Remy and Cisse, Newcastle's new deadly duo?

Loic Remy is set to finalise his move from Marseille to Newcastle United either tomorrow or Wednesday for a reported 8 million pound fee. He's certainly got the talent to be a top class striker and the goal scoring ability to become a legend on Tyneside. But can he and Papiss Cisse become a prolific duo?
After Demba Ba jumped ship to fellow Premier League club Chelsea last week, Newcastle needed to bring in a star performing and goal grabbing replacement. Remy has been on Newcastle's wish list for a while and they have tried to sign him a couple of times in previous transfer windows, but to no avail. The fee was either too hefty or the agents and club were playing hard ball with the Newcastle.
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has outlined in the past that he and the manager will not pursue someone if they continue to aggregate or test their patients. Marseille were doing exactly this, so Remy must be something special that Ashley and Pardew believe can work successfully with Cisse and be as prolific as Ba was in his short but goal fest filled stay at Newcastle.
Remy's record this season hasn't been anything to write home about or get too over excited with, just the three goals in sixteen appearances. But was he does has is the consistency to perform week after week and even chip in with a few assists for his team mates along the way.
At Newcastle last season Cisse was a revelation when he arrived; "He'll be the next legendary number nine!" the Geordies said. Cisse notched thirteen goals in twelve appearances at the end of last season. But the 2012-2013 season has been a different story. Cisse has only managed to get two goals so far, with one of them coming in one of the domestic cups available to Premier League teams.
With Remy's arrival imminent with Newcastle fans, including myself, be treated to a feast for the eyes when inevitably Remy and Cisse are partnered together for the remaining games this season?
Remy's potential debut could be Saturday against Reading, it will be interesting to see how he links up with Cisse and will give the Newcastle fans an indication of what he can bring to the team.
It's bad news again for Shola Ameobi who will be demoted to the bench as a back up for the two if they pick up a suspension or knock. But Remy is younger and a more star studded name and talent who can grow into a feared goal scorer in the Premier League.
For me Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse were too alike and that's where Newcastle striking problems lay. They would generally go for the same ball, not run into positions for one another and the most frustrating thing was that they could never seem to score in the game when the other one did. Amazing to say that they are from the same country!
Remy will bring another dimension to Newcastle and will offer Cisse a different sort of striking partner. He has pace, skill and a better football brain over Ba in my opinion and even though he doesn't have as good of a goal scoring record he can set them up for Cisse to finish off.
Could the signing of Remy be the addition that can change the fortunes of Newcastle's season?

FIFA Ballon d'Or outcome

The FIFA Ballon d'Or didn't offer up any surprises in the awards that were handed out tonight at the ceremony. But that isn't a bad thing because everyone that was presented with an award deserved it and that is why they were at this prestigious event.
The biggest names in football were in attendance with the setting for the awards packed to the rafters and also the event was broadcast live on Eurosport in the UK and on other channels around the world.

Team of the year:

Iker Casillas
Dani Alves
Gerard Piqué
Sergio Ramos
Marcelo
Xabi Alonso
Andreas Iniesta
Xavi Hernandez
Cristiano Ronaldo
Lionel Messi
Radamel Falcao

Barcelona and Real Madrid dominated the FIFA team of the year award with 10 of the 11 players coming from one team or the other. Out of favour Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, defenders Segio Ramos and Marcelo along with Barcelona's Dani Alves and Gerard Piqué made up the defence of the world team award. All of them have performed exceptionally in each game that they were involved with last season and that along with a number of other reasons are why they are in the world team.
Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso and Barcelona's Xavi and one of the Ballon d'Or final three Andreas Iniesta made up the midfield. Alonso since he left Liverpool has picked up a number of awards and this is another one to add to that list, which I'm sure is as important as the rest even though it isn't a individual award for him to take home.
Finally Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi, along with Atletico Madrid's prolific striker Radamel Falcao making up the forward three in the FIFA team of the year. Ronaldo and Messi were definitely not a surprise to be included in this team seen as though they were short listed for the Ballon d'Or award. But Falcao was probably a surprise for some people, but for me he is as deserving to be included as the other ten players. His magnificent goal scoring record and all round outstanding performances throughout last season should have guaranteed him a spot over any other striker in the world.

Coach of the year:

Vicente Del Bosque

Vicente Del Bosque ensured Spain won the Euro 2012 tournament which they deserved to win without a doubt. His no nonsense managerial style ensured that the brilliant Spanish team dominated the World Cup games that they were involved in from start until finish, apart from the one slip up against Switzerland!
Del Bosque also has a fatherly side which I'm sure the Spain players appreciate when they need someone to talk to. He is also a person that you can be sure will want 110% from his players every time they take to the pitch.
The Spanish coach is undeniably one of the best coaches in the world and deserved to win the award this year, not only because of the Euro 2012 triumph, but because of his work off the pitch in ensuring that all of his players were in top condition before every match. He wasn't afraid to leave out players who people believed would make the difference on the pitch, but if Del Bosque didn't think they would perform to the best of their standards he would leave them out and 99 times out 100 it paid off.

FIFA Puskas award (Best goal):

Miroslav Stoch

The FIFA Puskas award went to Miroslav Stoch's volley earlier last season. The ball was swung in from a corner on the right and Stoch who was placed at the edge of the opposition boxed turned his body and curled the shot into the top left hand corner. It was the technique and calmness which he put the ball into the net that won it over the other goals for me. Neymar's long, technically and mazy run against Internacional was one of the other contenders, along with Radamel Falcao's bicycle kick from a corner.
Honestly I think that Falcao's over head kick in La Liga was a more deserved winner because the skill and power that he had to use to convert the chance into the net was unbelievable. Yet again, like Stoch's, it was a corner and the ball was kicked long, but Falcao changed his position and struck the ball into the once place that the keeper couldn't reach it.
But no disrespect to Stoch I could only imagine scoring a goal like that and the skill that was required to execute the shot was excellent. The voting panel obviously believe that it ticked all of e boxes and deserved the Puskas award for 2012.

There were other awards on offer at the prestigious event, including Sepp Blatter's FIFA presidential award, FIFA fair play award and FIFA women's player of the year award:

FIFA Presidential award:

Franz Beckenbauer

FIFA fair play award:

Uzbekistan football federation

FIFA women's player of the year award:

Abby Wambach (USA)

But the most anticipated award was announced at the end of the even and the result was not a surprise to the majority of the people in attendance and the millions watching at home.

