 Coventry City

Fantastic home result tonight, with Newcastle winning 4-1.  This now puts up  3 points clear of West Bromwich Albion with a better goal difference to boot.

Newcastle were far better than the poor performance of Saturday, and started well.  Against the run of play,  Coventry took the lead after 35 minutes, with Clinton Morrison firing in from close range.  However,  a tremendous goal from January signing Wayne Routledge put the Toon on level terms.  Fingers crossed this will be the first of many!

Andy Carroll then headed home his 10th goal of the season, netting six times in his last seven games.   Peter Lovenkrands then took a penalty, scoring his 9th goal of the season.

Ryan Taylor then slotted Newcastle’s 4th goal – making it nine goals scored in our last two home games – top effort!

We need to use home advantage on Saturday and make sure we claim maximum points against  Preston North End.

Team News

Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Kevin Nolan (c), Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands

Subs: Tim Krul, Fabrice Pancrate, Alan Smith, Fitz Hall, Leon Best, Nile Ranger, Ryan Taylor

Good news that Jonas Gutierrez declared fit and makes the starting line up.  Alan Smith drops to the bench and Nolan and Guthrie will hopefully boss the centre of midfield.  Kevin Nolan hopefully will pick up his form a bit, and gets the captains armband for the night.  Leon Best drops to the bench.

Quite an attacking team – good to see the wingers and quite an attack minded midfield – COME ON THE TOON !

Final Score : 1 – 1

An 87th minute equaliser from Andy Caroll sees Newcastle go back to the top of the Championship.  Another poor performance with Swansea dominating much of the game and certainly having the vast majority of possession.  Newcastle had another lucky escape at South Wales escaping home with a point.  To be honest we should be thoroughly embarrassed with the draw and deserved to get beat.  The players appeared to lack enthusiasm, lack drive and certainly a few questions needs to be asked.  We were outplayed and looked tactically inept.

Chris Houghton and the feckless board at St. James better have a long hard look – albeit we’ve had a long unbeaten run prior to last weeks mauling at Derby, save for the home performance against Cardiff we’ve looked pretty poor in recent times.  I dread to think how we’ll fare next season in the hopeful event that we get promoted back to the Premiership.  Swap Derby or Swansea for Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal and what chance have we got, but what is more worrying, is swap these teams for the Wigans, Boltons, West Hams or Wolves who we may be fighting against for survival – that is a bigger worry as at the minute I seriously don’t think we would cut the mustard.

Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton has maade three changes to the team that got thumped for free against  Derby County during the week.  This will be a difficult away trip to Swansea City today.  A bit surprising that Mike Williamson is not in the starting line up.  Jonas Gutierrez and Leon Best are also not starting, and Fabricio Coloccini, Alan Smith and Peter Lovenkrands all start.

Team News :

NUFC: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fitz Hall, Fabricio Coloccini, Patrick van Aanholt, Danny Guthrie, Alan Smith (c), Kevin Nolan, Wayne Routledge, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands

Subs: Mike Williamson, Ryan Taylor, Leon Best, Fabrice Pancrate, Tamas Kadar, Tim Krul, Nile Ranger

The Magpies are on the road again this evening, when they play Derby county at Pride Park.  Nigel Clough’s side played out a goalless draw a few weeks back at St. James Park.

Final Score : 3-0 – Just a bit different from Friday night against Cardiff City…Baggies win tonight, at least Forest got beat.

MATCH RESULT : Newcastle Utd 5 – 1 Cardiff City

The mags really turned on the style on a rare Friday evening outing.  An impressive all-round team performance, with Newcastle having all but won the game in the first quarter of an hour.  Two goals for Peter Lovenkrands and two for the equally impressive Andy Caroll, as well as an own-goal by Cardiff defender Gyepes.
All six new signings started, and looks like Houghton should take credit there without a doubt.  Fantastic that they all gelled together and worked well as a unit.
I really think having two wingers and playing an attacking 4-4-2 formation plays to our strengths.

NUFC: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fitz Hall, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Kevin Nolan (c), Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Leon Best

Cardiff travel to St. James Park tonight, with Danny Simpson and Shola Ameobi both in contention to start.  Hopefully Leon Best will go straight into the starting line-up and make a difference.  A win tonight is vital as the points at the top are getting a bit too close.  Hopefully Chris Houghton will not persevere with Smith and Butt playing together in midfield, and drop Nicky Butt to the bench.  I’d like to say Jonas and Routledge flying up the wings and giving decent service to the front men.  Time will tell, but we certainly need to do better than we did in the lacklustre performance against 10-men Leceister.

Fingers X that Chopra does not come back and hit the back of the net, he’s been on form for Cardiff scoring 14 times so far this season…..

Final Score 0 – 0
Not Good Enough… Another draw and a couple of points dropped, but 14 without loss.  Now 4 points clear at the top, with a game in hand.  Good job Forest got beat at Derby today.

Newcastle travel to the Walkers Stadium for a 5.20pm televised kick-off.  Three newish faces make the starting line up – Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt and Wayne Routledge – looking like a pretty packed midfield with Wayne Routledge, Nicky Butt, Alan Smith, Danny Guthrie, and Kevin Nolan starting and Andy Carroll up front.  We are now on a thirteen game – home and away unbeaten run – fingers X that this is not an unlucky number and the toon do the business this evening.  It will be good to see Nobby again as he gets his debut for Leicester – hope he does not come back to haunt us!!!

Toon Team For Today:

NUFC: Steve Harper, Ryan Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Nicky Butt (c), Alan Smith, Danny Guthrie, Kevin Nolan, Andy Carroll

Subs: Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Jonas Gutierrez, Peter Lovenkrands, Nile Ranger, Fitz Hall, Fabrice Pancrate

Newcastle broke the magical 100-point barrier with a 1 nil away win at QPR.  A 70th minute goal from Peter Lovenkrands pushing the Mag’s up to 102 points for the season.

Now the real work begins!  Enjoy the Summer – Come On England!

Goals from Carroll and Ameobi almost lead to a victory in the final home game in hopefully our last ever escapade into the second flight of English football – however, three minutes into injury time, Roy ‘the dog wa*ker’’s team pulled back to equalise the game at 2-2.

A sell out 52,181 saw the team presented with the Coca Cola championship trophy.

Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Jose Enrique, Wayne Routledge, Danny Guthrie, Kevin Nolan (c), Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands
Subs: Tim Krul, Joey Barton, Ryan Taylor, Alan Smith, Leon Best, Nicky Butt, Shola Ameobi

Finally the toon are confirmed as champions.  A cracking header from Andy Carroll followed up by a well taken goal by Wayne Routledge ensured the toon faithful went into raptures of delight!

Considering Plymouth’s defeat confirmed their relegation, all credit must be given to the Southern club and it’s fans.  The ground DJ played ‘We are the champions’, ‘Blaydon Races’ and ‘Local Hero’, whilst a couple of the Green Army fans wandered round the ground with a large banner congratulating Newcastle on their confirmation as champions – Big Respect to them!

Cause for celebration and much credit must go to Houghton for the way he’s lead the team to the championship title.

Another strong attacking performance from the Mag’s to drive home our return to the top flight last Monday.  Goals from Spiderman, Caroll, Noland and Routledge.

The Augusta Masters starts this Thursday – and I can not wait!!

The TV in the Beatt household will be commandeered as it is for every golfing major (football match, cricket test, motor race…. )

I love the Masters – and the betting that goes with it! – I like to stay clear of short priced favourites such as Tiger, and instead like the each-way place bets on players such as Jim Furyk @ 35/1, Charl Schwartzel @ 50/1, Duston Johnson @66/1 and Steve Stricker @33/1.

Fingers crossed that one of this lot steams to the front come Sunday evening. It will be interesting to see how the great Tiger Woods will perform (on the course that is – not the bedroom). One thing in Tiger’s favour is that his first tournament after his ‘episode’ is the Masters. Security will be at it’s tightest for this event, the stewards will rule the galleries with a rod of iron, and to be honest, as it’s pretty much a members viewing gallery, and those that are in the know – I can’t really see Tiger getting too much agro from the crowds.

Els and Mickleson are always going to be in the running, and I’m fairly sure Tiger will be there or there abouts. This year’s open at St. Andrews may be a different equation – if the wind blows and the rain drives, I could see Tiger struggle round the Old Course – if the sun shines then he could tear it apart. I played there in the Summer – driving wind and rain, but really enjoyed it – keep left and out of the messy stuff and all should be ok.

Enjoy the golf!!

WE ARE PROMOTED!

Thanks to the goaless draw played out by Nottingham Forest and Cardiff – the good news is that regardless of what happens now, Newcastle United are guaranteed promotion now.

Five changes for tonight, with Houghton bringing back Danny Guthrie, Wayne Routledge and Jonas Gutierrez with Andy Carroll and Peter Lovenkrands starting up front.

Hopefully a party atmosphere at St. James Park will lead to an emphatic home win tonight!

COME ON THE TOON!

TEAM NEWS

Newcastle Utd: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Jose Enrique, Wayne Routledge, Kevin Nolan (c), Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Peter Lovenkrands, Andy Carroll
Subs: Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Joey Barton, Leon Best, Nicky Butt, Ryan Taylor, Shola Ameobi

2-1 To The Toon

Goals from Peter Lovenkrands and a wonder scissor kick goal from Kevin Nolan seal promotion to the Premiership in style!!

Away to Peterborough United – a win for the toon and a defeat for Nottingham Forest away to Bristol City sees Newcastle guaranteed promotion! Happy days!

Peterborough 2 : 3 Newcastle United
Goals from Nolan, Barton and Ameobi gain the toon 3 more valuable points, and we are edging ever closer back to the top flight where we belong!

A good performance from the mag’s to edge us closer to promotion and winning the Coca Cola Championship in style. We’re on the verge of heading straight back up at the first attempt – thankfully!

Shola came of the bench to net with a fine effort, and a first goal from the classy Jose Enrique secured three points for the toon, in a horrible wet, windy evening.

Newcastle bossed the first half, and should really have scored a couple before the break.  Andy Carroll had the best chances, but the whole team looked composed and threatening – Forest didn’t really look like scoring, and in reality Newcastle were unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty.

As the clock ticked past 70 minutes Shola took a well controlled shot, ending up at the back of the net to the delight of the 46,000 toon fans.  As the final whistle approached a well deserved goal by Jose Enrique cemented the joy for the toon faithful.  If we win on Saturday and Forest get beat we will be guaranteed automatic promotion.

Come on the toon!

After the much reported on training ground punch up between Andy Carroll and Steven Taylor, who would have scripted it – Carroll plays tonight in the Championship game at Doncaster and nets the only goal of the game.  Many will have viewed Chris Houghton’s decision to play Carroll tonight with disdain, but in the end – mercenary as it seems 3 points at this stage in the season is all important.  With Carroll still out on bail pending a serious incident in a toon nightspot, the jury has to be out as to what punishment should be meted out – it can hardly have been a slap in the face for Steven Taylor to have had a broken jaw, surgery required and two nights in hospital.  Probability is that he’s out for the rest of the season now, all in all – the form Carroll’s in and the goals he’s scoring are vital, but he needs to understand that the club is bigger than he is.  We were too soft and weak in dealing with the Joey Barton mess in the early days – and whilst credit is due and all that for his current meek demeanour, Barton came with baggage was given an opportunity and still spat it back in the clubs face.  Time will tell if Andy Carroll is going down a similar path, but would a Fergie, a Wenger or one of the old school manager’s put up with it…….

Anyway, on a positive note, the toon took all three points away – thanks to Andy Carroll.

Another 5 wins and the toon are guaranteed promotion. A 5.20pm kick-off for Sky TV.  Now, a bit of a quandary - will the local pub have the toon game on, given it’s the last weekend of the six nations – the Ireland – Scotland game will definitely be on in my local, maybe I’ll take a kitchen utensil down to do a bit of stirring…

Come on Andy Carroll – give us another couple of goals and make a claim for that famous number 9 shirt!

Match Result: 2 – 2

Andy Carroll’s 75th-minute equaliser salvaged a point for the Toon, after going two nil down in the first half.

Lewin Nyatanga and Nicky Maynard put the home side in a strong position, but a sloppy throw from Bristol keeper Dean Gerken gifted an opportunity for Jonas Guiterrez to pull one back.  Constant pressure from the Newcastle resulted in Andy Carroll hitting the well deserved equaliser to the delight of the 2,000 travelling toon fans.

Newcastle face a home tie against Scunthorpe tonight.  Surely a good three points are in the bag??  Fingers crossed big Andy Carroll keeps on hitting the back of the net!  Come on the Toon!!

Team News
Harper, Simpson, Enrique, Nolan, Coloccini, Hall, Routledge, Guthrie, Carroll,
Lovenkrands, Gutierrez
Subs: Kadar, Best, Ranger

3 – 0 to the toon!!

Andy Carroll nets a brace and Peter Lovenkrands bags another as the toon march on.  It’s now 22 victorious games from 36 with still another 10 to play before promotion..

We are now 4 points clear of second placed West Brom with a game in hand, and a full 12 points clear of Nottingham Forest in third place.  Next game is away to Bristol City on Saturday.

NUFC: Harper, Kadar, Hall, Coloccini (R.Taylor 50), Simpson, Gutierrez, Nolan, Guthrie, Pancrate (Best 78), Lovenkrands (Butt 70), Carroll.
Subs n/u: Krul, Enrique, Routledge, Ranger.

Goals: Lovenkrands 16, Carroll 82.

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Team: Harper, Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Enrique (Kadar 33), Pancrate, Guthrie, Nolan (R.Taylor 73), Gutierrez, Carroll (Best 72), Lovenkrands.
Subs unused: Krul, Hall, Butt, Ranger.

Newcastle just keep scoring at home.  18 goals over the last 4 homes games, including six today.  Two goals for Lovenkrands, two more for Guthrie, one from Nolan and one from Guiterrez, who donned the spiderman mask to the delight of the watching toon faithful.

Newcastle travel to Watford tomorrow.  I imagine Chris Houghton will probably go with his normal away 4-5-1 formation.  We’ve a few bodies out injured, so will wait for team news tomorrow.

Team News : Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Danny Guthrie, Alan Smith (c), Kevin Nolan, Jonas Gutierrez, Leon Best, Andy Carroll
Subs: Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Fitz Hall, Ryan Taylor, Nile Ranger, Fabrice Pancrate, Ryan Donaldson

Well, Leon Best and Andy Carroll both start – to me this is good news and I’m ever hopeful this means that Chris Houghton is going with a more attacking 4-4-2.  Peter Lovenkrands is out injured, and Leon Best comes in to replace him.  Come on the Toon! – it’s about time we had an away win – my guess – 2-1 to Newcastle – scorecast – 2-1 Nolan or 2-1 Carroll!

Match Result – Watford 1-2 Newcastle United

The Travelling Toon managed to get their first away win in 8 matches with a well earned 2-1 win.  Argentinian Fabricio Collocini headed in on 4 minutes after a Guthrie free kick was flicked on by Nolan.

Newcastle registered their first away win in 8 games on the road today at Watford, with a solid and well earned 2-1 victory.

It was 3 minutes last time out before Newcastle scored, and today it was 4 minutes until Newcastle scored their first goal.  Danny Guthrie put in free kick nicely into the penalty area, and Kevin Nolan’s flick was put back across goal by Andy Carroll.  A fantastic start to the match and Newcastle looked nicely in control.  Newcastle then went 2-0 up on 50 minutes, when Guthrie swung a corner in – this time Andy Carroll rising above the defenders to thump a header into the back of the net.

