Andros Townsend and Karl Darlow inspired a hard fought, crucial victory for Newcastle as they clawed their way out of the bottom three for the first time since early February.
It was a truly determined display from Newcastle as Alan Pardew’s Palace tried to antagonise and frustrate Newcastle and their fans with cheap tactics in the first half. Pardew himself refuted claims that he set up his side to irritate the St James’s Park faithful but it was pretty obvious to all concerned that Pardew tried to turn the crowd against the home side and quash any momentum they could gain.
It did not work. The Newcastle fans did brilliantly to avoid berating their former boss and decided to instead, proudly and defiantly support their current manager and his team. It was the perfect way to deal with Pardew and his present bunch of mercenaries. Although Pardew did, in fairness, at the end of the game, congratulate Newcastle and the fans on a win, it was definitely through gritted teeth.
It was not Newcastle’s finest performance but it was one of sheer character and the three points gained could turn out to be absolutely vital. Townsend was terrific throughout. His work rate and determination was as exceptional as his free kick. Lauren Robert-like in execution, it was a magnificent strike but what was equally impressive, was when Townsend, with fifteen minutes to go, sprinted back and slid in to deny Palace a counter attack. It was the kind of endeavour that has been lacking in many Newcastle displays this season.
Karl Darlow was brilliant. He made several good stops in the first half and saved a Cabaye penalty to keep Newcastle in the lead. He seemed to grow many metaphorical inches throughout the game and was rightfully celebrated by his teammates when the final whistle blew.
With Arsenal reluctantly beating Norwich and Sunderland dropping points, it was a good afternoon for Newcastle. It could have been so much better if not for Defoe’s late, late equaliser at Stoke.
Norwich and Sunderland may have a game in hand but Newcastle have points on the board and momentum into the final games of the season. Today was a good day.
Newcastle Climb Out of Bottom Three
Saylor has spent his entire career stuck on the sidelines or making awful costly decisions in front of goal. Remember his impression of getting shot against Everton I think? He has got no better. You cant give him a simpler role than defend the goal and pass the ball out to a teammate. He cant manage even ghe basivs on anything slightly resembling a consistent basis. Numerous managers, numerous training styles, numerous medical staff – same injury problems and same poor form. There is no ‘simple’ role at PL level. He is not PL standard. He is now 30+. He wont be remoulding himslef or improving his recovery times. Time for him to go. As for having people around that understand the club – Dummett, Colback, Krul, Armstrong. Job done.
Shamrock(Quote)
– Lee Clark would not have been a good choice for NUFC manager
– John Carver does look like a pickled walnut with hair
– Paul Merson does have a giant balloon head
Eric Sykes(Quote)
😀 that is very harsh on a pickled walnut!
Stuart79(Quote)
Since I am on my high horse, I am telling you Shamrock that Taylor could not even make the simple passes. He hoofed it more than Timmy-the-hoof. To be sure, Willo looked frightened whenever the ball was passed to him but Taylor hoofed it even more.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, Bris made a comment on the relegation battle earlier to be fair. You might not like his fantasy footy updates but plenty of us do. It was set up for readers of the blog and most of the teams are made up of regular posters. Why is he not allowed to post about fantasy footy but you can rant on against individuals on personal hate crusades, politics and whatever else? So he hinted the current conversation earlier was not about football? That’s not really a snide remark. It’s just pointing out that your digs at him are unwarranted when you go and do exactly what you claim should not be allowed! If I constantly tell you that you are a d!&k because you dont discuss a particular topic, will that make you want to start talking about that topic or would you dig your heels in?
Shamrock(Quote)
Shamrock: I don’t mind the fantasy football updates at all man. All of the other remarks from him and AMF have been snide recently (6 months), that’s all I am saying. A pattern that I noticed, that’s all.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Shamrock: you are misinterpreting what I am saying. I think the fantasy football is a good thing and BrisV’s updates are welcome. What I don’t like are only snide remarks with no other additions to the general discussion.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Also Sham: I am glad you joined me on my high horse, there is plenty of room up here 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It is like Frankie Boyle. All one note. My brother showed me a DVD of him a few years ago saying he was hilarious. But, making snide and insulting remarks gets old very quick. He has a quick sense of humour but it insults his audience and he laughs at them rather than with them. And Bernard Manning did it much better.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I actually think the Aussies are quite funny but it is their relentless negativity and not talking about NUFC that I don’t understand.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Good luck with Harry Redknapp though. It is sort of full circle now that a cockney charlatan spiv is going to work in Australia.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I see Cathro has removed himself from the Dundee Utd shortlist.
Good news for us I think.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: why, what has he done?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
What has Ian Cathro done for NUFC?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Being retained by Rafa is about his biggest accomplishment. He was with McClaren for the rest of the season.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – he’s widely seen as one of the best young coaches in European football.