Ballon d'Or winner:

Lionel Messi

It couldn't have been anyone else. Picking up the award for the fourth time and becoming the only player ever to get four Ballon d'Or awards. Lionel Messi broke a number of records last year and begins 2013 by doing the same. He overtook Zidane and Ronaldo who also had three Ballon d'Or awards each.
The Argentina captain was speechless when he first went on stage to pick up the award, but gave a heart warming speech thanking his team mates and fellow Ballon d'Or candidate Andreas Iniesta for his hard work and support at Barcelona. The mini maestro also dedicated the award to his family and especially his wife and young son.
His record breaking year last year was mentioned numerous times with the goal scoring record of 91 goals in a calendar year was applauded by everyone in attendance. It's hard to believe that he is only 25 years of age and is already, arguably, the best player of all time.
Messi, who also picked up an award for being part of the FIFA world team, received a standing ovation when his name was read out by Italy legend, Favio Cannavaro. The Barcelona ace is always quick to thank his team mates for their hard work and the manager and coaching staff for their work rate as well. But even if Messi won't talk about how he good he is , it is obvious that everyone on the voting panel wanted to show this too him by giving him the award again.
Finally there is no doubt that Messi will continue to dominate the world of football for a number of years to come and I'm sure this wont be the last time that we see him picking up this award. The Argentina and Barcelona legend will keep breaking records and he may have to dedicate another room in his house to trophies that he is guaranteed to win in the coming years.
Bien hecho Lionel Messi el rey del futbol europeo!!

Key dates in 2013: January

8th and 9th January: Capital One Cup semi finals first leg

On the 8th Minnows and Giant Killers Bradford City fresh from their victory over Premier League Arsenal have a home tie against struggling Premier League opposition, Aston Villa in a clash that football fans won't want to miss. Bookies and fans alike are predicting another upset in the recently re named competition. Aston Villa haven't performed well this season in the league and despite the league positions between them Bradford still remain the favourites to get to the final. In their FA Cup tie on Saturday Aston Villa struggled against low league opposition and I'm sure Bradford would have noticed this and want to show what they can do when the two teams meet. But could the occasion and the expectation surrounding them prove to be too much for the League 2 outfit or could it have the opposite effect and the semi final be over even before the second leg has been played?
The day after on the 9th Chelsea play Swansea in a clash that for once when one of the so called 'big four' from the Premier League are involved the game is being overlooked or overshadowed by the other fixture. Never the less after Chelsea's 5-1 victory over fellow Premier League outfit Southampton in the FA Cup on Saturday and Swansea's stellar performances in the a premier League, the game will be action packed and hard fought for both teams. Chelsea have be inconsistent this season and Swansea have started to be labelled boring, much like the old Arsenal team of the 90's. These facts make the tie seem as close as it could be and much like in the past the English Cups are always unpredictable and highly entertaining.

( The return legs will be played on the 22nd and 23rd of January )

19th January: Africa Cup of Nations starts:

The hotly contested competition that is taking place two years in a row for the first time in its history is always full of exciting games and headline grabbing games each day. South Africa are the hosts this time round and before the competition has even started they are facing problems. Talisman Steven Pienaar announced his retirement from the national side last month and this has presented one problem for the team, who to replace him? Another area for concern is the number of injuries to their players; Key striker Katlego Mphela, Creative midfielder Thulani Serero and Assasin like centre back Morgan Gould all injured for the tournament. Gould will feel the most hard done by after missing out on the 2010 World Cup because of an ankle problem, that turned out to be a broken bone, just before the tournament. The national coach has been forced to turn to veterans; Ex West Ham player and apparent 'Fatboy' Benni McCarthy, Moroka Swallows player Siyabonga Nomvete and ex Bundesliga player Delron Buckley all of whom are in their 30's and coming towards retirement age.
Certain Premier League teams will not enjoy the prospect of losing their best players for the best part of a month. Newcastle United will be without midfield enforced Cheick Tiote, luckily they can keep hold of Papiss Cisse after Senegal were beaten by Tiotes Ivory Coast, Manchester City will lose brothers Yaya and Kolo Toure, Aston Villa will miss Karim El Ahmadi, Fulham Mahamadou Diarra, Emmanuel Adebayor from Tottenham, Chelsea's Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel are both involved, Arsenal lose 'The Forehead' Gervinho, West Brom will have Peter Odemwengie absent, Modibo Maiga from West Ham, Wigan's Arouna Kone travels and QPR will see defender Samba Diakite and striker Adel Taarabt leave.
Overall I'm sure the tournament will be a success and the fans, as always, will be up for the competition even if they can't afford the ticket prices to attend the games there is normally still a huge amount of noise to make the games as popular around the world as they are. I'm tipping the Elephants of a Ivory Coast to do the business, unless Egypt spoil the party and give the people in the country something to cheer about. Either that or one of the minnows will steal the show and then the majority of their players will be hot property for the big leagues in the world.

31st January: Transfer Window closes 11pm

Transfer deadline day. Jim White's Scottish voice is all that football fans will hear on this day, breaking news, travelling to different grounds around the country to be kept up to date with each reporter and each Premier League and occasional Scottish League club. Of course there's going to be big money moves and clubs making rash decisions on players because if they don't their fans will feel that they haven't spent enough money to transform them into a title winning team. That's the fun of the last day of the Transfer Window! As soon as football fans finish work or school they will be straight in front of the TV listening out for any news regarding their club right up until the window shuts at 11pm, I mean that's what I do anyway, anyone else?

FA Cup 3rd round: Brighton v Newcastle

The toon army will be looking to beat Championship outfit Brighton and Hove Albion tomorrow in the FA Cup 3rd round clash at the AMEX.

After a dismal and frankly depressing winter period for all Newcastle fans, including myself, we will be hoping that the team can put in a good performance.

Since the start of December Newcastle only managed to pick up 6 points out of a possible 21 on offer. Along with a 2-0 defeat away at Bordeaux in the Europa League, luckily qualification was already secure!

This record cannot continue if the team and staff want to replicate the efforts and achievements of last season, managing to finish 5th in the Premier League under the guidance of Alan Pardew.

In recent years the FA Cup hasn't been good for us, only managing to reach the fifth round. That was last season when we were knocked out by tomorrows opponent, after Mike Williamson decided to become a seagul for a brief moment.

Brighton are certainly no push overs, they have proved that with their performances, not only in the league, but in cup games in recent years. Currently sitting in 9th in the Championship, but only 3 points of the play off places they are going to be tough cookies.

The players aren't bad either, Craig Mackail Smith and Ashley Barnes supplying the firepower up front with 16 goals between them this season, Buckley in midfield who's skilful and can grab a goal or two himself and a solid defence and goalkeeper.