It was Andy’s 11th goal of the season and that put him just one goal behind Kevin Nolan, and one more than Peter Lovenkrands.

An injury time goal by Will Hoskins pegged one back for Watford, resulting in arguments from the Newcastle defenders, however – that aside, the Toon were good value for their 3 points, and with Forest getting beat again today, things are looking good at the top of the pile for Newcastle’s promotion chase.

Match Result : Newcastle United 3 – 0 Preston North End

Another valuable 3 points after another good home performance.   Peter Lovenkrands opened up the scoring after just three minutes to let Darren Ferguson know what was on the cards as a visiting manager to St. James Park – for the second time this season!  Kevin Nolan added a second with a cleverly worked move with Alan Smith and Leon Best, giving the scouser his 11th goal of the season, hopefully ending his somewhat barren spell in front of goal in recent games – but hey – at the end of the day we should not be overly critical and would happily accept another few mid-fielders that can score regularly!  Talking about scoring mid-fielders, Ryan Taylor ended the match nicely and netted for a three nil victory.  Alan Smith pulled the strings effectively, and all in all – a good all round performance was watched by 46,000 fans.  Newcastle now stand at the top of the table, 5 points clear from Nott’s Forest, with a game in hand over them, and 6 points clear of the Baggies.

Preston travel to St. James Park today.  Hopefully Chris Houghton will play the sensible home option and put out another attacking team.  It’s been great to see a couple of wingers working so effectively, with Routledge and Gutierrez charging up and down the flanks, providing service to the front boys.  Three points are a must today as things are tight at the top.

Final Score: Newcastle 4 – 1 Coventry City

Fantastic home result tonight, with Newcastle winning 4-1.  This now puts up  3 points clear of West Bromwich Albion with a better goal difference to boot.

Newcastle were far better than the poor performance of Saturday, and started well.  Against the run of play,  Coventry took the lead after 35 minutes, with Clinton Morrison firing in from close range.  However,  a tremendous goal from January signing Wayne Routledge put the Toon on level terms.  Fingers crossed this will be the first of many!

Andy Carroll then headed home his 10th goal of the season, netting six times in his last seven games.   Peter Lovenkrands then took a penalty, scoring his 9th goal of the season.

Ryan Taylor then slotted Newcastle’s 4th goal – making it nine goals scored in our last two home games – top effort!

We need to use home advantage on Saturday and make sure we claim maximum points against  Preston North End.

Team News

Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Kevin Nolan (c), Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands

Subs: Tim Krul, Fabrice Pancrate, Alan Smith, Fitz Hall, Leon Best, Nile Ranger, Ryan Taylor

Good news that Jonas Gutierrez declared fit and makes the starting line up.  Alan Smith drops to the bench and Nolan and Guthrie will hopefully boss the centre of midfield.  Kevin Nolan hopefully will pick up his form a bit, and gets the captains armband for the night.  Leon Best drops to the bench.

Quite an attacking team – good to see the wingers and quite an attack minded midfield – COME ON THE TOON !

HOW DID THAT HAPPEN ??

Scotland snatch defeat from the jaws of victory at  the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff this afternoon.

Shane Williams’s dramatic stoppage-time try giving Wales victory in dramatic end of game action.  Wales were trailing by 10 points at 14-24 with just four minutes remaining , and looked like notching up their second defeat of the Six Nations after their loss to England last weekend.  Dan Parks had a good tactical game, scoring two drop goals and two penalties.  John Barclay and Max Evans both scored first half tries for the visitors with Paterson converting.   Galashiels boy, and Scotland Full-back Chris Paterson became the first Scot to play in 100 Tests and had the honour of leading out Scotland.

But, like last week, sin binnings again played a key role, with Scott Lawson and Phil Godman both being sent to the side.    It looked like Scotland had done enough at 24-14 when Halpenny scored and Stephen Jones converted the kick.  A further Welsh penalty looked like a 24-all draw was a certainty, but Wales scored a scorching try – Wales’ all-time leading try scorer Shane Williams going over the line and Jones once again kicking the conversion.

Final Score : 1 – 1

An 87th minute equaliser from Andy Caroll sees Newcastle go back to the top of the Championship.  Another poor performance with Swansea dominating much of the game and certainly having the vast majority of possession.  Newcastle had another lucky escape at South Wales escaping home with a point.  To be honest we should be thoroughly embarrassed with the draw and deserved to get beat.  The players appeared to lack enthusiasm, lack drive and certainly a few questions needs to be asked.  We were outplayed and looked tactically inept.

Chris Houghton and the feckless board at St. James better have a long hard look – albeit we’ve had a long unbeaten run prior to last weeks mauling at Derby, save for the home performance against Cardiff we’ve looked pretty poor in recent times.  I dread to think how we’ll fare next season in the hopeful event that we get promoted back to the Premiership.  Swap Derby or Swansea for Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal and what chance have we got, but what is more worrying, is swap these teams for the Wigans, Boltons, West Hams or Wolves who we may be fighting against for survival – that is a bigger worry as at the minute I seriously don’t think we would cut the mustard.

Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton has maade three changes to the team that got thumped for free against  Derby County during the week.  This will be a difficult away trip to Swansea City today.  A bit surprising that Mike Williamson is not in the starting line up.  Jonas Gutierrez and Leon Best are also not starting, and Fabricio Coloccini, Alan Smith and Peter Lovenkrands all start.

Team News :

NUFC: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fitz Hall, Fabricio Coloccini, Patrick van Aanholt, Danny Guthrie, Alan Smith (c), Kevin Nolan, Wayne Routledge, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands

Subs: Mike Williamson, Ryan Taylor, Leon Best, Fabrice Pancrate, Tamas Kadar, Tim Krul, Nile Ranger

The Magpies are on the road again this evening, when they play Derby county at Pride Park.  Nigel Clough’s side played out a goalless draw a few weeks back at St. James Park.

Final Score : 3-0 – Just a bit different from Friday night against Cardiff City…Baggies win tonight, at least Forest got beat.

Ireland v France

England v Wales

Scotland v France

A bloody good excuse to go to the pub!

MATCH RESULT : Newcastle Utd 5 – 1 Cardiff City

The mags really turned on the style on a rare Friday evening outing.  An impressive all-round team performance, with Newcastle having all but won the game in the first quarter of an hour.  Two goals for Peter Lovenkrands and two for the equally impressive Andy Caroll, as well as an own-goal by Cardiff defender Gyepes.
All six new signings started, and looks like Houghton should take credit there without a doubt.  Fantastic that they all gelled together and worked well as a unit.
I really think having two wingers and playing an attacking 4-4-2 formation plays to our strengths.

NUFC: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fitz Hall, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Kevin Nolan (c), Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Leon Best

Cardiff travel to St. James Park tonight, with Danny Simpson and Shola Ameobi both in contention to start.  Hopefully Leon Best will go straight into the starting line-up and make a difference.  A win tonight is vital as the points at the top are getting a bit too close.  Hopefully Chris Houghton will not persevere with Smith and Butt playing together in midfield, and drop Nicky Butt to the bench.  I’d like to say Jonas and Routledge flying up the wings and giving decent service to the front men.  Time will tell, but we certainly need to do better than we did in the lacklustre performance against 10-men Leceister.

Fingers X that Chopra does not come back and hit the back of the net, he’s been on form for Cardiff scoring 14 times so far this season…..

Final Score 0 – 0
Not Good Enough… Another draw and a couple of points dropped, but 14 without loss.  Now 4 points clear at the top, with a game in hand.  Good job Forest got beat at Derby today.

Newcastle travel to the Walkers Stadium for a 5.20pm televised kick-off.  Three newish faces make the starting line up – Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt and Wayne Routledge – looking like a pretty packed midfield with Wayne Routledge, Nicky Butt, Alan Smith, Danny Guthrie, and Kevin Nolan starting and Andy Carroll up front.  We are now on a thirteen game – home and away unbeaten run – fingers X that this is not an unlucky number and the toon do the business this evening.  It will be good to see Nobby again as he gets his debut for Leicester – hope he does not come back to haunt us!!!

Toon Team For Today:

NUFC: Steve Harper, Ryan Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Nicky Butt (c), Alan Smith, Danny Guthrie, Kevin Nolan, Andy Carroll

Subs: Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Jonas Gutierrez, Peter Lovenkrands, Nile Ranger, Fitz Hall, Fabrice Pancrate

Newcastle broke the magical 100-point barrier with a 1 nil away win at QPR.  A 70th minute goal from Peter Lovenkrands pushing the Mag’s up to 102 points for the season.

Now the real work begins!  Enjoy the Summer – Come On England!

Goals from Carroll and Ameobi almost lead to a victory in the final home game in hopefully our last ever escapade into the second flight of English football – however, three minutes into injury time, Roy ‘the dog wa*ker’’s team pulled back to equalise the game at 2-2.

A sell out 52,181 saw the team presented with the Coca Cola championship trophy.

Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Jose Enrique, Wayne Routledge, Danny Guthrie, Kevin Nolan (c), Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands
Subs: Tim Krul, Joey Barton, Ryan Taylor, Alan Smith, Leon Best, Nicky Butt, Shola Ameobi

Finally the toon are confirmed as champions.  A cracking header from Andy Carroll followed up by a well taken goal by Wayne Routledge ensured the toon faithful went into raptures of delight!

Considering Plymouth’s defeat confirmed their relegation, all credit must be given to the Southern club and it’s fans.  The ground DJ played ‘We are the champions’, ‘Blaydon Races’ and ‘Local Hero’, whilst a couple of the Green Army fans wandered round the ground with a large banner congratulating Newcastle on their confirmation as champions – Big Respect to them!

Cause for celebration and much credit must go to Houghton for the way he’s lead the team to the championship title.

Another strong attacking performance from the Mag’s to drive home our return to the top flight last Monday.  Goals from Spiderman, Caroll, Noland and Routledge.

The Augusta Masters starts this Thursday – and I can not wait!!

The TV in the Beatt household will be commandeered as it is for every golfing major (football match, cricket test, motor race…. )

I love the Masters – and the betting that goes with it! – I like to stay clear of short priced favourites such as Tiger, and instead like the each-way place bets on players such as Jim Furyk @ 35/1, Charl Schwartzel @ 50/1, Duston Johnson @66/1 and Steve Stricker @33/1.

Fingers crossed that one of this lot steams to the front come Sunday evening. It will be interesting to see how the great Tiger Woods will perform (on the course that is – not the bedroom). One thing in Tiger’s favour is that his first tournament after his ‘episode’ is the Masters. Security will be at it’s tightest for this event, the stewards will rule the galleries with a rod of iron, and to be honest, as it’s pretty much a members viewing gallery, and those that are in the know – I can’t really see Tiger getting too much agro from the crowds.

Els and Mickleson are always going to be in the running, and I’m fairly sure Tiger will be there or there abouts. This year’s open at St. Andrews may be a different equation – if the wind blows and the rain drives, I could see Tiger struggle round the Old Course – if the sun shines then he could tear it apart. I played there in the Summer – driving wind and rain, but really enjoyed it – keep left and out of the messy stuff and all should be ok.

Enjoy the golf!!

WE ARE PROMOTED!

Thanks to the goaless draw played out by Nottingham Forest and Cardiff – the good news is that regardless of what happens now, Newcastle United are guaranteed promotion now.

Five changes for tonight, with Houghton bringing back Danny Guthrie, Wayne Routledge and Jonas Gutierrez with Andy Carroll and Peter Lovenkrands starting up front.

Hopefully a party atmosphere at St. James Park will lead to an emphatic home win tonight!

COME ON THE TOON!

TEAM NEWS

Newcastle Utd: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Jose Enrique, Wayne Routledge, Kevin Nolan (c), Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Peter Lovenkrands, Andy Carroll
Subs: Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Joey Barton, Leon Best, Nicky Butt, Ryan Taylor, Shola Ameobi

2-1 To The Toon

Goals from Peter Lovenkrands and a wonder scissor kick goal from Kevin Nolan seal promotion to the Premiership in style!!

Away to Peterborough United – a win for the toon and a defeat for Nottingham Forest away to Bristol City sees Newcastle guaranteed promotion! Happy days!

Peterborough 2 : 3 Newcastle United
Goals from Nolan, Barton and Ameobi gain the toon 3 more valuable points, and we are edging ever closer back to the top flight where we belong!

A good performance from the mag’s to edge us closer to promotion and winning the Coca Cola Championship in style. We’re on the verge of heading straight back up at the first attempt – thankfully!

Shola came of the bench to net with a fine effort, and a first goal from the classy Jose Enrique secured three points for the toon, in a horrible wet, windy evening.

Newcastle bossed the first half, and should really have scored a couple before the break.  Andy Carroll had the best chances, but the whole team looked composed and threatening – Forest didn’t really look like scoring, and in reality Newcastle were unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty.

As the clock ticked past 70 minutes Shola took a well controlled shot, ending up at the back of the net to the delight of the 46,000 toon fans.  As the final whistle approached a well deserved goal by Jose Enrique cemented the joy for the toon faithful.  If we win on Saturday and Forest get beat we will be guaranteed automatic promotion.

Come on the toon!

After the much reported on training ground punch up between Andy Carroll and Steven Taylor, who would have scripted it – Carroll plays tonight in the Championship game at Doncaster and nets the only goal of the game.  Many will have viewed Chris Houghton’s decision to play Carroll tonight with disdain, but in the end – mercenary as it seems 3 points at this stage in the season is all important.  With Carroll still out on bail pending a serious incident in a toon nightspot, the jury has to be out as to what punishment should be meted out – it can hardly have been a slap in the face for Steven Taylor to have had a broken jaw, surgery required and two nights in hospital.  Probability is that he’s out for the rest of the season now, all in all – the form Carroll’s in and the goals he’s scoring are vital, but he needs to understand that the club is bigger than he is.  We were too soft and weak in dealing with the Joey Barton mess in the early days – and whilst credit is due and all that for his current meek demeanour, Barton came with baggage was given an opportunity and still spat it back in the clubs face.  Time will tell if Andy Carroll is going down a similar path, but would a Fergie, a Wenger or one of the old school manager’s put up with it…….

Anyway, on a positive note, the toon took all three points away – thanks to Andy Carroll.

Another 5 wins and the toon are guaranteed promotion. A 5.20pm kick-off for Sky TV.  Now, a bit of a quandary - will the local pub have the toon game on, given it’s the last weekend of the six nations – the Ireland – Scotland game will definitely be on in my local, maybe I’ll take a kitchen utensil down to do a bit of stirring…

Come on Andy Carroll – give us another couple of goals and make a claim for that famous number 9 shirt!

Match Result: 2 – 2

Andy Carroll’s 75th-minute equaliser salvaged a point for the Toon, after going two nil down in the first half.

Lewin Nyatanga and Nicky Maynard put the home side in a strong position, but a sloppy throw from Bristol keeper Dean Gerken gifted an opportunity for Jonas Guiterrez to pull one back.  Constant pressure from the Newcastle resulted in Andy Carroll hitting the well deserved equaliser to the delight of the 2,000 travelling toon fans.

Newcastle face a home tie against Scunthorpe tonight.  Surely a good three points are in the bag??  Fingers crossed big Andy Carroll keeps on hitting the back of the net!  Come on the Toon!!