If Rafa has kept him on when getting rid of the rest of the coaching staff, that suggests that Rafa believes he’s worth retaining – why wouldn’t it be a good thing he’s showing us commitment?.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’m not sure he’s widely regarded as one of Europes best young coaches. I’m assuming he must have something for Rafa to keep him on but who really knows?
Just for a bit of clarity, Sunderland at one stage had two games on hand in us and we’re a point clear.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – he is, Steve McClaren said so when he signed him 😉 😆
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: what has Cathro done for NUFC? He is a McClaren holdover being given a chance by Rafa. How much did Rafa even know about Cathro when he took the job? He fired all of McClown’s coaches, including Sharpy’s Blackie, to get a new start but I don’t think he knew much about Cathro.
I think he will be sacked at season’s end if Rafa stays.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I ask again. What has Cathro done for NUFC?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Cathro was linked to the Dundee job ‘coz he was there as a young coach not because of his talent.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – you bang on about the Aussies **** craic but yours is nee better – Sharpys Blackie again (how boring is that one now FFS).
If Rafa wanted rid of him he would have done it before now. He got rid of Mcs coaching team so could have then, and has just got rid of Oba & Marv – so could get rid of Cathro anytime.
Cathro coached in Portugal & Spain before coming to Newcastle so there is every likelihood Rafa would know about him. He stands out as well as a 29yr old coach being the right hand man to the well respect Nuno.
But Eric thinks he’s ***** so let’s get rid.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I upset you Sharpy? I don’t care because you support Blackie. That is not craic, that is stupidity. I say Sharpy’s Blackie because you defend him for no reason. Schteve dragged him to Newcastle after he had failed at Derby and you still defend him because of Jonny Wilkinson. YCMIU.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
“Sharpy’s Blackie” because you were the one that defended the motivational speaker who had done absolutely f-all to help NUFC and was arguing with the fitness coach to say he knew better.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And is Nuno still coach at Valencia?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
You disagree with what I am saying about the Aussies, Sharpy???? That they come on here and make one snide post and then leave for 2 weeks???? What fckin craic do they have when they have a go and then disappear. That is craic? Give me a break man.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric ffs mate…..
I was thinking about Blackie earlier and have come to thw conclusion that he failed here because of a culture clash going from Rugby to Footy. Rugby players are generally unassuming grafters and the coaches generally call a spade a spade. So when you get someone like Blackie coming in and telling you that you are special – it can have the effect of elevating your game. If you are a footballer, you have had your balls licked by all and sundry since you were 11-years-old. Blackie coming in and telling you that you are special is nothing unusual – and so his effect is negligible.
There is no doubt he has done well in the past and he came here with pedigree – but He came to the wrong sport.
Shamrock(Quote)
Sharpy says: I met Blackie once at a charity golf event and he did wonders for Jonny Wiliknson 17 years ago. Pity about doing nowt since, and confusing the Newcastle players before our matches. Or being ***** at Derby and QPR.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sorry Sham. Blackie failed. So he is a failure for NUFC. Whatever he did in rugby he failed at NUFC. FFS to you as well.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Blackie failed. END OF STORY. No matter what he did in Rugby. He failed at NUFC and that is it.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy thinks he can make an excuse for Blackie because he thinks he is a nice guy and did a job with Jonny Wilkinson 17 years ago. WRONG. He was a failure at NUFC so that is all that matters.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
He failed at QPR and they went down he must do his talks in reverse
Icedog(Quote)
Eric – you don’t upset me, you bore me!!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Eric – at least they have to decency to keep it to just one snide comment rather than flood the place with repeated boring comments.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Nobody is disputing anything I say 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Now this must be a fairy storey, Doumbia is being touted for Leicester you got to be joking
Icedog(Quote)
You are bored Sharpy? By what?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
eric, you been on the raw meat again ?☺
Munich Mag(Quote)
Eric – I didn’t meet him at a golf event – never once said that, but then when have you ever let fact get in the way of a boring comment.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Tell me what you are bored by Sharpy. What am I saying that is incorrect?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
OK then where did you meet Blackie? Does it really matter?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
saturday can’t come quick enough, lets get this all sorted out. the suspense is crazy, but at least we are still in with half a shout, more than could be said following our time with tufty…
Munich Mag(Quote)
Nobody said Blackie did a good job here though. Sharpy simply said he knew of him when he joined and that he was well regarded. You are desparate for drama today. You going through the change or something?!
As for Cathro. He is good enough for Rafa, so he is good enough for me.