Ex Newcastle player, Kazenga Lua Lua will hopefully make an appearance tomorrow, I personally feel that we should have never got rid of someone that is quite clearly one of the best unrecognised talents outside of the Premier League.

As for Newcastle a number of first team players will still be absent, Danny Simpson ( Thank God he's not playing ) is out with a broken toe, funny business at Tulisas house possibly the cause of injury?

Both of the Taylor's, Ryan and Steven, are long term absences and Newcastle's defences has sorely missed them this season. When their in the side I'm confident that we might have the chance to keep a clean sheet, without them we have no chance even with Colo in the side.

The French Messi, Hatem Ben Arfa is still sidelined with a groin injury. Ben Arfa is my favourite player, he has everything; Vision, pace,skill and a powerful shot.

Yohan Cabays remains out, along with Fabricio Collocini and Papiss Cisse who picked up "slight knocks" in training, sounds to me like Pardew isn't fussed whether we win or lose.

To me that would seem like a good idea, forget the FA Cup and focus on avoiding relegation this season, that should be the priority and it looks like Pardew has his right where they need to be.

But on a positive note Mathieu Debuchy should start after completing his move from Lille earlier today, I'm sure he will be a much better player than Simpson at right back and hopefully he can adapt to the English game quickly.

Finally Demba Ba completed his move to Chelsea today for a fee of £7.5 million, that seems like a healthy profit to me for a player we bought on a free who apparently had a dodgy knee! I wish him the best of luck and I hope no Newcastle fans give him stick when we play them later in the season, players move on in football we just have to accept that.

I'm going for a 2-2 draw tomorrow then we can get them back to St Jamses park and dominate them. Either that or we beat them comprehensively tomorrow and send a message out to the fellow Premier League teams in the FA Cup.

Toon Toon Black and White Army!

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Newcastle v Sunderland March 2012 game

Sunday 4th March 2012. St Jamses park will be full of passionate Geordies who want to see their team beat the Mackems once again, I will be one of them, shouting at the top of my voice and and signing my heart out for the lads. In recent years it has been clear that Newcastle are the dominant force in this particular derby and this has been the case for a number of reasons. Sorry if you read my last blog and this one is following the same format, of start a topic and list points about that topic, but I promise that my next one will be different and hopefully you will be interested enough to read it.

     Firstly I'll say it now before I write this, I'm one of the biggest Newcastle fans and yes I'm going to be biased when I write the next 5 or so paragraphs. But I will also be slightly fair to the Mackems at some points because they used to be a good team that gave us a good derby match, but the result from the Halloween destruction of them in October 2010 when we won 5 - 1 just shows that we (I love how I say we as though I play for Newcastle) are definitely the dominant force in the greatest and most intriguing matches in football. 

     The power of Newcastle's strike force of Shola Ameobi, even though I don't like him and In my opinion he's a lazy player, I have to admit he played a blinder on that day and Andy Carroll, don't want to say much more about him. They both played well and ensured that the Sunderland back four had a nightmare of a day and the one factor that made sure that Newcastle had the advantage was the height of the two front men, Carroll flicking it on to Shola throughout the game and Shola trying to convert the chances that came his way. I also thought Shola was being a bit of a numpty when he took the ball of Kevin Nolan and told him that he was the regular penalty taker and that he was taking it even though Kevin was on for his first half hat trick, but credit to Shola he converted the penalty in style to give us a 3-0 half time lead.

     Another factor that ensured that we had the lion share of possession was the fact that the midfield was solid all afternoon, they made sure that the Sunderland midfielders couldn't pass the ball without getting frustrated, although they probably couldn't pass the ball anyway. The Newcastle midfield played as though they had a connection between each other so that they knew where each other were throughout the entire game. The central midfileld duo on that day of Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan were unstoppable and Kevin's hat trick was sublime, for a midfielder who has not scored a great number of goals in his career he certainly put on his scoring boots at the right time.

     The Newcastle defence on this particular day were surprisingly solid, it was definitely a surprise for me and I'm sure many other Newcastle fans that the defence was solid for 88 minutes of the 90 because for a number of years the one aspect of Newcastle's game that always got singled out by the media and journalists was the defence. It was fair criticism because Newcastle's defence was s***e for a long time, but since the reign of Chris Hughton the defence has improved considerably, maybe new defending coaches were brought in to sort out the problem so that all aspects of Newcastle's game were upto premier league standard. But in this game, as I was saying, Steven Taylor and Fabricio Collocini played magnificently to ensure that we got one over on the Mackems in the derby. They both commanded the back four superbly and put their bodies on the line throughout the game to ensure that we got the result we deserved.

      The final piece of the puzzle that made this particular perfect was the long serving Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper, at the age of 35 to be pulling off saves that most keepers would dream of doing was a joy to watch. Sunderland didn't really have many chances to test him throughout the game, this was obviously down to the rest of the team on the pitch doing their job superbly, but when they did get the rare chance on goal Steve was there to ensure that he kept a clean sheet. He did this to the highest standard up until the 88th minute when Darren Bent, now an Aston Villa player, broke through the defence and slotted home their only goal of the game. If I was Steve at that moment I would have been fuming to have lost a clean sheet, but I don't blame him or any of the players, they were probably too busy smiling about the fact that they were, once again going to be winners in this world famous derby match. 

     Now onto Sunderland's faults and there's a lot but I would be here for months if I was to talk about them all, so I'll talk about 2. Firstly Titus Bramble, now any player who plays for either Newcastle or Sunderland knows that you never leave one to join the other and that's exactly what Mr Bramble did. Titus was one of the worst defenders ever to grace the sacred turf of St Jamses park (I'm still not going to call it the sports direct arena!) apart from Jean Alain Boumsong, but Titus was never really liked by the Geordie faithful because he was seen as a lazy player that never looked liked he wanted to help Newcastle to do well in the premier league, but when he was voted the worst player in the premier league in the 2003 - 2004 season, you could see why the fans didn't take to or appreciate his work rate. To be fair to him during the 2004 - 2005 season he had some spectacular displays for us, but a few good performances won't get you respect from the fans and especially when you play for the club for 5 years you want more solid performances from a first team central defender. In 2007 when he was thankfully frozen out of the team by Glenn Roder, there were rumours that he may be joining the Mackems, but relief for Bramble he joined Wigan on a free. (What a waste of £6 million that was for Newcastle), but Bramble became public enemy number 1 in Newcastle when he joined Sunderland for £1 million in 2010, as I said before you never play for Newcastle then in your career join Sunderland, it wouldn't have been too bad if he had played well for us in his time and that's why the other people who have joined Sunderland after Newcastle haven't been disliked as much.