Team News
Harper, Simpson, Enrique, Nolan, Coloccini, Hall, Routledge, Guthrie, Carroll,
Lovenkrands, Gutierrez
Subs: Kadar, Best, Ranger

3 – 0 to the toon!!

Andy Carroll nets a brace and Peter Lovenkrands bags another as the toon march on.  It’s now 22 victorious games from 36 with still another 10 to play before promotion..

We are now 4 points clear of second placed West Brom with a game in hand, and a full 12 points clear of Nottingham Forest in third place.  Next game is away to Bristol City on Saturday.

NUFC: Harper, Kadar, Hall, Coloccini (R.Taylor 50), Simpson, Gutierrez, Nolan, Guthrie, Pancrate (Best 78), Lovenkrands (Butt 70), Carroll.
Subs n/u: Krul, Enrique, Routledge, Ranger.

Goals: Lovenkrands 16, Carroll 82.

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There are a number of different types of terminal available to allow you to accept payment by electronic card. A standard counter-top fixed terminal may be ideal for garages and traditional shops, but in addition to these, there are numerous portable and mobile solutions. Bluetooth or wireless radio technology allows a terminal to be taken direct to a customer – for example a diner in a restaurant can pay for a meal without leaving the table. Taking portable terminals a step further – mobile GPRS terminals can operate anywhere that they can pick up a mobile signal – a mobile network SIM card securely transmits the transaction data over the mobile phone network. These types of terminals are perfect for field-based sales people, as well as people who work remotely, such as exhibitions or trade shows.

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Team: Harper, Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Enrique (Kadar 33), Pancrate, Guthrie, Nolan (R.Taylor 73), Gutierrez, Carroll (Best 72), Lovenkrands.
Subs unused: Krul, Hall, Butt, Ranger.

Newcastle just keep scoring at home.  18 goals over the last 4 homes games, including six today.  Two goals for Lovenkrands, two more for Guthrie, one from Nolan and one from Guiterrez, who donned the spiderman mask to the delight of the watching toon faithful.

Newcastle travel to Watford tomorrow.  I imagine Chris Houghton will probably go with his normal away 4-5-1 formation.  We’ve a few bodies out injured, so will wait for team news tomorrow.

Team News : Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Danny Guthrie, Alan Smith (c), Kevin Nolan, Jonas Gutierrez, Leon Best, Andy Carroll
Subs: Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Fitz Hall, Ryan Taylor, Nile Ranger, Fabrice Pancrate, Ryan Donaldson

Well, Leon Best and Andy Carroll both start – to me this is good news and I’m ever hopeful this means that Chris Houghton is going with a more attacking 4-4-2.  Peter Lovenkrands is out injured, and Leon Best comes in to replace him.  Come on the Toon! – it’s about time we had an away win – my guess – 2-1 to Newcastle – scorecast – 2-1 Nolan or 2-1 Carroll!

Match Result – Watford 1-2 Newcastle United

The Travelling Toon managed to get their first away win in 8 matches with a well earned 2-1 win.  Argentinian Fabricio Collocini headed in on 4 minutes after a Guthrie free kick was flicked on by Nolan.

Newcastle registered their first away win in 8 games on the road today at Watford, with a solid and well earned 2-1 victory.

It was 3 minutes last time out before Newcastle scored, and today it was 4 minutes until Newcastle scored their first goal.  Danny Guthrie put in free kick nicely into the penalty area, and Kevin Nolan’s flick was put back across goal by Andy Carroll.  A fantastic start to the match and Newcastle looked nicely in control.  Newcastle then went 2-0 up on 50 minutes, when Guthrie swung a corner in – this time Andy Carroll rising above the defenders to thump a header into the back of the net.

It was Andy’s 11th goal of the season and that put him just one goal behind Kevin Nolan, and one more than Peter Lovenkrands.

An injury time goal by Will Hoskins pegged one back for Watford, resulting in arguments from the Newcastle defenders, however – that aside, the Toon were good value for their 3 points, and with Forest getting beat again today, things are looking good at the top of the pile for Newcastle’s promotion chase.

Match Result : Newcastle United 3 – 0 Preston North End

Another valuable 3 points after another good home performance.   Peter Lovenkrands opened up the scoring after just three minutes to let Darren Ferguson know what was on the cards as a visiting manager to St. James Park – for the second time this season!  Kevin Nolan added a second with a cleverly worked move with Alan Smith and Leon Best, giving the scouser his 11th goal of the season, hopefully ending his somewhat barren spell in front of goal in recent games – but hey – at the end of the day we should not be overly critical and would happily accept another few mid-fielders that can score regularly!  Talking about scoring mid-fielders, Ryan Taylor ended the match nicely and netted for a three nil victory.  Alan Smith pulled the strings effectively, and all in all – a good all round performance was watched by 46,000 fans.  Newcastle now stand at the top of the table, 5 points clear from Nott’s Forest, with a game in hand over them, and 6 points clear of the Baggies.

Preston travel to St. James Park today.  Hopefully Chris Houghton will play the sensible home option and put out another attacking team.  It’s been great to see a couple of wingers working so effectively, with Routledge and Gutierrez charging up and down the flanks, providing service to the front boys.  Three points are a must today as things are tight at the top.

Final Score: Newcastle 4 – 1 Coventry City

Fantastic home result tonight, with Newcastle winning 4-1.  This now puts up  3 points clear of West Bromwich Albion with a better goal difference to boot.

Newcastle were far better than the poor performance of Saturday, and started well.  Against the run of play,  Coventry took the lead after 35 minutes, with Clinton Morrison firing in from close range.  However,  a tremendous goal from January signing Wayne Routledge put the Toon on level terms.  Fingers crossed this will be the first of many!

Andy Carroll then headed home his 10th goal of the season, netting six times in his last seven games.   Peter Lovenkrands then took a penalty, scoring his 9th goal of the season.

Ryan Taylor then slotted Newcastle’s 4th goal – making it nine goals scored in our last two home games – top effort!

We need to use home advantage on Saturday and make sure we claim maximum points against  Preston North End.

Team News

Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Kevin Nolan (c), Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands

Subs: Tim Krul, Fabrice Pancrate, Alan Smith, Fitz Hall, Leon Best, Nile Ranger, Ryan Taylor

Good news that Jonas Gutierrez declared fit and makes the starting line up.  Alan Smith drops to the bench and Nolan and Guthrie will hopefully boss the centre of midfield.  Kevin Nolan hopefully will pick up his form a bit, and gets the captains armband for the night.  Leon Best drops to the bench.

Quite an attacking team – good to see the wingers and quite an attack minded midfield – COME ON THE TOON !

HOW DID THAT HAPPEN ??

Scotland snatch defeat from the jaws of victory at  the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff this afternoon.

Shane Williams’s dramatic stoppage-time try giving Wales victory in dramatic end of game action.  Wales were trailing by 10 points at 14-24 with just four minutes remaining , and looked like notching up their second defeat of the Six Nations after their loss to England last weekend.  Dan Parks had a good tactical game, scoring two drop goals and two penalties.  John Barclay and Max Evans both scored first half tries for the visitors with Paterson converting.   Galashiels boy, and Scotland Full-back Chris Paterson became the first Scot to play in 100 Tests and had the honour of leading out Scotland.

But, like last week, sin binnings again played a key role, with Scott Lawson and Phil Godman both being sent to the side.    It looked like Scotland had done enough at 24-14 when Halpenny scored and Stephen Jones converted the kick.  A further Welsh penalty looked like a 24-all draw was a certainty, but Wales scored a scorching try – Wales’ all-time leading try scorer Shane Williams going over the line and Jones once again kicking the conversion.

Final Score : 1 – 1

An 87th minute equaliser from Andy Caroll sees Newcastle go back to the top of the Championship.  Another poor performance with Swansea dominating much of the game and certainly having the vast majority of possession.  Newcastle had another lucky escape at South Wales escaping home with a point.  To be honest we should be thoroughly embarrassed with the draw and deserved to get beat.  The players appeared to lack enthusiasm, lack drive and certainly a few questions needs to be asked.  We were outplayed and looked tactically inept.

Chris Houghton and the feckless board at St. James better have a long hard look – albeit we’ve had a long unbeaten run prior to last weeks mauling at Derby, save for the home performance against Cardiff we’ve looked pretty poor in recent times.  I dread to think how we’ll fare next season in the hopeful event that we get promoted back to the Premiership.  Swap Derby or Swansea for Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal and what chance have we got, but what is more worrying, is swap these teams for the Wigans, Boltons, West Hams or Wolves who we may be fighting against for survival – that is a bigger worry as at the minute I seriously don’t think we would cut the mustard.

Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton has maade three changes to the team that got thumped for free against  Derby County during the week.  This will be a difficult away trip to Swansea City today.  A bit surprising that Mike Williamson is not in the starting line up.  Jonas Gutierrez and Leon Best are also not starting, and Fabricio Coloccini, Alan Smith and Peter Lovenkrands all start.

Team News :

NUFC: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fitz Hall, Fabricio Coloccini, Patrick van Aanholt, Danny Guthrie, Alan Smith (c), Kevin Nolan, Wayne Routledge, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands

Subs: Mike Williamson, Ryan Taylor, Leon Best, Fabrice Pancrate, Tamas Kadar, Tim Krul, Nile Ranger

The Magpies are on the road again this evening, when they play Derby county at Pride Park.  Nigel Clough’s side played out a goalless draw a few weeks back at St. James Park.

Final Score : 3-0 – Just a bit different from Friday night against Cardiff City…Baggies win tonight, at least Forest got beat.

Ireland v France

England v Wales

Scotland v France

A bloody good excuse to go to the pub!

MATCH RESULT : Newcastle Utd 5 – 1 Cardiff City

The mags really turned on the style on a rare Friday evening outing.  An impressive all-round team performance, with Newcastle having all but won the game in the first quarter of an hour.  Two goals for Peter Lovenkrands and two for the equally impressive Andy Caroll, as well as an own-goal by Cardiff defender Gyepes.
All six new signings started, and looks like Houghton should take credit there without a doubt.  Fantastic that they all gelled together and worked well as a unit.
I really think having two wingers and playing an attacking 4-4-2 formation plays to our strengths.

NUFC: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fitz Hall, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Kevin Nolan (c), Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Leon Best

Cardiff travel to St. James Park tonight, with Danny Simpson and Shola Ameobi both in contention to start.  Hopefully Leon Best will go straight into the starting line-up and make a difference.  A win tonight is vital as the points at the top are getting a bit too close.  Hopefully Chris Houghton will not persevere with Smith and Butt playing together in midfield, and drop Nicky Butt to the bench.  I’d like to say Jonas and Routledge flying up the wings and giving decent service to the front men.  Time will tell, but we certainly need to do better than we did in the lacklustre performance against 10-men Leceister.

Fingers X that Chopra does not come back and hit the back of the net, he’s been on form for Cardiff scoring 14 times so far this season…..

Final Score 0 – 0
Not Good Enough… Another draw and a couple of points dropped, but 14 without loss.  Now 4 points clear at the top, with a game in hand.  Good job Forest got beat at Derby today.

Newcastle travel to the Walkers Stadium for a 5.20pm televised kick-off.  Three newish faces make the starting line up – Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt and Wayne Routledge – looking like a pretty packed midfield with Wayne Routledge, Nicky Butt, Alan Smith, Danny Guthrie, and Kevin Nolan starting and Andy Carroll up front.  We are now on a thirteen game – home and away unbeaten run – fingers X that this is not an unlucky number and the toon do the business this evening.  It will be good to see Nobby again as he gets his debut for Leicester – hope he does not come back to haunt us!!!

Toon Team For Today:

NUFC: Steve Harper, Ryan Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Nicky Butt (c), Alan Smith, Danny Guthrie, Kevin Nolan, Andy Carroll

Subs: Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Jonas Gutierrez, Peter Lovenkrands, Nile Ranger, Fitz Hall, Fabrice Pancrate

Newcastle broke the magical 100-point barrier with a 1 nil away win at QPR.  A 70th minute goal from Peter Lovenkrands pushing the Mag’s up to 102 points for the season.

Now the real work begins!  Enjoy the Summer – Come On England!

Goals from Carroll and Ameobi almost lead to a victory in the final home game in hopefully our last ever escapade into the second flight of English football – however, three minutes into injury time, Roy ‘the dog wa*ker’’s team pulled back to equalise the game at 2-2.

A sell out 52,181 saw the team presented with the Coca Cola championship trophy.

Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Jose Enrique, Wayne Routledge, Danny Guthrie, Kevin Nolan (c), Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands
Subs: Tim Krul, Joey Barton, Ryan Taylor, Alan Smith, Leon Best, Nicky Butt, Shola Ameobi

Finally the toon are confirmed as champions.  A cracking header from Andy Carroll followed up by a well taken goal by Wayne Routledge ensured the toon faithful went into raptures of delight!

Considering Plymouth’s defeat confirmed their relegation, all credit must be given to the Southern club and it’s fans.  The ground DJ played ‘We are the champions’, ‘Blaydon Races’ and ‘Local Hero’, whilst a couple of the Green Army fans wandered round the ground with a large banner congratulating Newcastle on their confirmation as champions – Big Respect to them!

Cause for celebration and much credit must go to Houghton for the way he’s lead the team to the championship title.

Another strong attacking performance from the Mag’s to drive home our return to the top flight last Monday.  Goals from Spiderman, Caroll, Noland and Routledge.

The Augusta Masters starts this Thursday – and I can not wait!!

The TV in the Beatt household will be commandeered as it is for every golfing major (football match, cricket test, motor race…. )

I love the Masters – and the betting that goes with it! – I like to stay clear of short priced favourites such as Tiger, and instead like the each-way place bets on players such as Jim Furyk @ 35/1, Charl Schwartzel @ 50/1, Duston Johnson @66/1 and Steve Stricker @33/1.

Fingers crossed that one of this lot steams to the front come Sunday evening. It will be interesting to see how the great Tiger Woods will perform (on the course that is – not the bedroom). One thing in Tiger’s favour is that his first tournament after his ‘episode’ is the Masters. Security will be at it’s tightest for this event, the stewards will rule the galleries with a rod of iron, and to be honest, as it’s pretty much a members viewing gallery, and those that are in the know – I can’t really see Tiger getting too much agro from the crowds.

Els and Mickleson are always going to be in the running, and I’m fairly sure Tiger will be there or there abouts. This year’s open at St. Andrews may be a different equation – if the wind blows and the rain drives, I could see Tiger struggle round the Old Course – if the sun shines then he could tear it apart. I played there in the Summer – driving wind and rain, but really enjoyed it – keep left and out of the messy stuff and all should be ok.

Enjoy the golf!!

WE ARE PROMOTED!

Thanks to the goaless draw played out by Nottingham Forest and Cardiff – the good news is that regardless of what happens now, Newcastle United are guaranteed promotion now.

Five changes for tonight, with Houghton bringing back Danny Guthrie, Wayne Routledge and Jonas Gutierrez with Andy Carroll and Peter Lovenkrands starting up front.

Hopefully a party atmosphere at St. James Park will lead to an emphatic home win tonight!

COME ON THE TOON!

TEAM NEWS

Newcastle Utd: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Jose Enrique, Wayne Routledge, Kevin Nolan (c), Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Peter Lovenkrands, Andy Carroll
Subs: Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Joey Barton, Leon Best, Nicky Butt, Ryan Taylor, Shola Ameobi

2-1 To The Toon

Goals from Peter Lovenkrands and a wonder scissor kick goal from Kevin Nolan seal promotion to the Premiership in style!!