Shamrock(Quote)
MM: I am pissed off at you lot as well. The CL final would have been better with Bayern. Everything is better with Bayern. My favourite place in the world if only I could speak German.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sham: you should get on that not-funny comedy club circuit with the Aussies and Frankie Boyle.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sham: not true about Blackie. Sharpy defended him as being beneficial to NUFC because he did a good job for Wilkinson and a rugby team. So you are making things up mate.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
You are making things up = Shamrock.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
eric, i watched the game and couldnt believe fc bayern lost. they played some scintillating football, unfortunately lewandowski had an off day up front, and müller muffed the penalty the unconcentrated lahm arsch..
media having a bit of a go at pep, not having won the champs league during his 3 seasons in bavaria.. insinuating “failure”, despite winning everything else along the way.
would be quite funny if his new employers man city miss out on a champs league spot this season..
Munich Mag(Quote)
So, I am making this up?:
– Aussies come on once a month and have a *****?
– Sharpy loves Blackie?
– Who the hell knows who Cathro is or what he does?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
1- yes. They do talk football and you ***** at them far more than tbey ***** at anybody else.
2 – Talking of snide remarks. You refer to him as Sharpie’s blackie because you are having a dig at Sharpie at any given opportunity.
3- Rafa knows and Rafa kept gim on, so i’ll take his judgement over yours..
Shamrock(Quote)
wow liverpool play a fast running game, talk about pressing !
villareal have some tasty players too mind, this game isnt over yet by a long run..
Munich Mag(Quote)
Eric – you embarrassed yourself last time with the same claim – yet when I asked you to repost my comments saying Blackie was a success you couldn’t – why?, coz I have never said such a thing.
What I have done is address comments you made suggesting that Blackie was throwing his weight around behind the scenes with the fitness coaches.
I simply said that I had met the guy before & from my encounter with him, that’s not how he operates.
But god forbid I correct you with first hand experience when you are spitting bile about someone.
You don’t like him and want to assassinate his character, so the rest of us must sit back and hear it – even if we disagree or know different.
It’s a bit ridiculous to be honest mate – and yeah, it’s very boring now.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Shamrock: Sharpy defended Blackie to the bitter end when I said that Blackie was full of *****. I defend my view. I also defend my view that the Aussies only come on here to have a go at people and then disappear. If you disagree, then show me.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
No I didn’t embarrass myself Sharpy. I disagreed with you.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric check out Bris’ comments today and yesterday if you want proof he does not only come on once a month and only has a *****. You dont need to go back far to realise you are full of it.
Shamrock(Quote)
What are you talking about Sharpy. You said that Blackie was a brilliant coach and made Jonny Wilkinson into what he was and the English Rugby team. You said he would do similar for NUFC. Now you are forgetting everything you ever said.
You are a joke, man.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Trust me, you embarrassed yourself and you’re doing it again now.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sham: once a month except for the fanatasy stuff. Check out his posts for the last month if you want to see how often he comes on. FFS.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Doubt it Sharpy.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I wasn’t the one defending Blackie so I don’t think I was an embarrassment.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – are you on the **** at the moment?.
I didn’t say Blackie was a brilliant coach or that he made Wilko. I said Wilko rated him highly and credited him for his success.
Blackie didn’t work with the England team, so I didn’t say that. He worked with the British Lions & was well thought of there as well.
You either don’t read the comments, or are that much in a rush to post your snidey reply that you miss bits.
Sharpy17(Quote)
BrisV posts the fantasy football stuff and apart from that comes on once a month to have a ***** at me.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
You embarrassed yourself.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Same fkin difference man. British Lions. FFS
Eric Sykes(Quote)
You were/are.
Sharpy17(Quote)
How Sharpy? Explain?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Jesus Sharpy. Can you be any more stupid?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
10:51 today Bris made a comment about the relegation battle. He made another footy comment on 1st May at 12:58 and 3:54 am. And on 30th April at 16:58. I wont go back any further. You are making a drama out of nothing Eric.
Shamrock(Quote)
No it’s not. Totally different team. Totally different group of players.
The Lions are made up of the best players from all 4 nations.
Sharpy17(Quote)
UUUUHHHHRGGGG>>>>>>>
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Come on lads try and stop fighting and bickering just debate your points of view
Icedog(Quote)
FCK me. A rugby coach coaches a British based rugby team and the makes them better, Then another British based rugby coach coaches a British based based rugby team and makes them better. They both speak the same language.
IT IS TOTALLY DIFFERENT THOUGH.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Correct. One team has the best players from one Country – the other has the best players from 4 Countries.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I know I am bickering Ice. But I also know I am right about the Aussies.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I am not even on a wind up either. I just don’t understand why Sharpy is best friends with that loser Blackie and why Troy loves Pardew.
Eric Sykes(Quote)