The second fault of Sunderland, is their ex manager Steve Bruce. Everyone knows that if you support Newcastle, the greatest team on earth (I just had to mention that again!) you should never, I repeat never, be manager of Sunderland because you will not be able to walk through the streets of Tyneside again without being abused or even worse beaten, but then again it would be your own fault. I understand that it was the job that he got offered and when your someone like him your not going to get many job offers and you will take anything you get but personally if it was me and I was a premier league manager I would never in my entire life manage the Mackems, I just couldn't bring myself to do it, no matter how much money they offered me. Anyway back to Mr Bruce, he told the press a few years back that he used to sneak into St Jamses Park to watch his beloved Newcastle Unied when he was a kid. That's commitment to watch the team that you love, so maybe I'm being a bit harsh on him because like I say I understand that when your a manager you take a job that gives you the best benefits and possibly the best pay. Maybe Steve wanted to just be back in the North East closer to Newcastle and he couldn't get a job at Newcastle at the time when he didn't have a job, so he settled for the closest place to us. So all in all maybe I shouldn't have included Steve Bruce in the Sunderland faults, but in my personal opinion you should never manage or play for your rivals. 

     Finally I have to talk about the up and coming derby game and I'm sure it will be as eventful as ever, with red cards and amazing goals, (just like Ryan Taylor's free kick in the one nil win earlier this season! Also Sunderland have a new manager in Martin O'neil and under him at the minute the Mackems are looking good! I can't believe I just said that?! He has been a revelation since he became their manager and if we aren't careful they may catch us but that will never happen because they don't have the belief that they can do it and they certainly don't have the loyal fans to give them the support that they need to succeed and that is simply why they will fail like they always do when they play us! The power of the Demba's and the brute force of Mr Tiote will be too much for the Mackems to handle. Yohan Cabaye I hope will come out with his fighting spririt that we have seen many time this season and one final thing I am hoping for is that the defence is solid and of course Tim Krul will be on form as he always is, there has never been a bad game for him this season. Also the up and coming game I hope will show the huge gap that there is between us and them and I also hope that Newcastle turn up with the belief that they can once again destroy the Mackems and make them understand that they can never be the dominant force in this derby game.

NPower League 2 Round Up 3rd January

Accrington v Chesterfield
Full time result: 1-0
Romuald Boco struck a magnificent shot on 65 minutes to score the only goal of a hotly contested game and lower the spirit of former Accrington boss, Paul Cook's Chesterfield side.

Barnet v Aldershot
Full time result:0-1
Aldershot were given a massive boost when Craig Redi converted a 48th minute penalty, which turned out to be the only goal and give them all three points.
Barnet had Jon nurse dismissed for the tackle on Daniel Lopez that led to the penalty.

Bristol Rovers v Plymouth
Full time result: 2-1
It wasn't only the result that was bad for Plymouth, manager Carl Fletcher was sacked minutes after the defeat to Bristol Rovers.
The Green Army were 2-0 down within half an hour after Joe Anyinsah and Matt Lund had given rovers a 2-0 advantage.
Plymouth got one back on 62 minutes through Conor Hourihane, but it wasn't enough to salvage something from the game.

Morecambe v Bardford
Full time result: 0-0
Bradford had the best chances of the game through striker James Hanson, but he failed to convert.
Morecambe had less chances, but hung on to claim a point.

Northampton v Dag & Red
Full time result:3-1
Northampton took the lead thorough an own goal from Abu Agogo on 36 minutes.
Chris Hackett doubled their lead on 39 minutes with a beautifully judges chip.
The win was sealed shortly after half time in the 52nd minute when Kelvin Langmead slotted home from cloe range.
Scott Doe grabbed a consolation in the 71st minute for Dag & Red.

Oxford v Cheltenham
Full time result:1-0
Peter Leven secured the win for Oxford and a fourth consecutive win for them after Tom Craddock was brought down by Sido Jombati in the 16th minute.

Port Vale v Fleetwood
Full time result: 0-2
New Fleetwood keeper, Scott Davies made a great first impression by keeping a clean sheet and saving a 68th minute spot kick from Jennison Myrie-Williams.
David Ball and Alan Goodall scored first half goals to ensure the points for Fleetwood.

Rochdale v Rotheram
Full time result:1-2
Rochdale looked to be on their way to taking all three points after Ashley Grimes put them in from in the 28th minute.
But on 78 minutes Kayode Odejayi equalised and youngster Courtney Cameron showcased his talent by nicking all three points for Rotheram with a 92nd minute winner.

Southend v Gillingham
Full time result: 0-1
An early goal, 3 minutes on the clock, from Chris Whelpdale turned out to be the winner for Gillingham and sent them back to the top of the league 2 table.

Torquay v Wimbledon
Full time result: 2-3
An enthralling encounter began with a goal for Wimbledon in the 5th minute when Paul McCallum slotted home.
But the lead was short loved as Lee Mansell equalised on 9 minutes.
Wimbledon were back in front on 33 minutes after Mat Mitchell-King curled a shot home.
The game looked to be theirs until the 90th minute when Rene Howe brought Torquay level again, only for Stacy Long to seal Wimbledons victory with a 93rd minute winner.

Wycombe v Exeter
Full time result:0-1
Wycombe teenager, Kortney Hause, suffered own goal agony in the 83rd minute when he sliced a cross into his own net.
Exeter had held on for most of the game with 10 men after Jamie Cureton's dismissal on 40 minutes.

York v Burton
Full time result:3-0
York City cruised to victory over Burton who drop out of the play-off places.
Jason Walker opened the scoring for the mInstermen in the13th minute by converting a penalty.
Patrick McClaughlin doubled their lead on 36 minutes and Substitute Matty Blair made sure of the points on 81 minutes by smashing home a shot from 20 yards.

NPower League 1 Round Up 3rd January

Brentford v Bournemouth
Full time result: 0-0
Brentford failed to take the chance to break into the top two by having a goalless draw with Bournemouth.

Bury v Tranmere
Full time result: 0-1
Andy Robinson's strike on 56 minutes ensured Tranmere would remain top of the league for another week.
Robinson made up for his penalty miss earlier in the game.

Coventry v Shrewsbury
Full time result:0-1
Marvin Morgan's strike on 63 minutes ended Shrewsbury's tag of being the last team to score on the road in the football league this season.