Away to Peterborough United – a win for the toon and a defeat for Nottingham Forest away to Bristol City sees Newcastle guaranteed promotion! Happy days!

Peterborough 2 : 3 Newcastle United
Goals from Nolan, Barton and Ameobi gain the toon 3 more valuable points, and we are edging ever closer back to the top flight where we belong!

A good performance from the mag’s to edge us closer to promotion and winning the Coca Cola Championship in style. We’re on the verge of heading straight back up at the first attempt – thankfully!

Shola came of the bench to net with a fine effort, and a first goal from the classy Jose Enrique secured three points for the toon, in a horrible wet, windy evening.

Newcastle bossed the first half, and should really have scored a couple before the break.  Andy Carroll had the best chances, but the whole team looked composed and threatening – Forest didn’t really look like scoring, and in reality Newcastle were unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty.

As the clock ticked past 70 minutes Shola took a well controlled shot, ending up at the back of the net to the delight of the 46,000 toon fans.  As the final whistle approached a well deserved goal by Jose Enrique cemented the joy for the toon faithful.  If we win on Saturday and Forest get beat we will be guaranteed automatic promotion.

Come on the toon!

After the much reported on training ground punch up between Andy Carroll and Steven Taylor, who would have scripted it – Carroll plays tonight in the Championship game at Doncaster and nets the only goal of the game.  Many will have viewed Chris Houghton’s decision to play Carroll tonight with disdain, but in the end – mercenary as it seems 3 points at this stage in the season is all important.  With Carroll still out on bail pending a serious incident in a toon nightspot, the jury has to be out as to what punishment should be meted out – it can hardly have been a slap in the face for Steven Taylor to have had a broken jaw, surgery required and two nights in hospital.  Probability is that he’s out for the rest of the season now, all in all – the form Carroll’s in and the goals he’s scoring are vital, but he needs to understand that the club is bigger than he is.  We were too soft and weak in dealing with the Joey Barton mess in the early days – and whilst credit is due and all that for his current meek demeanour, Barton came with baggage was given an opportunity and still spat it back in the clubs face.  Time will tell if Andy Carroll is going down a similar path, but would a Fergie, a Wenger or one of the old school manager’s put up with it…….

Anyway, on a positive note, the toon took all three points away – thanks to Andy Carroll.

Another 5 wins and the toon are guaranteed promotion. A 5.20pm kick-off for Sky TV.  Now, a bit of a quandary - will the local pub have the toon game on, given it’s the last weekend of the six nations – the Ireland – Scotland game will definitely be on in my local, maybe I’ll take a kitchen utensil down to do a bit of stirring…

Come on Andy Carroll – give us another couple of goals and make a claim for that famous number 9 shirt!

Match Result: 2 – 2

Andy Carroll’s 75th-minute equaliser salvaged a point for the Toon, after going two nil down in the first half.

Lewin Nyatanga and Nicky Maynard put the home side in a strong position, but a sloppy throw from Bristol keeper Dean Gerken gifted an opportunity for Jonas Guiterrez to pull one back.  Constant pressure from the Newcastle resulted in Andy Carroll hitting the well deserved equaliser to the delight of the 2,000 travelling toon fans.

Newcastle face a home tie against Scunthorpe tonight.  Surely a good three points are in the bag??  Fingers crossed big Andy Carroll keeps on hitting the back of the net!  Come on the Toon!!

Team News
Harper, Simpson, Enrique, Nolan, Coloccini, Hall, Routledge, Guthrie, Carroll,
Lovenkrands, Gutierrez
Subs: Kadar, Best, Ranger

3 – 0 to the toon!!

Andy Carroll nets a brace and Peter Lovenkrands bags another as the toon march on.  It’s now 22 victorious games from 36 with still another 10 to play before promotion..

We are now 4 points clear of second placed West Brom with a game in hand, and a full 12 points clear of Nottingham Forest in third place.  Next game is away to Bristol City on Saturday.

NUFC: Harper, Kadar, Hall, Coloccini (R.Taylor 50), Simpson, Gutierrez, Nolan, Guthrie, Pancrate (Best 78), Lovenkrands (Butt 70), Carroll.
Subs n/u: Krul, Enrique, Routledge, Ranger.

Goals: Lovenkrands 16, Carroll 82.

From a retailer’s point of view, one of the most important considerations in running a successful sales operation is to make it the sale process as simple and straight-forward as possible for your customer. A key consideration in this process is to make it as simple, easy and flexible as possible for your customer to pay for their goods. The standard method of accepting payment now is by electronic payment card – whether debit or credit card. In-fact cheques are becoming a thing of the past, with banks looking to phase this method out in the coming years.

In order for a retailer to accept card payments, they need to set up a merchant account, along with a compatible card payment terminal. The process may appear a little daunting at first, but in essence, the whole process is relatively straight-forward and should only take a couple of weeks to set up new accounts, and less than that if you already have an existing merchant account and are just looking to move provider in order to reduce your card processing costs.

One of the considerations you will need to make involves how you wish to accept payment – is it simply for face-to-face ‘chip and pin’ transactions, are your transactions – ‘person-non’ present’ – i.e. over the phone or mail-order? Or do you wish to trade on-line and increase your market-place to as potential world-wide audience?

There are a number of companies offering merchant savings and cheap merchant services – these companies tend to be every bit, or even more competitive than traditional high-street banks. Some of these providers actually offer a fully-managed service, ensuring that you remain on the most competitive of rates, as well as providing excellent advice on terminal support.  Leading the way in the UK credit and debit card payment processing is Crystals Merchant Services – offering superb reduced cost card processing, Crystals Merchant Services can analyse your existing merchant costs and save you considerable sums of money on your monthly processing costs.  Visit www.crystalsms.co.uk for further information.  Few people actually look at their monthly processing costs, relying on their existing provider and trusting that they are on a competitive deal – this is a mistake – let Crystals Merchant Services analyse your costs and provide you with a competitive quote.

There are a number of different types of terminal available to allow you to accept payment by electronic card. A standard counter-top fixed terminal may be ideal for garages and traditional shops, but in addition to these, there are numerous portable and mobile solutions. Bluetooth or wireless radio technology allows a terminal to be taken direct to a customer – for example a diner in a restaurant can pay for a meal without leaving the table. Taking portable terminals a step further – mobile GPRS terminals can operate anywhere that they can pick up a mobile signal – a mobile network SIM card securely transmits the transaction data over the mobile phone network. These types of terminals are perfect for field-based sales people, as well as people who work remotely, such as exhibitions or trade shows.

It is simple and cost-effective to start accepting payment by electronic card, but in addition to this it is important to ensure that your company is on the most competitive rate – if you already accept payments by card – when was the last time you checked to see if you are on the most competitive rate? It is well worth getting a free competitive analysis of your existing card processing costs to see you can make savings on your existing merchant account.

Why not have a look around to see if you could save money on your card processing? You have nothing to lose and you could have everything to gain. If you find that you could save money, it is a simple process to swap providers – you get your money in the same time, you have no disruption or down-time in your processing – you just save money on your monthly charges.

Food for thought? How many times has your existing bank knocked on your door to offer you reduced cost card processing?

Andrew Beatt offers advice and consultation on UK merchant card processing solutions. If you would like further information, or to see if you are on the most competitive rate, why not visit http://www.crystalsms.co.uk It potentially could save you considerable sums.

Team: Harper, Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Enrique (Kadar 33), Pancrate, Guthrie, Nolan (R.Taylor 73), Gutierrez, Carroll (Best 72), Lovenkrands.
Subs unused: Krul, Hall, Butt, Ranger.

Newcastle just keep scoring at home.  18 goals over the last 4 homes games, including six today.  Two goals for Lovenkrands, two more for Guthrie, one from Nolan and one from Guiterrez, who donned the spiderman mask to the delight of the watching toon faithful.

Newcastle travel to Watford tomorrow.  I imagine Chris Houghton will probably go with his normal away 4-5-1 formation.  We’ve a few bodies out injured, so will wait for team news tomorrow.

Team News : Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Danny Guthrie, Alan Smith (c), Kevin Nolan, Jonas Gutierrez, Leon Best, Andy Carroll
Subs: Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Fitz Hall, Ryan Taylor, Nile Ranger, Fabrice Pancrate, Ryan Donaldson

Well, Leon Best and Andy Carroll both start – to me this is good news and I’m ever hopeful this means that Chris Houghton is going with a more attacking 4-4-2.  Peter Lovenkrands is out injured, and Leon Best comes in to replace him.  Come on the Toon! – it’s about time we had an away win – my guess – 2-1 to Newcastle – scorecast – 2-1 Nolan or 2-1 Carroll!

Match Result – Watford 1-2 Newcastle United

The Travelling Toon managed to get their first away win in 8 matches with a well earned 2-1 win.  Argentinian Fabricio Collocini headed in on 4 minutes after a Guthrie free kick was flicked on by Nolan.

Newcastle registered their first away win in 8 games on the road today at Watford, with a solid and well earned 2-1 victory.

It was 3 minutes last time out before Newcastle scored, and today it was 4 minutes until Newcastle scored their first goal.  Danny Guthrie put in free kick nicely into the penalty area, and Kevin Nolan’s flick was put back across goal by Andy Carroll.  A fantastic start to the match and Newcastle looked nicely in control.  Newcastle then went 2-0 up on 50 minutes, when Guthrie swung a corner in – this time Andy Carroll rising above the defenders to thump a header into the back of the net.

It was Andy’s 11th goal of the season and that put him just one goal behind Kevin Nolan, and one more than Peter Lovenkrands.

An injury time goal by Will Hoskins pegged one back for Watford, resulting in arguments from the Newcastle defenders, however – that aside, the Toon were good value for their 3 points, and with Forest getting beat again today, things are looking good at the top of the pile for Newcastle’s promotion chase.

Match Result : Newcastle United 3 – 0 Preston North End

Another valuable 3 points after another good home performance.   Peter Lovenkrands opened up the scoring after just three minutes to let Darren Ferguson know what was on the cards as a visiting manager to St. James Park – for the second time this season!  Kevin Nolan added a second with a cleverly worked move with Alan Smith and Leon Best, giving the scouser his 11th goal of the season, hopefully ending his somewhat barren spell in front of goal in recent games – but hey – at the end of the day we should not be overly critical and would happily accept another few mid-fielders that can score regularly!  Talking about scoring mid-fielders, Ryan Taylor ended the match nicely and netted for a three nil victory.  Alan Smith pulled the strings effectively, and all in all – a good all round performance was watched by 46,000 fans.  Newcastle now stand at the top of the table, 5 points clear from Nott’s Forest, with a game in hand over them, and 6 points clear of the Baggies.

Preston travel to St. James Park today.  Hopefully Chris Houghton will play the sensible home option and put out another attacking team.  It’s been great to see a couple of wingers working so effectively, with Routledge and Gutierrez charging up and down the flanks, providing service to the front boys.  Three points are a must today as things are tight at the top.

Final Score: Newcastle 4 – 1 Coventry City

Fantastic home result tonight, with Newcastle winning 4-1.  This now puts up  3 points clear of West Bromwich Albion with a better goal difference to boot.

Newcastle were far better than the poor performance of Saturday, and started well.  Against the run of play,  Coventry took the lead after 35 minutes, with Clinton Morrison firing in from close range.  However,  a tremendous goal from January signing Wayne Routledge put the Toon on level terms.  Fingers crossed this will be the first of many!

Andy Carroll then headed home his 10th goal of the season, netting six times in his last seven games.   Peter Lovenkrands then took a penalty, scoring his 9th goal of the season.

Ryan Taylor then slotted Newcastle’s 4th goal – making it nine goals scored in our last two home games – top effort!

We need to use home advantage on Saturday and make sure we claim maximum points against  Preston North End.

Team News

Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Kevin Nolan (c), Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands

Subs: Tim Krul, Fabrice Pancrate, Alan Smith, Fitz Hall, Leon Best, Nile Ranger, Ryan Taylor

Good news that Jonas Gutierrez declared fit and makes the starting line up.  Alan Smith drops to the bench and Nolan and Guthrie will hopefully boss the centre of midfield.  Kevin Nolan hopefully will pick up his form a bit, and gets the captains armband for the night.  Leon Best drops to the bench.

Quite an attacking team – good to see the wingers and quite an attack minded midfield – COME ON THE TOON !

HOW DID THAT HAPPEN ??

Scotland snatch defeat from the jaws of victory at  the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff this afternoon.

Shane Williams’s dramatic stoppage-time try giving Wales victory in dramatic end of game action.  Wales were trailing by 10 points at 14-24 with just four minutes remaining , and looked like notching up their second defeat of the Six Nations after their loss to England last weekend.  Dan Parks had a good tactical game, scoring two drop goals and two penalties.  John Barclay and Max Evans both scored first half tries for the visitors with Paterson converting.   Galashiels boy, and Scotland Full-back Chris Paterson became the first Scot to play in 100 Tests and had the honour of leading out Scotland.

But, like last week, sin binnings again played a key role, with Scott Lawson and Phil Godman both being sent to the side.    It looked like Scotland had done enough at 24-14 when Halpenny scored and Stephen Jones converted the kick.  A further Welsh penalty looked like a 24-all draw was a certainty, but Wales scored a scorching try – Wales’ all-time leading try scorer Shane Williams going over the line and Jones once again kicking the conversion.

Final Score : 1 – 1

An 87th minute equaliser from Andy Caroll sees Newcastle go back to the top of the Championship.  Another poor performance with Swansea dominating much of the game and certainly having the vast majority of possession.  Newcastle had another lucky escape at South Wales escaping home with a point.  To be honest we should be thoroughly embarrassed with the draw and deserved to get beat.  The players appeared to lack enthusiasm, lack drive and certainly a few questions needs to be asked.  We were outplayed and looked tactically inept.

Chris Houghton and the feckless board at St. James better have a long hard look – albeit we’ve had a long unbeaten run prior to last weeks mauling at Derby, save for the home performance against Cardiff we’ve looked pretty poor in recent times.  I dread to think how we’ll fare next season in the hopeful event that we get promoted back to the Premiership.  Swap Derby or Swansea for Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal and what chance have we got, but what is more worrying, is swap these teams for the Wigans, Boltons, West Hams or Wolves who we may be fighting against for survival – that is a bigger worry as at the minute I seriously don’t think we would cut the mustard.

Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton has maade three changes to the team that got thumped for free against  Derby County during the week.  This will be a difficult away trip to Swansea City today.  A bit surprising that Mike Williamson is not in the starting line up.  Jonas Gutierrez and Leon Best are also not starting, and Fabricio Coloccini, Alan Smith and Peter Lovenkrands all start.

Team News :

NUFC: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fitz Hall, Fabricio Coloccini, Patrick van Aanholt, Danny Guthrie, Alan Smith (c), Kevin Nolan, Wayne Routledge, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands

Subs: Mike Williamson, Ryan Taylor, Leon Best, Fabrice Pancrate, Tamas Kadar, Tim Krul, Nile Ranger

The Magpies are on the road again this evening, when they play Derby county at Pride Park.  Nigel Clough’s side played out a goalless draw a few weeks back at St. James Park.

Final Score : 3-0 – Just a bit different from Friday night against Cardiff City…Baggies win tonight, at least Forest got beat.

