Match Report Newcastle United v Sheffield Wednesday

Newcastle United 1 Sheffield Wednesday 0

St James' Park

Wednesday 19th August Kick-off 7:45pm

Gritty Performance Secures Win

Third Championship Game of the season

Shola Ameobi scored for the second time in two games to secure the three points for Chris Hughton's side. A long punt down field from Steve Harper was flicked on by Andy Carroll into the path of Shola who hit it low first time into the corner of the net.

A foot injury to Joey Barton against Reading on Saturday meant that new loan signing from Manchester united Danny Simpson was called into the team at first back, Ryan Taylor moved into midfield. Alan Smith continued as Captain while Nicky Butt recovers from his hand operation.

The first fifteen minutes Newcastle were fired up and could have scored as early as the second minute when Kevin Nolan fired wide from 20 yards out after Shola had set him up. The next minute and Ryan Taylor was set up by Andy Carroll only to be chopped down on the edge of the box. A weak free kick from Jose Enrique resulted in a wasted opportunity.

New boy Danny Simpson playing at right back created another chance for Ryan Taylor to impress in the 9th minute, only for the ball to get stuck under his feet. Shouts for a hand ball in the 12th minute were waved away by referee Phil Dowd, on Saturday we were given one for nearly the same act. Three minutes later and Shola's winning goal went in and the Wednesday fans went quite.

Michael Gray first touch was greeted with boos for the ex Sunderland player and continued every time he touched the ball. A few boos and SMB songs later he was substituted in the 73 minute. This following a couple of really wayward displays of skill by the mackem.

Anyone who watches the videos can see that Fabricio Coloccini is short on pace, against WBA and Reading this was so. Tonight it was the same. In the 24th minute defending a breakaway out wide he was out paced again. This time he decided to pull his man down. He was lucky to only receive a yellow card. His tackle and blocking is good, however his one and only fault has been found out.

The second half saw a different United team come out in approach and attitude. Deeper defender followed along with a nervous that affected the crowd. Sensing this Sheffield played some nice passing football and created a couple of chances to level the score. Steve Harper in goal ensured we stayed ahead. Birthday boy Ryan nearly made it two however; their keeper was up to the task and saved from an on target free kick from Ryan. We held out to win.

Knocks to both Shola and potentially a more serious injury to Andy Carroll may now start to test out paper thin squad. With only two training days to recover before the next game on Saturday, we are likely to see more players rest between matches and only perform light training sessions.

The Sheffield fans took up their full allocation of 2,800 which was evident in the build up as many could be seen in the bars and streets in the lead up to the match. The crowd was 43,904 which were up on the Saturday gate of 37,994 even though Mike Ashley was elsewhere. In the directors box was Barry Moat and Derek Llambias. The Mackems could only manage 41,000 against Chelsea the previous night.

Groan #1. The cash pay at the gate meant fans were still turning up after the match had started; the trickle lasted until 15 minutes into the ground. The sharing of turn styles between cash and season tickets did not work.  The STH's were delayed getting in to the ground, while the cash fans queued up.  My advice to the STH's is to go to another 'ticket only' gate to get in.

Groan #2. Obviously the monetary cuts are kicking in as the toilets did not have any soap or soap holders. Great to see NUFC helping the government with their swine flu initiative.

Back in third position with seven points from three games we can look forward to Crystal Palace with some optimism, assuming we can keep everyone fit.

Teams

Ref: Phil Dowd

Crowd: 43,904

Caretaker Manager Chris Hughton Said:

to nufcTV

"I don't think it was the prettiest win, but nonetheless it was very pleasing. I think we needed that second goal for the game to open up but their keeper has made some terrific saves. We got the early goal like we'd hoped and it was a great goal, real route one stuff and another fantastic finish from Shola. After that both sides have had a couple of good chances and we've got Steve Harper to thank for two great saves in the second half. But we've got the win and that's the most important thing. We're back up to third and confidence is high after two successive wins."

on Support

"There's a part of you that half expects that, but you don't want to. We don't ever want to take them for granted and that's something we want to stress to the players. They want to see a Newcastle team who works hard and wins football matches.   That's what we're doing at this particular time and I'm quite sure that if we're able to stay at the right end of the table then they'll continue to support us in their thousands.  They were magnificent throughout the game and we again thank them for that support."

on Shola and Andy

"It was another fantastic finish, I was fortunate to be right behind it so I knew as soon as he struck it, it was going in. He hit it early and didn't give the goalkeeper a chance to get his position set. It was a brilliant flick from Andy and they've combined excellently - Shola knew where the ball was going. But we know that's what the front two can do. They have a prowess in the air and can both finish. Shola has showed over the past couple of games what a good finisher he is and I'm sure the goals will start coming for Andy as well."

on Joey Barton's Fitness

"Joey will be touch and go for Saturday.  The good news is it is very minor, it is not something that is going to keep him out for a number of weeks. If he doesn't make Saturday, I am quite sure he will be available for Wednesday's game."

Brian Laws Sheffield Wednesday Manager Said

to nufcTV

"I think they should with the quality they have within the squad. All right, they have lost a few, but they have still got a huge amount of players who have got real quality and are Premier League players."

Head to Head

The Owls @ St James' Park:

• 2009/10 Won 1-0 Shola Ameobi
• 1999/00 Won 8-0  Hughes, Shearer 5, Dyer, Speed (Bobby Robsons 1st Match As Manager)
• 1998/99 Drew 1-1 Daglish
• 1997/98 Won 2-1 Asprilla 2
• 1996/97 Lost 1-2 Shearer
• 1995/96 Won 2-0 Ferdinand, Clark
• 1994/95 Won 2-1 Cole, Watson
• 1993/94 Won 4-2 Allen, Cole 2, Mathie (Toon Toon) the Entertainers Were Born On Sky TV