Crawley v Colchester
Full time result: 3-0
Mark Conolly scored his first Crawley goal on 5 minutes in the game.
Billy Clarke added a second, on 71 minutes, when he pounced on a mistake by Colchester keeper Mark Cousins.
The victory was signed, sealed and delivered when Nicky Adams delicately chipped the ball into Cousins net on 87 minutes.

Crewe v Carlisle
Full time result: 1-0
Lauri Dalla Valle stepped up Crewe's promotion hopes when he scored immediately before half time, the striker pounced on a loose ball to convert.

Doncaster v Sheffield United
Full time result: 2-2
Sheffield United battled back from 2-0 down to earn a point.
Doncaster took the lead in the 18th minute through a Billy Paynter penalty.
They were 2-0 up after 63 minutes when David Syers headed in a cross from Paynter.
The comeback was on at 80 minutes when Nick Blackman converted a penalty.
It was complete on 89 minutes after Dave Kitson headed in at the near post.

Hartlepool v Preston
Full time result: 0-1
John Mousinho's goal on the stroke of half time was enough to earn Preston their first win in nine games against a struggling Hartlepool team.

Notts County v MK Dons
Full time result: 1-2
Darren Potter opened the scoring on 6 minutes with an expertly guided header.
The Dons were 2-0 up on 13 minutes when Daniel Powell slotted home the ball from 12 yards.
Jambalaya Campbell-Ryce scored in the 56th minute, but it turned out to be a consolation.

Scunthorpe v Oldham
Full time result: 2-2
Niall Canavan and Mark Duffy gave Scunthorpe a 2-0 lead within 20 minutes.
But the fight back was on for Oldham after 35 minutes when Cliff Byrne converted at the near post.
Jose Baxter earned 10 man Oldham a point from the penalty spot on 65 minutes.

Swindon v Portsmouth
Full time result: 5-0
Portsmouth's problems continued to mount after they were trounced 5-0 by Swindon.
Portsmouth had hung for an hour, but James Collins arrived to spoil the party by scoring four in 12 minute spell.
Danny Hollands also scored within Collin's mad 12 minutes.

Walsall v Stevenage
Full time result: 1-0
The game looked to be heading for a draw, until Jamie Patterson scored an absolute beauty from 20 yards on 87 minutes, that moved Walsall eleven points clear of the drop zone.

Yeovil v Leyton Orient
Full time result: 3-0
Paddy Madden struck a brace starting in the 41st minute slotting home an easy chance.
He got the second on 74th minute with a header from a corner swung in from the left.
James Hayter also scored for Yeovil between Madden's brace, scoring at the near post on 59 minutes.

NPower Championship Round Up 3rd January

Birmingham v Cardiff
Full time result: 0-1
Cardiff continued to control the Championship by beating struggling Birmingham at St Andrews for the first time since 1966.
On 41 minutes Joe Mason pounced on a spilled clearance from Jack Butland in the Birmingham goal and converted the chance to make it 1-0 to Cardiff.
Man of the match: David Marshall – Defiant display between the Cardiff sticks.

Blackburn v Notts Forest
Full time result: 3-0
Ruben Rochina opened the scoring for Rovers when a tackle from Forest’s Daniel Ayala made the ball ricochet off Rochina into the net.
Jordan Rhodes made in 2-0 on 75 minutes when he rounded Lee Camp and managed to squeeze the ball into the net.
The third goal was the pick of the lot, Adam Henley drove in a low cross and Colin Kazim Richards met it on the volley with a sweet strike that beat Camp.
Man of the match: Jake Kean – Great saves helped set up victory.

Blackpool v Hull
Full time result: 0-0
An uneventful game that had minimal chances for both teams, hence the Scoreline!
Man of the match: Matt Gilks – made good saves to earn a point.

Crystal Palace v Wolves
Full time result: 3-1
Andre Moritz continued to make an impression by bagging a brace in the game.
The first was a sweetly struck free kick in the 31st minute that curled into the Wolves net passed Ikeme who just stood and watched.
Yannick Bolasie got the second on 40 minutes, slotted home the chance after a through ball from hot property Wilfred Zaha.
Moritz made it 3-0 on 52 minutes, when he curled another free kick into the opposite corner from his first.
Ebanks Blake got a concilation goal on 75 minutes.
Man of the match: Andre Moritz – Two goals and pure class.

Derby v Middlesbrough
Full time result: 3-1
Jacobs opened the scoring for Derby on 19 minutes coolly converting a chance he created himself.
Hendrick made it 2-0 on 42 minutes, heading home a cross from Connor Sammon swung in from the left.
Sammon chipped in with a goal himself on 65 minutes, smashing home a chance at the near post.
Lukas Jutkiewicz pulled back one for Boro in added time, curling the ball into the far post.
Man of the match: Connor Sammon – Created one and converted one.

Ipswich v Brighton
Full time result: 0-3

Brighton took the lead on 15 minutes with a clinically executed goal. Andrea Orlandi drilled a corner in and Dean Hammond headed in at the near post.
The lead was doubled on 34 minutes, when Craig Mackail-Smith bulldozed his way through the Ipswich defence and angled a shot into the far post.
Wayne Bridge completed the game on 67 minutes converted a long distance drive into the Brighton goal.
Man of the match: Craig Mackail-Smith – So quick and lethal for Brighton.

Leeds v Bolton
Full time result: 1-0
Luciano Becchio converted the only goal of the game in the 66th minute from the penalty spot.
Tyrone Mears was the culprit after bringing down Ross McCormack and Becchio stayed calm to convert.
Man of the match: Luciano Becchio – What would Leeds do without him.

Leicester v Huddersfield
Full time result: 6-1
After having to play against 11 men when it should have been 10, Huddersfiled were battered 6-1 by Leicster.
Debutant Chris Wood and Anthony Knockheart both bagged a brace, Woods coming before half time and Knockhearts coming after the break.
Ritchie De Laet scored on the stroke of half time powering home a drive after been set up by Knockheart.
The visitors had a consolation goal on 60 minutes when Arfield finished at the second time of asking.
The goal rout was completed by Martin Waghorn on 76 minutes volleying home from 20 yards.
Man of the match: Chris Wood – Two goals on debut in classy display.

Mill wall v Bristol City
Full time result: 2-1
N’Guessan opened the scoring for Millwall on 19 minutes, when he slotted home a chance from 10 yards in a crowded penalty box.
Bristol were level on 63 minutes, Stead finished with a cool, calm and collective finish which Bristol have lacked in recent weeks.
But Millwall had the last laugh, on 75 minutes when Smith headed in powerfully at the far post.
Man of the match: Smith – Well converted header and overall good performance.