Ireland v France

England v Wales

Scotland v France

A bloody good excuse to go to the pub!

MATCH RESULT : Newcastle Utd 5 – 1 Cardiff City

The mags really turned on the style on a rare Friday evening outing.  An impressive all-round team performance, with Newcastle having all but won the game in the first quarter of an hour.  Two goals for Peter Lovenkrands and two for the equally impressive Andy Caroll, as well as an own-goal by Cardiff defender Gyepes.
All six new signings started, and looks like Houghton should take credit there without a doubt.  Fantastic that they all gelled together and worked well as a unit.
I really think having two wingers and playing an attacking 4-4-2 formation plays to our strengths.

NUFC: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fitz Hall, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Kevin Nolan (c), Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Leon Best

Cardiff travel to St. James Park tonight, with Danny Simpson and Shola Ameobi both in contention to start.  Hopefully Leon Best will go straight into the starting line-up and make a difference.  A win tonight is vital as the points at the top are getting a bit too close.  Hopefully Chris Houghton will not persevere with Smith and Butt playing together in midfield, and drop Nicky Butt to the bench.  I’d like to say Jonas and Routledge flying up the wings and giving decent service to the front men.  Time will tell, but we certainly need to do better than we did in the lacklustre performance against 10-men Leceister.

Fingers X that Chopra does not come back and hit the back of the net, he’s been on form for Cardiff scoring 14 times so far this season…..

Final Score 0 – 0
Not Good Enough… Another draw and a couple of points dropped, but 14 without loss.  Now 4 points clear at the top, with a game in hand.  Good job Forest got beat at Derby today.

Newcastle travel to the Walkers Stadium for a 5.20pm televised kick-off.  Three newish faces make the starting line up – Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt and Wayne Routledge – looking like a pretty packed midfield with Wayne Routledge, Nicky Butt, Alan Smith, Danny Guthrie, and Kevin Nolan starting and Andy Carroll up front.  We are now on a thirteen game – home and away unbeaten run – fingers X that this is not an unlucky number and the toon do the business this evening.  It will be good to see Nobby again as he gets his debut for Leicester – hope he does not come back to haunt us!!!

Toon Team For Today:

NUFC: Steve Harper, Ryan Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Nicky Butt (c), Alan Smith, Danny Guthrie, Kevin Nolan, Andy Carroll

Subs: Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Jonas Gutierrez, Peter Lovenkrands, Nile Ranger, Fitz Hall, Fabrice Pancrate

Newcastle broke the magical 100-point barrier with a 1 nil away win at QPR.  A 70th minute goal from Peter Lovenkrands pushing the Mag’s up to 102 points for the season.

Now the real work begins!  Enjoy the Summer – Come On England!

Goals from Carroll and Ameobi almost lead to a victory in the final home game in hopefully our last ever escapade into the second flight of English football – however, three minutes into injury time, Roy ‘the dog wa*ker’’s team pulled back to equalise the game at 2-2.

A sell out 52,181 saw the team presented with the Coca Cola championship trophy.

Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Jose Enrique, Wayne Routledge, Danny Guthrie, Kevin Nolan (c), Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands
Subs: Tim Krul, Joey Barton, Ryan Taylor, Alan Smith, Leon Best, Nicky Butt, Shola Ameobi

Finally the toon are confirmed as champions.  A cracking header from Andy Carroll followed up by a well taken goal by Wayne Routledge ensured the toon faithful went into raptures of delight!

Considering Plymouth’s defeat confirmed their relegation, all credit must be given to the Southern club and it’s fans.  The ground DJ played ‘We are the champions’, ‘Blaydon Races’ and ‘Local Hero’, whilst a couple of the Green Army fans wandered round the ground with a large banner congratulating Newcastle on their confirmation as champions – Big Respect to them!

Cause for celebration and much credit must go to Houghton for the way he’s lead the team to the championship title.

Another strong attacking performance from the Mag’s to drive home our return to the top flight last Monday.  Goals from Spiderman, Caroll, Noland and Routledge.

The Augusta Masters starts this Thursday – and I can not wait!!

The TV in the Beatt household will be commandeered as it is for every golfing major (football match, cricket test, motor race…. )

I love the Masters – and the betting that goes with it! – I like to stay clear of short priced favourites such as Tiger, and instead like the each-way place bets on players such as Jim Furyk @ 35/1, Charl Schwartzel @ 50/1, Duston Johnson @66/1 and Steve Stricker @33/1.

Fingers crossed that one of this lot steams to the front come Sunday evening. It will be interesting to see how the great Tiger Woods will perform (on the course that is – not the bedroom). One thing in Tiger’s favour is that his first tournament after his ‘episode’ is the Masters. Security will be at it’s tightest for this event, the stewards will rule the galleries with a rod of iron, and to be honest, as it’s pretty much a members viewing gallery, and those that are in the know – I can’t really see Tiger getting too much agro from the crowds.

Els and Mickleson are always going to be in the running, and I’m fairly sure Tiger will be there or there abouts. This year’s open at St. Andrews may be a different equation – if the wind blows and the rain drives, I could see Tiger struggle round the Old Course – if the sun shines then he could tear it apart. I played there in the Summer – driving wind and rain, but really enjoyed it – keep left and out of the messy stuff and all should be ok.

Enjoy the golf!!

WE ARE PROMOTED!

Thanks to the goaless draw played out by Nottingham Forest and Cardiff – the good news is that regardless of what happens now, Newcastle United are guaranteed promotion now.

Five changes for tonight, with Houghton bringing back Danny Guthrie, Wayne Routledge and Jonas Gutierrez with Andy Carroll and Peter Lovenkrands starting up front.

Hopefully a party atmosphere at St. James Park will lead to an emphatic home win tonight!

COME ON THE TOON!

TEAM NEWS

Newcastle Utd: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Jose Enrique, Wayne Routledge, Kevin Nolan (c), Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Peter Lovenkrands, Andy Carroll
Subs: Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Joey Barton, Leon Best, Nicky Butt, Ryan Taylor, Shola Ameobi

2-1 To The Toon

Goals from Peter Lovenkrands and a wonder scissor kick goal from Kevin Nolan seal promotion to the Premiership in style!!

Away to Peterborough United – a win for the toon and a defeat for Nottingham Forest away to Bristol City sees Newcastle guaranteed promotion! Happy days!

Peterborough 2 : 3 Newcastle United
Goals from Nolan, Barton and Ameobi gain the toon 3 more valuable points, and we are edging ever closer back to the top flight where we belong!

A good performance from the mag’s to edge us closer to promotion and winning the Coca Cola Championship in style. We’re on the verge of heading straight back up at the first attempt – thankfully!

Shola came of the bench to net with a fine effort, and a first goal from the classy Jose Enrique secured three points for the toon, in a horrible wet, windy evening.

Newcastle bossed the first half, and should really have scored a couple before the break.  Andy Carroll had the best chances, but the whole team looked composed and threatening – Forest didn’t really look like scoring, and in reality Newcastle were unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty.

As the clock ticked past 70 minutes Shola took a well controlled shot, ending up at the back of the net to the delight of the 46,000 toon fans.  As the final whistle approached a well deserved goal by Jose Enrique cemented the joy for the toon faithful.  If we win on Saturday and Forest get beat we will be guaranteed automatic promotion.

Come on the toon!

After the much reported on training ground punch up between Andy Carroll and Steven Taylor, who would have scripted it – Carroll plays tonight in the Championship game at Doncaster and nets the only goal of the game.  Many will have viewed Chris Houghton’s decision to play Carroll tonight with disdain, but in the end – mercenary as it seems 3 points at this stage in the season is all important.  With Carroll still out on bail pending a serious incident in a toon nightspot, the jury has to be out as to what punishment should be meted out – it can hardly have been a slap in the face for Steven Taylor to have had a broken jaw, surgery required and two nights in hospital.  Probability is that he’s out for the rest of the season now, all in all – the form Carroll’s in and the goals he’s scoring are vital, but he needs to understand that the club is bigger than he is.  We were too soft and weak in dealing with the Joey Barton mess in the early days – and whilst credit is due and all that for his current meek demeanour, Barton came with baggage was given an opportunity and still spat it back in the clubs face.  Time will tell if Andy Carroll is going down a similar path, but would a Fergie, a Wenger or one of the old school manager’s put up with it…….

Anyway, on a positive note, the toon took all three points away – thanks to Andy Carroll.

Another 5 wins and the toon are guaranteed promotion. A 5.20pm kick-off for Sky TV.  Now, a bit of a quandary - will the local pub have the toon game on, given it’s the last weekend of the six nations – the Ireland – Scotland game will definitely be on in my local, maybe I’ll take a kitchen utensil down to do a bit of stirring…

Come on Andy Carroll – give us another couple of goals and make a claim for that famous number 9 shirt!

Match Result: 2 – 2

Andy Carroll’s 75th-minute equaliser salvaged a point for the Toon, after going two nil down in the first half.

Lewin Nyatanga and Nicky Maynard put the home side in a strong position, but a sloppy throw from Bristol keeper Dean Gerken gifted an opportunity for Jonas Guiterrez to pull one back.  Constant pressure from the Newcastle resulted in Andy Carroll hitting the well deserved equaliser to the delight of the 2,000 travelling toon fans.

Newcastle face a home tie against Scunthorpe tonight.  Surely a good three points are in the bag??  Fingers crossed big Andy Carroll keeps on hitting the back of the net!  Come on the Toon!!

Team News
Harper, Simpson, Enrique, Nolan, Coloccini, Hall, Routledge, Guthrie, Carroll,
Lovenkrands, Gutierrez
Subs: Kadar, Best, Ranger

3 – 0 to the toon!!

Andy Carroll nets a brace and Peter Lovenkrands bags another as the toon march on.  It’s now 22 victorious games from 36 with still another 10 to play before promotion..

We are now 4 points clear of second placed West Brom with a game in hand, and a full 12 points clear of Nottingham Forest in third place.  Next game is away to Bristol City on Saturday.

NUFC: Harper, Kadar, Hall, Coloccini (R.Taylor 50), Simpson, Gutierrez, Nolan, Guthrie, Pancrate (Best 78), Lovenkrands (Butt 70), Carroll.
Subs n/u: Krul, Enrique, Routledge, Ranger.

Goals: Lovenkrands 16, Carroll 82.

From a retailer’s point of view, one of the most important considerations in running a successful sales operation is to make it the sale process as simple and straight-forward as possible for your customer. A key consideration in this process is to make it as simple, easy and flexible as possible for your customer to pay for their goods. The standard method of accepting payment now is by electronic payment card – whether debit or credit card. In-fact cheques are becoming a thing of the past, with banks looking to phase this method out in the coming years.

In order for a retailer to accept card payments, they need to set up a merchant account, along with a compatible card payment terminal. The process may appear a little daunting at first, but in essence, the whole process is relatively straight-forward and should only take a couple of weeks to set up new accounts, and less than that if you already have an existing merchant account and are just looking to move provider in order to reduce your card processing costs.

One of the considerations you will need to make involves how you wish to accept payment – is it simply for face-to-face ‘chip and pin’ transactions, are your transactions – ‘person-non’ present’ – i.e. over the phone or mail-order? Or do you wish to trade on-line and increase your market-place to as potential world-wide audience?

There are a number of companies offering merchant savings and cheap merchant services – these companies tend to be every bit, or even more competitive than traditional high-street banks. Some of these providers actually offer a fully-managed service, ensuring that you remain on the most competitive of rates, as well as providing excellent advice on terminal support.  Leading the way in the UK credit and debit card payment processing is Crystals Merchant Services – offering superb reduced cost card processing, Crystals Merchant Services can analyse your existing merchant costs and save you considerable sums of money on your monthly processing costs.  Visit www.crystalsms.co.uk for further information.  Few people actually look at their monthly processing costs, relying on their existing provider and trusting that they are on a competitive deal – this is a mistake – let Crystals Merchant Services analyse your costs and provide you with a competitive quote.

There are a number of different types of terminal available to allow you to accept payment by electronic card. A standard counter-top fixed terminal may be ideal for garages and traditional shops, but in addition to these, there are numerous portable and mobile solutions. Bluetooth or wireless radio technology allows a terminal to be taken direct to a customer – for example a diner in a restaurant can pay for a meal without leaving the table. Taking portable terminals a step further – mobile GPRS terminals can operate anywhere that they can pick up a mobile signal – a mobile network SIM card securely transmits the transaction data over the mobile phone network. These types of terminals are perfect for field-based sales people, as well as people who work remotely, such as exhibitions or trade shows.

It is simple and cost-effective to start accepting payment by electronic card, but in addition to this it is important to ensure that your company is on the most competitive rate – if you already accept payments by card – when was the last time you checked to see if you are on the most competitive rate? It is well worth getting a free competitive analysis of your existing card processing costs to see you can make savings on your existing merchant account.

Why not have a look around to see if you could save money on your card processing? You have nothing to lose and you could have everything to gain. If you find that you could save money, it is a simple process to swap providers – you get your money in the same time, you have no disruption or down-time in your processing – you just save money on your monthly charges.

Food for thought? How many times has your existing bank knocked on your door to offer you reduced cost card processing?

Andrew Beatt offers advice and consultation on UK merchant card processing solutions. If you would like further information, or to see if you are on the most competitive rate, why not visit http://www.crystalsms.co.uk It potentially could save you considerable sums.

Team: Harper, Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Enrique (Kadar 33), Pancrate, Guthrie, Nolan (R.Taylor 73), Gutierrez, Carroll (Best 72), Lovenkrands.
Subs unused: Krul, Hall, Butt, Ranger.

Newcastle just keep scoring at home.  18 goals over the last 4 homes games, including six today.  Two goals for Lovenkrands, two more for Guthrie, one from Nolan and one from Guiterrez, who donned the spiderman mask to the delight of the watching toon faithful.

Newcastle travel to Watford tomorrow.  I imagine Chris Houghton will probably go with his normal away 4-5-1 formation.  We’ve a few bodies out injured, so will wait for team news tomorrow.

Team News : Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Danny Guthrie, Alan Smith (c), Kevin Nolan, Jonas Gutierrez, Leon Best, Andy Carroll
Subs: Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Fitz Hall, Ryan Taylor, Nile Ranger, Fabrice Pancrate, Ryan Donaldson

Well, Leon Best and Andy Carroll both start – to me this is good news and I’m ever hopeful this means that Chris Houghton is going with a more attacking 4-4-2.  Peter Lovenkrands is out injured, and Leon Best comes in to replace him.  Come on the Toon! – it’s about time we had an away win – my guess – 2-1 to Newcastle – scorecast – 2-1 Nolan or 2-1 Carroll!

Match Result – Watford 1-2 Newcastle United

The Travelling Toon managed to get their first away win in 8 matches with a well earned 2-1 win.  Argentinian Fabricio Collocini headed in on 4 minutes after a Guthrie free kick was flicked on by Nolan.

Newcastle registered their first away win in 8 games on the road today at Watford, with a solid and well earned 2-1 victory.

It was 3 minutes last time out before Newcastle scored, and today it was 4 minutes until Newcastle scored their first goal.  Danny Guthrie put in free kick nicely into the penalty area, and Kevin Nolan’s flick was put back across goal by Andy Carroll.  A fantastic start to the match and Newcastle looked nicely in control.  Newcastle then went 2-0 up on 50 minutes, when Guthrie swung a corner in – this time Andy Carroll rising above the defenders to thump a header into the back of the net.

