Newcastle United 0 Leeds United 0
St James' Park
Wednesday 29th July Kick-off 7;45 pm
Fifth pre-season friendly of the season and first and only at home.
On an evening when the headline story was off the pitch with Obafemi Martins being sold to Wolfsburg providing he can agree personal terms and pass a medical. As expected the sales are starting at Newcastle as the wage bill and cash flows have to be managed now we are in the Championship. Habib Beye may be the next to go as Hull City up their interest.
On the pitch we kept a clean sheet against the League One side Leeds United. Nothing of note to shout about as we returned to St James' Park for the first time since relegation at Villa Park back in May.
Dirty Leeds kept to their reputation as Jonas Gutierrez was sent tumbling in the 2nd minute, at this point I thought we had a match on our hands. Spidderman provided Ryan Taylor with our first goal opportunity in the 11th minute only to be denied by Higgs in the Leeds goal. Andy Carroll headed over ten minutes later, difficult chance to take.
Jermaine Beckford Newcastle transfer target if Mike Ashely ever sells up, missed a good chance after 24 minutes. We didn't really see him after this in the match, like the match the competitive edge missing from the match.
As half time approached Andy Carroll and Ryan Taylor engineered a good move only to be stopped by Higgs on goal. 0-0 half time.
No changes at the interval meant all the players were getting a longer run out.
Ryan Taylor shakes the woodwork and Sebastien Bassong and Fabricio Coloccini both missed the target from inside the six-yard area, wrong players in the wrong place!
Dundee United next on Sunday as the pre-season comes to a close.
Acting Manager Comments: Chris Hughton
talking to nufcTV
"We certainly got the response we asked for. The only disappointment was that we didn't get the win that I thought the performance deserved. We were up against a good Leeds side and that's something that we're going to have to get used to - teams raising their game at this magnificent stadium. But we had more than enough chances to win it; Ryan Taylor was denied by two great saves in the first-half and then Colo and Sebastien went very close in the second-half. But it was a good test and I'm pleased with our performance.
talking to nufcTV Fans The Best
"It was a wonderful turnout against Leeds and we thank them for that response. With everything that is going on, you do know that once that support is here they will get behind the team. But the thing we have to do is give the supporters something to get behind - that is our aim.
Simon Grayson Leeds Manager Comments
"It was another good test, but we kept a clean sheet. Newcastle were strong and with the team they had out it was a good performance from us. We knew we would have to defend and had to make sure we were bang at it, and not concede goals. They had world class players out there, players who have commanded millions of pounds worth of fees over the last few years, and our players stood up to it. We knew it would be a test defensively, we wanted to be solid and hard to beat. Quite a few of their chances came from set-pieces, so I was delighted. If I had one criticism it would be that we gave the ball away cheaply early, but that was maybe settling in to who we were playing against and where we were. During the last 25 minutes or so we knocked the ball around well. We played some decent stuff and stood up to it well. Overall it was a good work-out with the ball and without it. We've conceded one goal against two teams who were in the Premiership last season. We're not going to come up against back-fours like we have done either so I am very pleased with what we're doing."
Captain Alan Smith Praises Fans
talking to nufcTV
"I expected a bit of a stick and that's fair enough. Like Newcastle fans they are so passionate about their club and I knew what they would be like. But it was a great turn out from two fantastic sets of supporters and they are two clubs which should be in the Premier League. I've still got Leeds close to my heart regardless of any stick I get. But Smith thanked the home support for their attempts to drown out the West Yorkshire heckles. It was nice to get such a good reception from the home fans and I thank them for that," he added. But they have been terrific all pre-season. It's our job now to stick together as a team, with each other and the fans, and give our supporters something to shout about next season."
Captain Alan Smith Spells It Out To Players
talking to The Chronicle
“Some people have made it public that they want to go, while others have got their head down. “That is entirely up to the individual. We won’t have a go at anybody if they want to go. But they must cross that white line and give 100% when they wear a Newcastle shirt. We won’t have any qualms if they walk away if they get a better offer elsewhere. Every player in the dressing room last night, whether they want to stay or go, gave 100% and we cannot have any complaints.
I don’t really know what happened at Orient. Everybody was left scratching their heads, but we have put it to the back of our minds. We should have won by four or five against Leeds.
Sometimes in the face of adversity people stand up to be counted. I am sure that will help us in the long run, and I am sure that result can help us.
I was expecting stick, I am not a silly lad. I understood when I left what the repercussions would be. Everybody did really, but I am a Leeds lad. I will never hide from the fact I am a Leeds fan, but it was still a good occasion for me. I relished every minute of it, a little bit of stick never hurt anybody. I hope Leeds are promoted, because they are a big football club like us. Newcastle and Leeds are two big teams who should not be where they are right now. My main focus is Newcastle and getting us promoted. This was the first time I have ever played against Leeds. They were relegated when I left, and it was a nice occasion.”
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