Peterborough v Barnsley
Full time result: 2-1
Bostwick converted a low shot on 28 minutes for Peterborough to give them the lead.
The game was 1-0 for a long time until Marlon Harewood volleyed home on 79 minutes to level the scores.
The game looked to be finishing level until Nicky Rowe headed home a corner on 87 minutes to give Peterborough a much needed three points.
Man of the match: Nicky Rowe – Late goal gave Peterborough all three points.

Sheffield Wednesday v Burnley
Full time result: 0-2
Sheff Weds problems continued as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Burnley.
Former Blackburn player Keith Treacy opened the scoring on 63 minutes when he converted a well delivered corner.
The game was finished off on 76 minutes when Wallace scored a penalty after Gary Madine brought down Treacy.
Man of the match: Keith Treacy – Great header and passing throughout.

Watford v Charlton
Full time result: 3-4
A goal fest at Valley Parade began in the 11th minute with Daniel Pudil’s low drive.
The game was level on 34 minutes after Tommy Hoban sliced a cross into his own net.
Yann Kermogant scored the first of his brace on 37 minutes when he headed home a cross from Bradley Pritchard.
On 53 minutes Watford were awarded a penalty when Fernando Forestieri was hacked down by Dorian Dervite. Almen Abdi converted to make the scores 2-2.
Watford led briefly on 68 minutes, Alex Geijo slid the ball in the net.
But 2 minutes later Charlton were level when Kermogant grabbed his second.
With 78 minutes on the clock, Johnnie Jackson headed home Dale Stephens corner. What a game!
Man of the match: Johnnie Jackson – Late goal sealed the point.

Round ups

English NPower Championship, NPower League 1 and NPower League 2 round ups coming at 11pm UK time.

Barclays Premier League Round Up 3rd January

Chelsea v QPR 
Full time result: 0-1 
     Shaun Wright-Phillips returned to SW6 to haunt his old team and interim Chelsea manager, Rafa Benitez, by scoring the only goal of the game that secured a first win at Stamford Bridge for QPR since 1983.
Wright-Phillips smashed a right footed shot past Ross Turnbull in the Chelsea goal on 78 minutes.
Early in the game Marko Marin should have seen red for a horrendous tackle, but escaped with a yellow.
Man of the match: Julio Cesar - Superb saves to keep QPR hopes alive.

Liverpool v Sunderland
Full time result: 3-0
     Luis Suarez bagged a brace scoring in the 26th and 52nd minutes of the game last night. His first was a shot with the outside of his right foot that Simon Mignolet in the Sunderland goal couldn't get his fingertips too.
The second came from a lofted ball by Steven Gerrard, which Suarez got on the end of and converted the chance easily.
Teenager Raheem Sterling opened the scoring with a beautifully judged lob over Mignolet on 19 minutes.
Man of the match: Luis Suarez - Showed incredible skill and desire.

Man City v Stoke
Full time result: 3-0
      Pablo Zabaleta scored the best of the goals when he opened the scoring in the 43rd minute. The      
defender created and finished the move for the goal, slotting past Asmir Begovic.  
Edin Dzeko made it 2-0 for the champions when Begovic couldn't keep hold of the ball from a shot,
the Bosnia striker wasn't complaining and slotted home from close range.
Sergio Aguero completed the scoring by converting a penalty, that was awarded when Steven N'Zonzi brought down David Silva.
Man of the match: Sergio Aguero - Great movement and superb vision.

Newcastle v Everton
Full time result: 1-2
     Newcastle failed to win at home again this season despite taking the lead through Papiss Cisse in the 2nd minute, "Who's Demba Ba?". A long ball from Krul was misjudged by Distin and Cisse flicked the ball over Tim Howard and into the bank of the net.
But Everton fought back and Leighton Baines, in the 43rd minute, smashed in a wonderfully struck free kick past Krul.
Substitute Victor Anichebe scored the decisive goal in the 60th minute, Nikicia Jelavic had deceived Fabricio Collocini down the wing and Anichebe had slotted home the cross.  
Man of the match: Leighton Baines - Different class and magnificent free kick.

Southampton v Arsenal
Full time result: 1-1
     Arsenal earned a point at St Mary's without even scoring a goal in the game on Tuesday after Southampton had taken the lead.
Gaston Ramirez curled a shot into the back of the Arsenal net after a piece of typical comedy Arsenal defending in the 34th minute.
But on 41 minutes Arsenal got lucky when Theo Walcott swung in a free kick, won by Mikel Arteta, that was turned into his own net by Guly Do Prado at the near post.
Man of the match: Jack Cork - Brilliant despite unfamiliar role.

Swansea v Aston Villa
Full time result: 2-2
     A four goal thriller in Wales began when Wayne Routledge rounded Brad Guzan to slot home into an empty net in the 9th minute.
It took until the 44th minute for Villa to equalise, when Andreas Weimann gave Michel Vorm in the Swansea goal no chance by hitting the ball low in the bottom corner.
The third and second for Villa came on 84 minutes when Nathan Dyer fouled Andreas Weimann, Christian Benteke duly converted the spot kick.
But in the 94th minute Danny Graham and Swansea had the last laugh when he smashed the ball home at the second attempt.
Man of the match: Brad Guzan - Kept Villa in the game with early saves.

Tottenham v Reading
Full time result: 3-1
An early header from Pavel Progrebnyak in the 4th minute turned out to be a conciliation goal considering what Tottenham did to respond.
In the 9th minute Michael Dawson headed Spurs level after a cross from to score his first goal since February 2011.
Emmanuel Adebayor converted a sublime cross from Aaron Lennon in the 51st minute and from them on Tottenham never looked liked losing.
Clint Dempsey finished Reading off in the 79th minute when his shot was deflected and looped over Adam Federici into the net.
Man of the match: Aaron Lennon - No goals this week, but outstanding.

West Ham v Norwich
Full time result: 2-1
An early penalty for West Ham, after a controversial decision by Mark Clattenburg in the 3rd minute, was slotted home by Mark Noble.
On 26 minutes Joey O'Brien doubled the Hammers lead converting a cross from Mark Noble on the wing, but more controversy surrounding the build up play where Alexander Tettey was left in pain but Clattenburg waved play on.
A conciliation goal in the 90th minute for Norwich was scored by Russell Martin, who struck home from distance.
Man of the match: Mark Noble - Ran the show all afternoon.