It was Andy’s 11th goal of the season and that put him just one goal behind Kevin Nolan, and one more than Peter Lovenkrands.

An injury time goal by Will Hoskins pegged one back for Watford, resulting in arguments from the Newcastle defenders, however – that aside, the Toon were good value for their 3 points, and with Forest getting beat again today, things are looking good at the top of the pile for Newcastle’s promotion chase.

Match Result : Newcastle United 3 – 0 Preston North End

Another valuable 3 points after another good home performance.   Peter Lovenkrands opened up the scoring after just three minutes to let Darren Ferguson know what was on the cards as a visiting manager to St. James Park – for the second time this season!  Kevin Nolan added a second with a cleverly worked move with Alan Smith and Leon Best, giving the scouser his 11th goal of the season, hopefully ending his somewhat barren spell in front of goal in recent games – but hey – at the end of the day we should not be overly critical and would happily accept another few mid-fielders that can score regularly!  Talking about scoring mid-fielders, Ryan Taylor ended the match nicely and netted for a three nil victory.  Alan Smith pulled the strings effectively, and all in all – a good all round performance was watched by 46,000 fans.  Newcastle now stand at the top of the table, 5 points clear from Nott’s Forest, with a game in hand over them, and 6 points clear of the Baggies.

Preston travel to St. James Park today.  Hopefully Chris Houghton will play the sensible home option and put out another attacking team.  It’s been great to see a couple of wingers working so effectively, with Routledge and Gutierrez charging up and down the flanks, providing service to the front boys.  Three points are a must today as things are tight at the top.

Final Score: Newcastle 4 – 1 Coventry City

Fantastic home result tonight, with Newcastle winning 4-1.  This now puts up  3 points clear of West Bromwich Albion with a better goal difference to boot.

Newcastle were far better than the poor performance of Saturday, and started well.  Against the run of play,  Coventry took the lead after 35 minutes, with Clinton Morrison firing in from close range.  However,  a tremendous goal from January signing Wayne Routledge put the Toon on level terms.  Fingers crossed this will be the first of many!

Andy Carroll then headed home his 10th goal of the season, netting six times in his last seven games.   Peter Lovenkrands then took a penalty, scoring his 9th goal of the season.

Ryan Taylor then slotted Newcastle’s 4th goal – making it nine goals scored in our last two home games – top effort!

We need to use home advantage on Saturday and make sure we claim maximum points against  Preston North End.

Team News

Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Kevin Nolan (c), Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands

Subs: Tim Krul, Fabrice Pancrate, Alan Smith, Fitz Hall, Leon Best, Nile Ranger, Ryan Taylor

Good news that Jonas Gutierrez declared fit and makes the starting line up.  Alan Smith drops to the bench and Nolan and Guthrie will hopefully boss the centre of midfield.  Kevin Nolan hopefully will pick up his form a bit, and gets the captains armband for the night.  Leon Best drops to the bench.

Quite an attacking team – good to see the wingers and quite an attack minded midfield – COME ON THE TOON !

HOW DID THAT HAPPEN ??

Scotland snatch defeat from the jaws of victory at  the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff this afternoon.

Shane Williams’s dramatic stoppage-time try giving Wales victory in dramatic end of game action.  Wales were trailing by 10 points at 14-24 with just four minutes remaining , and looked like notching up their second defeat of the Six Nations after their loss to England last weekend.  Dan Parks had a good tactical game, scoring two drop goals and two penalties.  John Barclay and Max Evans both scored first half tries for the visitors with Paterson converting.   Galashiels boy, and Scotland Full-back Chris Paterson became the first Scot to play in 100 Tests and had the honour of leading out Scotland.

But, like last week, sin binnings again played a key role, with Scott Lawson and Phil Godman both being sent to the side.    It looked like Scotland had done enough at 24-14 when Halpenny scored and Stephen Jones converted the kick.  A further Welsh penalty looked like a 24-all draw was a certainty, but Wales scored a scorching try – Wales’ all-time leading try scorer Shane Williams going over the line and Jones once again kicking the conversion.

Final Score : 1 – 1

An 87th minute equaliser from Andy Caroll sees Newcastle go back to the top of the Championship.  Another poor performance with Swansea dominating much of the game and certainly having the vast majority of possession.  Newcastle had another lucky escape at South Wales escaping home with a point.  To be honest we should be thoroughly embarrassed with the draw and deserved to get beat.  The players appeared to lack enthusiasm, lack drive and certainly a few questions needs to be asked.  We were outplayed and looked tactically inept.

Chris Houghton and the feckless board at St. James better have a long hard look – albeit we’ve had a long unbeaten run prior to last weeks mauling at Derby, save for the home performance against Cardiff we’ve looked pretty poor in recent times.  I dread to think how we’ll fare next season in the hopeful event that we get promoted back to the Premiership.  Swap Derby or Swansea for Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal and what chance have we got, but what is more worrying, is swap these teams for the Wigans, Boltons, West Hams or Wolves who we may be fighting against for survival – that is a bigger worry as at the minute I seriously don’t think we would cut the mustard.

Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton has maade three changes to the team that got thumped for free against  Derby County during the week.  This will be a difficult away trip to Swansea City today.  A bit surprising that Mike Williamson is not in the starting line up.  Jonas Gutierrez and Leon Best are also not starting, and Fabricio Coloccini, Alan Smith and Peter Lovenkrands all start.

Team News :

NUFC: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fitz Hall, Fabricio Coloccini, Patrick van Aanholt, Danny Guthrie, Alan Smith (c), Kevin Nolan, Wayne Routledge, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands

Subs: Mike Williamson, Ryan Taylor, Leon Best, Fabrice Pancrate, Tamas Kadar, Tim Krul, Nile Ranger

The Magpies are on the road again this evening, when they play Derby county at Pride Park.  Nigel Clough’s side played out a goalless draw a few weeks back at St. James Park.

Final Score : 3-0 – Just a bit different from Friday night against Cardiff City…Baggies win tonight, at least Forest got beat.

Ireland v France

England v Wales

Scotland v France

A bloody good excuse to go to the pub!

MATCH RESULT : Newcastle Utd 5 – 1 Cardiff City

The mags really turned on the style on a rare Friday evening outing.  An impressive all-round team performance, with Newcastle having all but won the game in the first quarter of an hour.  Two goals for Peter Lovenkrands and two for the equally impressive Andy Caroll, as well as an own-goal by Cardiff defender Gyepes.
All six new signings started, and looks like Houghton should take credit there without a doubt.  Fantastic that they all gelled together and worked well as a unit.
I really think having two wingers and playing an attacking 4-4-2 formation plays to our strengths.

NUFC: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fitz Hall, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Kevin Nolan (c), Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Leon Best

Cardiff travel to St. James Park tonight, with Danny Simpson and Shola Ameobi both in contention to start.  Hopefully Leon Best will go straight into the starting line-up and make a difference.  A win tonight is vital as the points at the top are getting a bit too close.  Hopefully Chris Houghton will not persevere with Smith and Butt playing together in midfield, and drop Nicky Butt to the bench.  I’d like to say Jonas and Routledge flying up the wings and giving decent service to the front men.  Time will tell, but we certainly need to do better than we did in the lacklustre performance against 10-men Leceister.

Fingers X that Chopra does not come back and hit the back of the net, he’s been on form for Cardiff scoring 14 times so far this season…..

Final Score 0 – 0
Not Good Enough… Another draw and a couple of points dropped, but 14 without loss.  Now 4 points clear at the top, with a game in hand.  Good job Forest got beat at Derby today.

Newcastle travel to the Walkers Stadium for a 5.20pm televised kick-off.  Three newish faces make the starting line up – Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt and Wayne Routledge – looking like a pretty packed midfield with Wayne Routledge, Nicky Butt, Alan Smith, Danny Guthrie, and Kevin Nolan starting and Andy Carroll up front.  We are now on a thirteen game – home and away unbeaten run – fingers X that this is not an unlucky number and the toon do the business this evening.  It will be good to see Nobby again as he gets his debut for Leicester – hope he does not come back to haunt us!!!

Toon Team For Today:

NUFC: Steve Harper, Ryan Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Nicky Butt (c), Alan Smith, Danny Guthrie, Kevin Nolan, Andy Carroll

Subs: Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Jonas Gutierrez, Peter Lovenkrands, Nile Ranger, Fitz Hall, Fabrice Pancrate

Newcastle broke the magical 100-point barrier with a 1 nil away win at QPR.  A 70th minute goal from Peter Lovenkrands pushing the Mag’s up to 102 points for the season.

Now the real work begins!  Enjoy the Summer – Come On England!

Goals from Carroll and Ameobi almost lead to a victory in the final home game in hopefully our last ever escapade into the second flight of English football – however, three minutes into injury time, Roy ‘the dog wa*ker’’s team pulled back to equalise the game at 2-2.

A sell out 52,181 saw the team presented with the Coca Cola championship trophy.

Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Jose Enrique, Wayne Routledge, Danny Guthrie, Kevin Nolan (c), Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands
Subs: Tim Krul, Joey Barton, Ryan Taylor, Alan Smith, Leon Best, Nicky Butt, Shola Ameobi

Finally the toon are confirmed as champions.  A cracking header from Andy Carroll followed up by a well taken goal by Wayne Routledge ensured the toon faithful went into raptures of delight!

Considering Plymouth’s defeat confirmed their relegation, all credit must be given to the Southern club and it’s fans.  The ground DJ played ‘We are the champions’, ‘Blaydon Races’ and ‘Local Hero’, whilst a couple of the Green Army fans wandered round the ground with a large banner congratulating Newcastle on their confirmation as champions – Big Respect to them!

Cause for celebration and much credit must go to Houghton for the way he’s lead the team to the championship title.

Another strong attacking performance from the Mag’s to drive home our return to the top flight last Monday.  Goals from Spiderman, Caroll, Noland and Routledge.

The Augusta Masters starts this Thursday – and I can not wait!!

The TV in the Beatt household will be commandeered as it is for every golfing major (football match, cricket test, motor race…. )

I love the Masters – and the betting that goes with it! – I like to stay clear of short priced favourites such as Tiger, and instead like the each-way place bets on players such as Jim Furyk @ 35/1, Charl Schwartzel @ 50/1, Duston Johnson @66/1 and Steve Stricker @33/1.

Fingers crossed that one of this lot steams to the front come Sunday evening. It will be interesting to see how the great Tiger Woods will perform (on the course that is – not the bedroom). One thing in Tiger’s favour is that his first tournament after his ‘episode’ is the Masters. Security will be at it’s tightest for this event, the stewards will rule the galleries with a rod of iron, and to be honest, as it’s pretty much a members viewing gallery, and those that are in the know – I can’t really see Tiger getting too much agro from the crowds.

Els and Mickleson are always going to be in the running, and I’m fairly sure Tiger will be there or there abouts. This year’s open at St. Andrews may be a different equation – if the wind blows and the rain drives, I could see Tiger struggle round the Old Course – if the sun shines then he could tear it apart. I played there in the Summer – driving wind and rain, but really enjoyed it – keep left and out of the messy stuff and all should be ok.

Enjoy the golf!!

WE ARE PROMOTED!

Thanks to the goaless draw played out by Nottingham Forest and Cardiff – the good news is that regardless of what happens now, Newcastle United are guaranteed promotion now.

Five changes for tonight, with Houghton bringing back Danny Guthrie, Wayne Routledge and Jonas Gutierrez with Andy Carroll and Peter Lovenkrands starting up front.

Hopefully a party atmosphere at St. James Park will lead to an emphatic home win tonight!

COME ON THE TOON!

TEAM NEWS

Newcastle Utd: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Jose Enrique, Wayne Routledge, Kevin Nolan (c), Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Peter Lovenkrands, Andy Carroll
Subs: Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Joey Barton, Leon Best, Nicky Butt, Ryan Taylor, Shola Ameobi

2-1 To The Toon

Goals from Peter Lovenkrands and a wonder scissor kick goal from Kevin Nolan seal promotion to the Premiership in style!!

Away to Peterborough United – a win for the toon and a defeat for Nottingham Forest away to Bristol City sees Newcastle guaranteed promotion! Happy days!

Peterborough 2 : 3 Newcastle United
Goals from Nolan, Barton and Ameobi gain the toon 3 more valuable points, and we are edging ever closer back to the top flight where we belong!

A good performance from the mag’s to edge us closer to promotion and winning the Coca Cola Championship in style. We’re on the verge of heading straight back up at the first attempt – thankfully!

Shola came of the bench to net with a fine effort, and a first goal from the classy Jose Enrique secured three points for the toon, in a horrible wet, windy evening.

Newcastle bossed the first half, and should really have scored a couple before the break.  Andy Carroll had the best chances, but the whole team looked composed and threatening – Forest didn’t really look like scoring, and in reality Newcastle were unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty.

As the clock ticked past 70 minutes Shola took a well controlled shot, ending up at the back of the net to the delight of the 46,000 toon fans.  As the final whistle approached a well deserved goal by Jose Enrique cemented the joy for the toon faithful.  If we win on Saturday and Forest get beat we will be guaranteed automatic promotion.

Come on the toon!

After the much reported on training ground punch up between Andy Carroll and Steven Taylor, who would have scripted it – Carroll plays tonight in the Championship game at Doncaster and nets the only goal of the game.  Many will have viewed Chris Houghton’s decision to play Carroll tonight with disdain, but in the end – mercenary as it seems 3 points at this stage in the season is all important.  With Carroll still out on bail pending a serious incident in a toon nightspot, the jury has to be out as to what punishment should be meted out – it can hardly have been a slap in the face for Steven Taylor to have had a broken jaw, surgery required and two nights in hospital.  Probability is that he’s out for the rest of the season now, all in all – the form Carroll’s in and the goals he’s scoring are vital, but he needs to understand that the club is bigger than he is.  We were too soft and weak in dealing with the Joey Barton mess in the early days – and whilst credit is due and all that for his current meek demeanour, Barton came with baggage was given an opportunity and still spat it back in the clubs face.  Time will tell if Andy Carroll is going down a similar path, but would a Fergie, a Wenger or one of the old school manager’s put up with it…….

Anyway, on a positive note, the toon took all three points away – thanks to Andy Carroll.

Another 5 wins and the toon are guaranteed promotion. A 5.20pm kick-off for Sky TV.  Now, a bit of a quandary - will the local pub have the toon game on, given it’s the last weekend of the six nations – the Ireland – Scotland game will definitely be on in my local, maybe I’ll take a kitchen utensil down to do a bit of stirring…

Come on Andy Carroll – give us another couple of goals and make a claim for that famous number 9 shirt!

Match Result: 2 – 2

Andy Carroll’s 75th-minute equaliser salvaged a point for the Toon, after going two nil down in the first half.

Lewin Nyatanga and Nicky Maynard put the home side in a strong position, but a sloppy throw from Bristol keeper Dean Gerken gifted an opportunity for Jonas Guiterrez to pull one back.  Constant pressure from the Newcastle resulted in Andy Carroll hitting the well deserved equaliser to the delight of the 2,000 travelling toon fans.

Newcastle face a home tie against Scunthorpe tonight.  Surely a good three points are in the bag??  Fingers crossed big Andy Carroll keeps on hitting the back of the net!  Come on the Toon!!

Team News
Harper, Simpson, Enrique, Nolan, Coloccini, Hall, Routledge, Guthrie, Carroll,
Lovenkrands, Gutierrez
Subs: Kadar, Best, Ranger

3 – 0 to the toon!!

Andy Carroll nets a brace and Peter Lovenkrands bags another as the toon march on.  It’s now 22 victorious games from 36 with still another 10 to play before promotion..

We are now 4 points clear of second placed West Brom with a game in hand, and a full 12 points clear of Nottingham Forest in third place.  Next game is away to Bristol City on Saturday.

NUFC: Harper, Kadar, Hall, Coloccini (R.Taylor 50), Simpson, Gutierrez, Nolan, Guthrie, Pancrate (Best 78), Lovenkrands (Butt 70), Carroll.
Subs n/u: Krul, Enrique, Routledge, Ranger.

Goals: Lovenkrands 16, Carroll 82.

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Team: Harper, Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Enrique (Kadar 33), Pancrate, Guthrie, Nolan (R.Taylor 73), Gutierrez, Carroll (Best 72), Lovenkrands.
Subs unused: Krul, Hall, Butt, Ranger.

Newcastle just keep scoring at home.  18 goals over the last 4 homes games, including six today.  Two goals for Lovenkrands, two more for Guthrie, one from Nolan and one from Guiterrez, who donned the spiderman mask to the delight of the watching toon faithful.

Newcastle travel to Watford tomorrow.  I imagine Chris Houghton will probably go with his normal away 4-5-1 formation.  We’ve a few bodies out injured, so will wait for team news tomorrow.

Team News : Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Danny Guthrie, Alan Smith (c), Kevin Nolan, Jonas Gutierrez, Leon Best, Andy Carroll
Subs: Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Fitz Hall, Ryan Taylor, Nile Ranger, Fabrice Pancrate, Ryan Donaldson

Well, Leon Best and Andy Carroll both start – to me this is good news and I’m ever hopeful this means that Chris Houghton is going with a more attacking 4-4-2.  Peter Lovenkrands is out injured, and Leon Best comes in to replace him.  Come on the Toon! – it’s about time we had an away win – my guess – 2-1 to Newcastle – scorecast – 2-1 Nolan or 2-1 Carroll!

Match Result – Watford 1-2 Newcastle United

The Travelling Toon managed to get their first away win in 8 matches with a well earned 2-1 win.  Argentinian Fabricio Collocini headed in on 4 minutes after a Guthrie free kick was flicked on by Nolan.

Newcastle registered their first away win in 8 games on the road today at Watford, with a solid and well earned 2-1 victory.

It was 3 minutes last time out before Newcastle scored, and today it was 4 minutes until Newcastle scored their first goal.  Danny Guthrie put in free kick nicely into the penalty area, and Kevin Nolan’s flick was put back across goal by Andy Carroll.  A fantastic start to the match and Newcastle looked nicely in control.  Newcastle then went 2-0 up on 50 minutes, when Guthrie swung a corner in – this time Andy Carroll rising above the defenders to thump a header into the back of the net.

It was Andy’s 11th goal of the season and that put him just one goal behind Kevin Nolan, and one more than Peter Lovenkrands.

An injury time goal by Will Hoskins pegged one back for Watford, resulting in arguments from the Newcastle defenders, however – that aside, the Toon were good value for their 3 points, and with Forest getting beat again today, things are looking good at the top of the pile for Newcastle’s promotion chase.

Match Result : Newcastle United 3 – 0 Preston North End

Another valuable 3 points after another good home performance.   Peter Lovenkrands opened up the scoring after just three minutes to let Darren Ferguson know what was on the cards as a visiting manager to St. James Park – for the second time this season!  Kevin Nolan added a second with a cleverly worked move with Alan Smith and Leon Best, giving the scouser his 11th goal of the season, hopefully ending his somewhat barren spell in front of goal in recent games – but hey – at the end of the day we should not be overly critical and would happily accept another few mid-fielders that can score regularly!  Talking about scoring mid-fielders, Ryan Taylor ended the match nicely and netted for a three nil victory.  Alan Smith pulled the strings effectively, and all in all – a good all round performance was watched by 46,000 fans.  Newcastle now stand at the top of the table, 5 points clear from Nott’s Forest, with a game in hand over them, and 6 points clear of the Baggies.

Preston travel to St. James Park today.  Hopefully Chris Houghton will play the sensible home option and put out another attacking team.  It’s been great to see a couple of wingers working so effectively, with Routledge and Gutierrez charging up and down the flanks, providing service to the front boys.  Three points are a must today as things are tight at the top.

Final Score: Newcastle 4 – 1 Coventry City

Fantastic home result tonight, with Newcastle winning 4-1.  This now puts up  3 points clear of West Bromwich Albion with a better goal difference to boot.

Newcastle were far better than the poor performance of Saturday, and started well.  Against the run of play,  Coventry took the lead after 35 minutes, with Clinton Morrison firing in from close range.  However,  a tremendous goal from January signing Wayne Routledge put the Toon on level terms.  Fingers crossed this will be the first of many!

Andy Carroll then headed home his 10th goal of the season, netting six times in his last seven games.   Peter Lovenkrands then took a penalty, scoring his 9th goal of the season.

Ryan Taylor then slotted Newcastle’s 4th goal – making it nine goals scored in our last two home games – top effort!

We need to use home advantage on Saturday and make sure we claim maximum points against  Preston North End.

Team News

Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Kevin Nolan (c), Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands

Subs: Tim Krul, Fabrice Pancrate, Alan Smith, Fitz Hall, Leon Best, Nile Ranger, Ryan Taylor

Good news that Jonas Gutierrez declared fit and makes the starting line up.  Alan Smith drops to the bench and Nolan and Guthrie will hopefully boss the centre of midfield.  Kevin Nolan hopefully will pick up his form a bit, and gets the captains armband for the night.  Leon Best drops to the bench.

Quite an attacking team – good to see the wingers and quite an attack minded midfield – COME ON THE TOON !

HOW DID THAT HAPPEN ??

Scotland snatch defeat from the jaws of victory at  the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff this afternoon.

Shane Williams’s dramatic stoppage-time try giving Wales victory in dramatic end of game action.  Wales were trailing by 10 points at 14-24 with just four minutes remaining , and looked like notching up their second defeat of the Six Nations after their loss to England last weekend.  Dan Parks had a good tactical game, scoring two drop goals and two penalties.  John Barclay and Max Evans both scored first half tries for the visitors with Paterson converting.   Galashiels boy, and Scotland Full-back Chris Paterson became the first Scot to play in 100 Tests and had the honour of leading out Scotland.

But, like last week, sin binnings again played a key role, with Scott Lawson and Phil Godman both being sent to the side.    It looked like Scotland had done enough at 24-14 when Halpenny scored and Stephen Jones converted the kick.  A further Welsh penalty looked like a 24-all draw was a certainty, but Wales scored a scorching try – Wales’ all-time leading try scorer Shane Williams going over the line and Jones once again kicking the conversion.

Final Score : 1 – 1

An 87th minute equaliser from Andy Caroll sees Newcastle go back to the top of the Championship.  Another poor performance with Swansea dominating much of the game and certainly having the vast majority of possession.  Newcastle had another lucky escape at South Wales escaping home with a point.  To be honest we should be thoroughly embarrassed with the draw and deserved to get beat.  The players appeared to lack enthusiasm, lack drive and certainly a few questions needs to be asked.  We were outplayed and looked tactically inept.

Chris Houghton and the feckless board at St. James better have a long hard look – albeit we’ve had a long unbeaten run prior to last weeks mauling at Derby, save for the home performance against Cardiff we’ve looked pretty poor in recent times.  I dread to think how we’ll fare next season in the hopeful event that we get promoted back to the Premiership.  Swap Derby or Swansea for Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal and what chance have we got, but what is more worrying, is swap these teams for the Wigans, Boltons, West Hams or Wolves who we may be fighting against for survival – that is a bigger worry as at the minute I seriously don’t think we would cut the mustard.

Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton has maade three changes to the team that got thumped for free against  Derby County during the week.  This will be a difficult away trip to Swansea City today.  A bit surprising that Mike Williamson is not in the starting line up.  Jonas Gutierrez and Leon Best are also not starting, and Fabricio Coloccini, Alan Smith and Peter Lovenkrands all start.

Team News :

NUFC: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fitz Hall, Fabricio Coloccini, Patrick van Aanholt, Danny Guthrie, Alan Smith (c), Kevin Nolan, Wayne Routledge, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands

Subs: Mike Williamson, Ryan Taylor, Leon Best, Fabrice Pancrate, Tamas Kadar, Tim Krul, Nile Ranger

The Magpies are on the road again this evening, when they play Derby county at Pride Park.  Nigel Clough’s side played out a goalless draw a few weeks back at St. James Park.

Final Score : 3-0 – Just a bit different from Friday night against Cardiff City…Baggies win tonight, at least Forest got beat.

Ireland v France

England v Wales

Scotland v France

A bloody good excuse to go to the pub!

MATCH RESULT : Newcastle Utd 5 – 1 Cardiff City

The mags really turned on the style on a rare Friday evening outing.  An impressive all-round team performance, with Newcastle having all but won the game in the first quarter of an hour.  Two goals for Peter Lovenkrands and two for the equally impressive Andy Caroll, as well as an own-goal by Cardiff defender Gyepes.
All six new signings started, and looks like Houghton should take credit there without a doubt.  Fantastic that they all gelled together and worked well as a unit.
I really think having two wingers and playing an attacking 4-4-2 formation plays to our strengths.

NUFC: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fitz Hall, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Kevin Nolan (c), Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Leon Best

Cardiff travel to St. James Park tonight, with Danny Simpson and Shola Ameobi both in contention to start.  Hopefully Leon Best will go straight into the starting line-up and make a difference.  A win tonight is vital as the points at the top are getting a bit too close.  Hopefully Chris Houghton will not persevere with Smith and Butt playing together in midfield, and drop Nicky Butt to the bench.  I’d like to say Jonas and Routledge flying up the wings and giving decent service to the front men.  Time will tell, but we certainly need to do better than we did in the lacklustre performance against 10-men Leceister.

Fingers X that Chopra does not come back and hit the back of the net, he’s been on form for Cardiff scoring 14 times so far this season…..

Final Score 0 – 0
Not Good Enough… Another draw and a couple of points dropped, but 14 without loss.  Now 4 points clear at the top, with a game in hand.  Good job Forest got beat at Derby today.

Newcastle travel to the Walkers Stadium for a 5.20pm televised kick-off.  Three newish faces make the starting line up – Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt and Wayne Routledge – looking like a pretty packed midfield with Wayne Routledge, Nicky Butt, Alan Smith, Danny Guthrie, and Kevin Nolan starting and Andy Carroll up front.  We are now on a thirteen game – home and away unbeaten run – fingers X that this is not an unlucky number and the toon do the business this evening.  It will be good to see Nobby again as he gets his debut for Leicester – hope he does not come back to haunt us!!!

Toon Team For Today:

NUFC: Steve Harper, Ryan Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Nicky Butt (c), Alan Smith, Danny Guthrie, Kevin Nolan, Andy Carroll

Subs: Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Jonas Gutierrez, Peter Lovenkrands, Nile Ranger, Fitz Hall, Fabrice Pancrate

Newcastle broke the magical 100-point barrier with a 1 nil away win at QPR.  A 70th minute goal from Peter Lovenkrands pushing the Mag’s up to 102 points for the season.

Now the real work begins!  Enjoy the Summer – Come On England!

Goals from Carroll and Ameobi almost lead to a victory in the final home game in hopefully our last ever escapade into the second flight of English football – however, three minutes into injury time, Roy ‘the dog wa*ker’’s team pulled back to equalise the game at 2-2.

A sell out 52,181 saw the team presented with the Coca Cola championship trophy.

Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Jose Enrique, Wayne Routledge, Danny Guthrie, Kevin Nolan (c), Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands
Subs: Tim Krul, Joey Barton, Ryan Taylor, Alan Smith, Leon Best, Nicky Butt, Shola Ameobi

Finally the toon are confirmed as champions.  A cracking header from Andy Carroll followed up by a well taken goal by Wayne Routledge ensured the toon faithful went into raptures of delight!

Considering Plymouth’s defeat confirmed their relegation, all credit must be given to the Southern club and it’s fans.  The ground DJ played ‘We are the champions’, ‘Blaydon Races’ and ‘Local Hero’, whilst a couple of the Green Army fans wandered round the ground with a large banner congratulating Newcastle on their confirmation as champions – Big Respect to them!

Cause for celebration and much credit must go to Houghton for the way he’s lead the team to the championship title.

Another strong attacking performance from the Mag’s to drive home our return to the top flight last Monday.  Goals from Spiderman, Caroll, Noland and Routledge.

The Augusta Masters starts this Thursday – and I can not wait!!

The TV in the Beatt household will be commandeered as it is for every golfing major (football match, cricket test, motor race…. )

I love the Masters – and the betting that goes with it! – I like to stay clear of short priced favourites such as Tiger, and instead like the each-way place bets on players such as Jim Furyk @ 35/1, Charl Schwartzel @ 50/1, Duston Johnson @66/1 and Steve Stricker @33/1.

Fingers crossed that one of this lot steams to the front come Sunday evening. It will be interesting to see how the great Tiger Woods will perform (on the course that is – not the bedroom). One thing in Tiger’s favour is that his first tournament after his ‘episode’ is the Masters. Security will be at it’s tightest for this event, the stewards will rule the galleries with a rod of iron, and to be honest, as it’s pretty much a members viewing gallery, and those that are in the know – I can’t really see Tiger getting too much agro from the crowds.

Els and Mickleson are always going to be in the running, and I’m fairly sure Tiger will be there or there abouts. This year’s open at St. Andrews may be a different equation – if the wind blows and the rain drives, I could see Tiger struggle round the Old Course – if the sun shines then he could tear it apart. I played there in the Summer – driving wind and rain, but really enjoyed it – keep left and out of the messy stuff and all should be ok.

Enjoy the golf!!

WE ARE PROMOTED!

Thanks to the goaless draw played out by Nottingham Forest and Cardiff – the good news is that regardless of what happens now, Newcastle United are guaranteed promotion now.

Five changes for tonight, with Houghton bringing back Danny Guthrie, Wayne Routledge and Jonas Gutierrez with Andy Carroll and Peter Lovenkrands starting up front.

Hopefully a party atmosphere at St. James Park will lead to an emphatic home win tonight!

COME ON THE TOON!

TEAM NEWS

Newcastle Utd: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Jose Enrique, Wayne Routledge, Kevin Nolan (c), Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Peter Lovenkrands, Andy Carroll
Subs: Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Joey Barton, Leon Best, Nicky Butt, Ryan Taylor, Shola Ameobi

2-1 To The Toon

Goals from Peter Lovenkrands and a wonder scissor kick goal from Kevin Nolan seal promotion to the Premiership in style!!

Away to Peterborough United – a win for the toon and a defeat for Nottingham Forest away to Bristol City sees Newcastle guaranteed promotion! Happy days!

Peterborough 2 : 3 Newcastle United
Goals from Nolan, Barton and Ameobi gain the toon 3 more valuable points, and we are edging ever closer back to the top flight where we belong!

A good performance from the mag’s to edge us closer to promotion and winning the Coca Cola Championship in style. We’re on the verge of heading straight back up at the first attempt – thankfully!

Shola came of the bench to net with a fine effort, and a first goal from the classy Jose Enrique secured three points for the toon, in a horrible wet, windy evening.