Wigan v Man United
Full time result: 0-4
Man United cruised to victory over Wigan on Tuesday and the scoring was opened by Javier Hernandez in the 35th minute, who pounced on a spilled save from Ali Al Habsi in the Wigan goal.
Robin Van Persie doubled the lead on 43 minutes when he deceived Adil Ramis and slotted home United's second.
United's third and Hernanadez's second came on 63 minutes, when he reacted first to the ball when it bounced off the wall from a Van Persie free kick.
United finished the rout in the 88th minute when Van Persie was presented with a chance he couldn't miss at 6 yards out.
Man of the match: Javier Hernanadez - Deadly finishing from the Mexican ace.

West Brom v Fulham
Full time result: 1-2
"Keep calm and pass me the ball" was the message on Dimitar Berbatov's shirt last week and it paid off when he opened the scoring in the 39th minute. A exquisitely finished right foot volley from a Ashkan Dejagah cross.
Romelu Lukaku levelled the scores on 49 minutes. A cross from Billy Jones was tapped in by Lukaku at the near post.
Fulham re-took and held onto the lead in the 58th minute, when Alexander Kacaniklic turned the Albion defenders and slotted ball home under keeper Ben Foster.
Man of the match: Dimitar Berbatov - Scored and overall a classy performance.

AS Monaco v Newcastle United Pre season game

German 3rd division clubs ground, Hacker pschoor arena. Small attendance, 563 people.

Main event account of the game:

Fast start from Monaco in the 1st minute, a curling shot from their attacker Toure looked like it was going to trouble Steve Harper,  but it went harmlessly wide.

45 seconds in and Newcastle hit the post after a flowing move, Romain Amalfitano played in Shola Ameobi who back heeled  the ball but it hit the post and went into the keepers hands.

Bicycle kick from Monaco striker Toure in the 9th minute flew harmlessly over the bar. 

Shola Ameobi played in by Mike Williamson in the 12th minute, shouts for a penalty after it looks as though he was dragged down by the defender, but the referee didn't want to know.

GOAL! Demba Ba in the 33rd minute for Newcastle. Crossed in by Sammy Ameobi and deflected high into the air off the defenders leg, Demba Ba out jumped the goalkeeper to head home. 

A chance for the Monaco captain in the 42nd minute, forced Steve Harper into a save for the first time in the game. Steve Harper pushed the shot around the post for a Monaco corner.

Link up between Sammy and Shola Ameobi in the 44th minute , crossed in by Sammy and a powerful shot by Shola, but a good save from the Monaco goalkeeper Subasic.

Half Time. Scoreline Newcastle 1 - 0 AS Monaco.

There were a number of changes for both teams at half time to mix things up and give some of the younger players in the ranks a chance to shine before the start of the main season and possibly catch the managers eye.

Monaco hit the crossbar in the 49th minute after a header from Toure. A brilliant cross from Yannick Carrasco but not the finish to match the move.

Another Chance for Monaco in the 56th minute, curled shot by Yannick Carrasco, but a comfortable save for Steve Harper.

Steve Harper saved a shot with his face in the 58th minute after a fantastic header from the Monaco striker Toure.

Acrobatic effort from the same player in the 62nd minute, but a wasted shot as it flew into the stand.

A chance for Gabriel Obertan in the 72nd minute, strode into the Monaco box, easy chance but just side footed the effort at the goalkeeper instead of curling it around him.

Monaco hit the crossbar again in the 76th minute after a curling shot from their captain, Steve Harper was beaten and fortunately for him and Newcastle it bounced over for a goal kick.

Scare in the 89th minute for Newcastle, great work from the Monaco winger as he beat Jonas Gutierrez and got his cross in, saved initially by Steve Harper, but the ball span onto the line, Toure the Monaco attacker just couldn't get his foot to the ball and Steve Harper gathered at the second attempt.

Overall a comfortable win for the Magpies in the end, even if there were a few scares from a powerful looking striker in the Monaco ranks, Toure, he troubled the defence on a few occasions throughout the game. Good performances from the newcomers into the Newcastle ranks, Romain Amalfitano and Gale Bigirimana. Also nice to see the managers giving chances to the younger and less experienced players in the squad a chance to shine.But overall a good performance from Newcastle who take the feeling of momentum into their final German tour Pre-season game against Fenerbache on Saturday at 6:00pm.

The Man of the match for me has to be Sammy Ameobi for his brilliant work on and off the ball throughout his 65 minute stint. Played some wonderful balls through to his brother and had some good chances to score, but the goalkeeper was just to good for him. Fantastic header in the second half which could have put Newcastle out of site but the goalkeeper was alert and stopped Sammy getting a goal on his second game back after injury. He continuously worked hard and never gave up chasing. Put in some challenges further up the pitch to keep the pressure of the defence and tracked back at corners to help out the team. Player rating 8/10.

Newcastle team ratings:

Harper 7/10

Simpson 7/10

Williamson 6/10

Santon 6/10

Tavernier 7/10

Gutierrez 8/10

Amalfitano 7/10

Bigimirana 7/10

Tiote 6/10

Sammy Ameobi 8/10 *

Shola Ameobi 7/10

Newcastle United v Fenerbache Pre season game

Newcastle v Fenerbache. Pre-season friendly

K.O 6:30pm UK Time

Location: Austria, Ritzing 

Attendance 5,423

Newcastle line up:

Rob Elliott, Fabricio Collocini, Danny Simpson, Ryan Taylor, James Tavernier, Gabriel Obertan, Cheick Tiote, Dan Gosling, Sylvain Marveux, Haris Vuckic, Demba Ba.

Main event account of game:

First half:

Good position for Newcastle from an early free kick in the 2nd minute, but it was weak from Ryan Taylor and an easy save for the Fenerbache keeper.

Appeals for a penalty for Fenerbache in the 8th minute,  but Moussa Sow just slipped in front of Danny Simpson.

Brilliant cross from Sylavin Marveux, swung high into the box, but just above Demaba Ba's head. First solid chance of the game for either team in the 9th minute.

Christian for Fenerbache misses a sitter in the 11th minute. 1-2 with Alex and took the ball into the box, but skied over from 8 yards.

Tiote tackling hard as usual. Tracking back to tackle Alex and won the ball on this occasion very well.

Alex has a chance for Fenerbache in the 18th minute. Broke from the half way line and goes to chip Rob Elliott, but hits the roof of the net. Good pressure from Fenerbache though, Newcastle need to get into the game.

Another chance for Fenerbache in the 20th minute. Passing between Alex and Mehmet Topal, cross come shot from Mehmet Topal, but no one on the end of it and it goes for a goal kick.

Cross from Ryan Taylor in the 23rd minute which almost turns into a goal. Over hits the ball and it nearly catches the goalkeeper out, Newcastle finally starting to come into the game. 