Newcastle bossed the first half, and should really have scored a couple before the break.  Andy Carroll had the best chances, but the whole team looked composed and threatening – Forest didn’t really look like scoring, and in reality Newcastle were unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty.

As the clock ticked past 70 minutes Shola took a well controlled shot, ending up at the back of the net to the delight of the 46,000 toon fans.  As the final whistle approached a well deserved goal by Jose Enrique cemented the joy for the toon faithful.  If we win on Saturday and Forest get beat we will be guaranteed automatic promotion.

Come on the toon!

After the much reported on training ground punch up between Andy Carroll and Steven Taylor, who would have scripted it – Carroll plays tonight in the Championship game at Doncaster and nets the only goal of the game.  Many will have viewed Chris Houghton’s decision to play Carroll tonight with disdain, but in the end – mercenary as it seems 3 points at this stage in the season is all important.  With Carroll still out on bail pending a serious incident in a toon nightspot, the jury has to be out as to what punishment should be meted out – it can hardly have been a slap in the face for Steven Taylor to have had a broken jaw, surgery required and two nights in hospital.  Probability is that he’s out for the rest of the season now, all in all – the form Carroll’s in and the goals he’s scoring are vital, but he needs to understand that the club is bigger than he is.  We were too soft and weak in dealing with the Joey Barton mess in the early days – and whilst credit is due and all that for his current meek demeanour, Barton came with baggage was given an opportunity and still spat it back in the clubs face.  Time will tell if Andy Carroll is going down a similar path, but would a Fergie, a Wenger or one of the old school manager’s put up with it…….

Anyway, on a positive note, the toon took all three points away – thanks to Andy Carroll.

Another 5 wins and the toon are guaranteed promotion. A 5.20pm kick-off for Sky TV.  Now, a bit of a quandary - will the local pub have the toon game on, given it’s the last weekend of the six nations – the Ireland – Scotland game will definitely be on in my local, maybe I’ll take a kitchen utensil down to do a bit of stirring…

Come on Andy Carroll – give us another couple of goals and make a claim for that famous number 9 shirt!

Match Result: 2 – 2

Andy Carroll’s 75th-minute equaliser salvaged a point for the Toon, after going two nil down in the first half.

Lewin Nyatanga and Nicky Maynard put the home side in a strong position, but a sloppy throw from Bristol keeper Dean Gerken gifted an opportunity for Jonas Guiterrez to pull one back.  Constant pressure from the Newcastle resulted in Andy Carroll hitting the well deserved equaliser to the delight of the 2,000 travelling toon fans.

Newcastle face a home tie against Scunthorpe tonight.  Surely a good three points are in the bag??  Fingers crossed big Andy Carroll keeps on hitting the back of the net!  Come on the Toon!!

Team News
Harper, Simpson, Enrique, Nolan, Coloccini, Hall, Routledge, Guthrie, Carroll,
Lovenkrands, Gutierrez
Subs: Kadar, Best, Ranger

3 – 0 to the toon!!

Andy Carroll nets a brace and Peter Lovenkrands bags another as the toon march on.  It’s now 22 victorious games from 36 with still another 10 to play before promotion..

We are now 4 points clear of second placed West Brom with a game in hand, and a full 12 points clear of Nottingham Forest in third place.  Next game is away to Bristol City on Saturday.

NUFC: Harper, Kadar, Hall, Coloccini (R.Taylor 50), Simpson, Gutierrez, Nolan, Guthrie, Pancrate (Best 78), Lovenkrands (Butt 70), Carroll.
Subs n/u: Krul, Enrique, Routledge, Ranger.

Goals: Lovenkrands 16, Carroll 82.

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Team: Harper, Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Enrique (Kadar 33), Pancrate, Guthrie, Nolan (R.Taylor 73), Gutierrez, Carroll (Best 72), Lovenkrands.
Subs unused: Krul, Hall, Butt, Ranger.

Newcastle just keep scoring at home.  18 goals over the last 4 homes games, including six today.  Two goals for Lovenkrands, two more for Guthrie, one from Nolan and one from Guiterrez, who donned the spiderman mask to the delight of the watching toon faithful.

Newcastle travel to Watford tomorrow.  I imagine Chris Houghton will probably go with his normal away 4-5-1 formation.  We’ve a few bodies out injured, so will wait for team news tomorrow.

Team News : Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Danny Guthrie, Alan Smith (c), Kevin Nolan, Jonas Gutierrez, Leon Best, Andy Carroll
Subs: Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Fitz Hall, Ryan Taylor, Nile Ranger, Fabrice Pancrate, Ryan Donaldson

Well, Leon Best and Andy Carroll both start – to me this is good news and I’m ever hopeful this means that Chris Houghton is going with a more attacking 4-4-2.  Peter Lovenkrands is out injured, and Leon Best comes in to replace him.  Come on the Toon! – it’s about time we had an away win – my guess – 2-1 to Newcastle – scorecast – 2-1 Nolan or 2-1 Carroll!

Match Result – Watford 1-2 Newcastle United

The Travelling Toon managed to get their first away win in 8 matches with a well earned 2-1 win.  Argentinian Fabricio Collocini headed in on 4 minutes after a Guthrie free kick was flicked on by Nolan.

Newcastle registered their first away win in 8 games on the road today at Watford, with a solid and well earned 2-1 victory.

It was 3 minutes last time out before Newcastle scored, and today it was 4 minutes until Newcastle scored their first goal.  Danny Guthrie put in free kick nicely into the penalty area, and Kevin Nolan’s flick was put back across goal by Andy Carroll.  A fantastic start to the match and Newcastle looked nicely in control.  Newcastle then went 2-0 up on 50 minutes, when Guthrie swung a corner in – this time Andy Carroll rising above the defenders to thump a header into the back of the net.

It was Andy’s 11th goal of the season and that put him just one goal behind Kevin Nolan, and one more than Peter Lovenkrands.

An injury time goal by Will Hoskins pegged one back for Watford, resulting in arguments from the Newcastle defenders, however – that aside, the Toon were good value for their 3 points, and with Forest getting beat again today, things are looking good at the top of the pile for Newcastle’s promotion chase.

Match Result : Newcastle United 3 – 0 Preston North End

Another valuable 3 points after another good home performance.   Peter Lovenkrands opened up the scoring after just three minutes to let Darren Ferguson know what was on the cards as a visiting manager to St. James Park – for the second time this season!  Kevin Nolan added a second with a cleverly worked move with Alan Smith and Leon Best, giving the scouser his 11th goal of the season, hopefully ending his somewhat barren spell in front of goal in recent games – but hey – at the end of the day we should not be overly critical and would happily accept another few mid-fielders that can score regularly!  Talking about scoring mid-fielders, Ryan Taylor ended the match nicely and netted for a three nil victory.  Alan Smith pulled the strings effectively, and all in all – a good all round performance was watched by 46,000 fans.  Newcastle now stand at the top of the table, 5 points clear from Nott’s Forest, with a game in hand over them, and 6 points clear of the Baggies.

Preston travel to St. James Park today.  Hopefully Chris Houghton will play the sensible home option and put out another attacking team.  It’s been great to see a couple of wingers working so effectively, with Routledge and Gutierrez charging up and down the flanks, providing service to the front boys.  Three points are a must today as things are tight at the top.

Final Score: Newcastle 4 – 1 Coventry City

Fantastic home result tonight, with Newcastle winning 4-1.  This now puts up  3 points clear of West Bromwich Albion with a better goal difference to boot.

Newcastle were far better than the poor performance of Saturday, and started well.  Against the run of play,  Coventry took the lead after 35 minutes, with Clinton Morrison firing in from close range.  However,  a tremendous goal from January signing Wayne Routledge put the Toon on level terms.  Fingers crossed this will be the first of many!

Andy Carroll then headed home his 10th goal of the season, netting six times in his last seven games.   Peter Lovenkrands then took a penalty, scoring his 9th goal of the season.

Ryan Taylor then slotted Newcastle’s 4th goal – making it nine goals scored in our last two home games – top effort!

We need to use home advantage on Saturday and make sure we claim maximum points against  Preston North End.

Team News

Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Kevin Nolan (c), Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands

Subs: Tim Krul, Fabrice Pancrate, Alan Smith, Fitz Hall, Leon Best, Nile Ranger, Ryan Taylor

Good news that Jonas Gutierrez declared fit and makes the starting line up.  Alan Smith drops to the bench and Nolan and Guthrie will hopefully boss the centre of midfield.  Kevin Nolan hopefully will pick up his form a bit, and gets the captains armband for the night.  Leon Best drops to the bench.

Quite an attacking team – good to see the wingers and quite an attack minded midfield – COME ON THE TOON !

HOW DID THAT HAPPEN ??

Scotland snatch defeat from the jaws of victory at  the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff this afternoon.

Shane Williams’s dramatic stoppage-time try giving Wales victory in dramatic end of game action.  Wales were trailing by 10 points at 14-24 with just four minutes remaining , and looked like notching up their second defeat of the Six Nations after their loss to England last weekend.  Dan Parks had a good tactical game, scoring two drop goals and two penalties.  John Barclay and Max Evans both scored first half tries for the visitors with Paterson converting.   Galashiels boy, and Scotland Full-back Chris Paterson became the first Scot to play in 100 Tests and had the honour of leading out Scotland.

But, like last week, sin binnings again played a key role, with Scott Lawson and Phil Godman both being sent to the side.    It looked like Scotland had done enough at 24-14 when Halpenny scored and Stephen Jones converted the kick.  A further Welsh penalty looked like a 24-all draw was a certainty, but Wales scored a scorching try – Wales’ all-time leading try scorer Shane Williams going over the line and Jones once again kicking the conversion.

Final Score : 1 – 1

An 87th minute equaliser from Andy Caroll sees Newcastle go back to the top of the Championship.  Another poor performance with Swansea dominating much of the game and certainly having the vast majority of possession.  Newcastle had another lucky escape at South Wales escaping home with a point.  To be honest we should be thoroughly embarrassed with the draw and deserved to get beat.  The players appeared to lack enthusiasm, lack drive and certainly a few questions needs to be asked.  We were outplayed and looked tactically inept.

Chris Houghton and the feckless board at St. James better have a long hard look – albeit we’ve had a long unbeaten run prior to last weeks mauling at Derby, save for the home performance against Cardiff we’ve looked pretty poor in recent times.  I dread to think how we’ll fare next season in the hopeful event that we get promoted back to the Premiership.  Swap Derby or Swansea for Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal and what chance have we got, but what is more worrying, is swap these teams for the Wigans, Boltons, West Hams or Wolves who we may be fighting against for survival – that is a bigger worry as at the minute I seriously don’t think we would cut the mustard.

Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton has maade three changes to the team that got thumped for free against  Derby County during the week.  This will be a difficult away trip to Swansea City today.  A bit surprising that Mike Williamson is not in the starting line up.  Jonas Gutierrez and Leon Best are also not starting, and Fabricio Coloccini, Alan Smith and Peter Lovenkrands all start.

Team News :

NUFC: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fitz Hall, Fabricio Coloccini, Patrick van Aanholt, Danny Guthrie, Alan Smith (c), Kevin Nolan, Wayne Routledge, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands

Subs: Mike Williamson, Ryan Taylor, Leon Best, Fabrice Pancrate, Tamas Kadar, Tim Krul, Nile Ranger

The Magpies are on the road again this evening, when they play Derby county at Pride Park.  Nigel Clough’s side played out a goalless draw a few weeks back at St. James Park.

Final Score : 3-0 – Just a bit different from Friday night against Cardiff City…Baggies win tonight, at least Forest got beat.

Ireland v France

England v Wales

Scotland v France

A bloody good excuse to go to the pub!

MATCH RESULT : Newcastle Utd 5 – 1 Cardiff City

The mags really turned on the style on a rare Friday evening outing.  An impressive all-round team performance, with Newcastle having all but won the game in the first quarter of an hour.  Two goals for Peter Lovenkrands and two for the equally impressive Andy Caroll, as well as an own-goal by Cardiff defender Gyepes.
All six new signings started, and looks like Houghton should take credit there without a doubt.  Fantastic that they all gelled together and worked well as a unit.
I really think having two wingers and playing an attacking 4-4-2 formation plays to our strengths.

NUFC: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fitz Hall, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Kevin Nolan (c), Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Leon Best

Cardiff travel to St. James Park tonight, with Danny Simpson and Shola Ameobi both in contention to start.  Hopefully Leon Best will go straight into the starting line-up and make a difference.  A win tonight is vital as the points at the top are getting a bit too close.  Hopefully Chris Houghton will not persevere with Smith and Butt playing together in midfield, and drop Nicky Butt to the bench.  I’d like to say Jonas and Routledge flying up the wings and giving decent service to the front men.  Time will tell, but we certainly need to do better than we did in the lacklustre performance against 10-men Leceister.

Fingers X that Chopra does not come back and hit the back of the net, he’s been on form for Cardiff scoring 14 times so far this season…..

Final Score 0 – 0
Not Good Enough… Another draw and a couple of points dropped, but 14 without loss.  Now 4 points clear at the top, with a game in hand.  Good job Forest got beat at Derby today.

Newcastle travel to the Walkers Stadium for a 5.20pm televised kick-off.  Three newish faces make the starting line up – Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt and Wayne Routledge – looking like a pretty packed midfield with Wayne Routledge, Nicky Butt, Alan Smith, Danny Guthrie, and Kevin Nolan starting and Andy Carroll up front.  We are now on a thirteen game – home and away unbeaten run – fingers X that this is not an unlucky number and the toon do the business this evening.  It will be good to see Nobby again as he gets his debut for Leicester – hope he does not come back to haunt us!!!

Toon Team For Today:

NUFC: Steve Harper, Ryan Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge, Nicky Butt (c), Alan Smith, Danny Guthrie, Kevin Nolan, Andy Carroll

Subs: Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Jonas Gutierrez, Peter Lovenkrands, Nile Ranger, Fitz Hall, Fabrice Pancrate

Newcastle broke the magical 100-point barrier with a 1 nil away win at QPR.  A 70th minute goal from Peter Lovenkrands pushing the Mag’s up to 102 points for the season.

Now the real work begins!  Enjoy the Summer – Come On England!

Goals from Carroll and Ameobi almost lead to a victory in the final home game in hopefully our last ever escapade into the second flight of English football – however, three minutes into injury time, Roy ‘the dog wa*ker’’s team pulled back to equalise the game at 2-2.

A sell out 52,181 saw the team presented with the Coca Cola championship trophy.

Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Jose Enrique, Wayne Routledge, Danny Guthrie, Kevin Nolan (c), Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Peter Lovenkrands
Subs: Tim Krul, Joey Barton, Ryan Taylor, Alan Smith, Leon Best, Nicky Butt, Shola Ameobi

Finally the toon are confirmed as champions.  A cracking header from Andy Carroll followed up by a well taken goal by Wayne Routledge ensured the toon faithful went into raptures of delight!

Considering Plymouth’s defeat confirmed their relegation, all credit must be given to the Southern club and it’s fans.  The ground DJ played ‘We are the champions’, ‘Blaydon Races’ and ‘Local Hero’, whilst a couple of the Green Army fans wandered round the ground with a large banner congratulating Newcastle on their confirmation as champions – Big Respect to them!

Cause for celebration and much credit must go to Houghton for the way he’s lead the team to the championship title.