Haris Vuckic in the 25th minute with a fantastic chance for Newcastle. Back pass from Christian heavy and it ran through to Haris Vuckic, if he had of turned would have had his first goal of the season, but he played it to Demba Ba who was outnumbered and the chance was spurned.

Curling shot from Dan Gosling in the 30th minute, but another comfortable save for the Fenerbache goalkeeper. First chance on target for Newcastle.

Cross from Ryan Taylor in the 32nd minute, but the goalkeeper was alert and caught it in the air before a Newcastle player could get their head to it.

Freekick given to Fenerbache 25 yards out in the 33rd minute, bad decision from the referee, Tiote won the ball.

Fenerbache almost take the lead from the freekick, Mehmet Topal with a wonderful cross, Moussa Sow and Dirk Kuyt attacking the ball, but Rob Elliott comfortable with the catch and keeps the score at 0-0.

Great play fom Newcastle, Dan Gosling played Demba Ba through who beats the midfielder and plays in Haris Vuckic, but a good tackle from the defender to prevent a goal for Newcastle.

Chance for Newcastle in the 39th minute, best chance of the game. Crossed in by Cheick Tiote and well met at the back post Dan Gosling, but it was headed just over the crossbar. Dan Gosling had looked lively so far for Newcastle.

Half Time: Slightly uneventful half, but a few good chances for both teams which were not taken to the full potential. Dan Gosling has been the provider for most of the Newcastle chances with fantastic crosses, but the strikers haven't quite been in sync with him. For Fenerbache Stock and Alex have had the best play with shots from distance almost testing Rob Elliott. A clear chance for Christian in the 2nd minute could have given them the lead. Hopefully there will be a few goals in the second half to liven things up a bit.

Second half:

Half time substitution for Newcastle. Haris Vuckic making way for Sammy Ameobi.

Within the first minute Stock for Fenerbache strikes one from 30 yards and Rob Elliott was beaten, but the ball just missed the far post.

Half volley for Dirk Kuyt in the 51st minute. Played over the top by Alex and Dirk Kuyt with a fizzing half volley, but it hit the side netting and didn't really challenge Rob Elliott.

Just over the crossbar from Alex for Fenerbache in the 52nd minute, Ryan Taylor showed him inside which Alex wanted and he hits the ball with power, but it just skimmed the crossbar. Fenerbache are getting closer.

First chance of the half for Newcastle in the 55th minute. Sammy Ameobi the half time substitution breaking from the half way line and plays a 1-2 with Demba Ba, who gets the ball back from Sammy Ameobi, but great defending from Fenerbache who block Demba Ba's effort and the chance was gone. But promising play from Newcastle.

Double substitution for Newcatle in the 60th minute. Cheick Tiote and James Tavernier making way for Jonas Gutierrez and Gael Bigirimana.

Nearly the opening goal for Newcastle from a Ryan Taylor Freekick in the 61st minute, almost perfect placement into the top right hand corner, the goalkeeper was beaten and the ball just went wide. Newcastle starting to take control of the game in the past few minutes.

Shot driven in by Mehmet Topal for Fenerbache in the 65th minute. But the effort went a few yards wide of the left hand post.

Cross from Jonas Gutierrez for Newcastle in the 66th minute, the cross was spilled by the goalkeeper almost to Sammy Ameobi's feet, but lucky for the keeper he grabbed the ball at the second attempt before Sammy Ameobi had a chance to finish.

Substitution for Newcastle in the 67th minute. Danny Simpson off for Pappis Cisse to come on and possibly make an impact on the game.

Substitution for Newcastle in the 72nd minute, Dan Gosling replaced by Mehdi Abeid, the promising youngster who signed last season from Lens B.

Good build up play from Fenerbache in the 74th minute, quick passes between Mehmet Topaz and Ohren Sam, shot from Memet Topal deflected for a corner.

Substitution for Newcastle Demba Ba makes way for Shola Ameobi.

GOAL!! Mehdi Abeid for Newcastle in the 76th minute, breaks into the box on the right hand side, shrugs of a tackle from Christian and just passes the ball into the bottom corner. Only been on the pitch for 2 and a half minutes.

Another fantastic chance for Newcastle in the 78th minute, Sammy Ameobi beats 2 players and hits a powerful drive with his left foot, keeper was scrambling to push it wide, which he did so but conceded a corner.

Volley from Shola Ameobi in the 78th minute, fantastic cross from Pappis Cisse, but Shola Ameobi hits his volley into the ground and it bounced over the crossbar.

Newcastle have control over this game, chance after chance for them in the last 5 minutes, Fenerbache need to be careful or else they could concede another, but with 10 minutes left anything could happen.

Awkward back pass from Mehmet Topaz in the 83rd minute and the the defender, Ohmen Sam, looses the ball and Pappis Cisse is in straight away to win the ball, tries to curl the effort over the keeper, almost paid off but the Keeper backtracked well and pushed it over for a corner.

GOAL!!  Fenerbache's midfielder Christian with a beautifully placed shot into the bottom left hand corner in the 89th minute and Rob Elliott was beaten. 1-1 with one minute left to play, probably not deserved for Fenerbache, but they never gave up and they have a goal.

Full time.

1-1 full time result. Brilliant effort from the Newcastle and Fenerbache players. Mehdi Abeid with a brilliant goal to give Newcastle the lead and since they scored Newcastle had a hold on the game and were playing some fantastic football, but right at the end Christian for Fenerbache spoiled the Newcastle fans mood with a powerfully placed shot into the bottom right hand corner. Overall a good run out for the Newcastle players and good managerial tactics from Alan Pardew to give the younger players a chance to shine.

Newcastle player ratings:

Rob Elliott 7/10

Danny Simpson 7/10

James Tavernier 7/10

Fabricio Collocini 8/10

Ryan Taylor 7/10

Gabriel Obertan 6/10

Cheick Tiote 8/10

Sylvain Marveux 8/10

Dan Gosling 8/10

Haris Vuckic 6/10

Demba Ba 6/10

Subs ratings:

Sammy Ameobi 8/10

Mehdi Abeid 9* /10

Gael Bigirimana 7/10

Shola Ameobi 6/10

Pappis Cisse 7/10

Man of the match:

20 minute cameo from the 19 year old who looks like hot property for the future at Newcastle, definitely one to watch in the coming season. Fantastic goal, controlled finish and great strength to hold of the defender. Passed the ball well to set up team mates, most noteably Sammy Ameobi's chance towards the end of the game. Tracked back to help out the defence for the lat 10 minutes. Overall a good performance to say he was only on the pitch for 15 minutes.