A great win by the lads this afternoon, as they overpowered a lack-luster Reading side at St. James’ Park, in front of a very decent crowd of 36,944.
Needless to say the very long-suffering Newcastle fans finally left St. James’ Park very happy indeed at the professional display by the team and a wonderful hat trick by Shola Ameobi.
And it was that man Shola Ameobi who scored all 3 goals for Newcastle, for the first senior first hat-trick of his career at Newcastle.
We knew there was goals in that lad – somewhere – and we said last week that’s what we needed to see from Shola this season, and boy did he deliver the goods today for the side! 😀
In a first half in which Newcastle dominated, and had plenty of the ball, Shola made the vital breakthrough on 36 minutes as a good strong cross from the left by Enrique into the box, was headed downwards strongly by Ameobi.
But he had power in the header, and the ball bounced beyond and over goalkeeper Frederici. The goal was important because Newcastle had dominated until that point, but had nothing to show for their territorial advantage.
The lads went in comfortable ahead at 1-0 at the break having looked a well coached and tidy side that was looking good.
We needed a second goal to have some breathing room and it wasn’t long before that man again, Shola Ameobi had the ball in the net for his second goal.
It was after 61 minutes when Nolan stopped the ball going out of touch and played it to Ryan Taylor. His fellow Liverpudlian put in a beautiful cross that Shoa headed home at the far post in good style.
And Shola almost had his hat trick after 69 minutes when another header was brilliantly turned over the bar by Federici.
But then Shola scored his first ever hat trick for Newcastle as casually placed a penalty well wide of the goalkeeper after Shane Long had handled a corner taken by Joey Barton.
3-0 up and it looked like the points were ours and a great goal scoring display form that man Ameobi.
And after 78 minutes Shola was taken off to a standing ovation from the delighted Geordie crowd and replaced by Spanish striker Xisco.
3 minutes later Alan Smith, a Trojan again in midfield today, was replaced by 18 year-old Kazenga Lua Lua to warm applause from the home crowd.
The lads played the game out and were worthy winners, and on this evidence we should do very well this season.
What we need to do now is always support the lads on the field, whatever happens.
But certainly the players again did their jobs today, getting the required 3 home points, and now they need to do the same thing Wednesday evening against Sheffield Wednesday.
Newcastle lie 3rd top of the Championship after today’s games, and that’s the type of start we needed in our first two games.
On this form, we have to be in with a chance of bouncing straight back to the Premier League, but the squad must be strengthened in both skill and numbers within the next couple of weeks for that to happen.
Mike Ashley was at the game and sat next to potential new owner Barry Moat – but we should know by Tuesday and certainly befor eour next game oin Wednesday who the owner and new manager will be.
Let’s hope it’s Barry Moat and Alan Shearer in charge, and if it is there should be a bumper crowd on Wednesday evening at a vibrant St. James’ Park.
Howay The Lads – we can do it !!
TEAMS
Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Ryan Taylor, Jose Enrique, Fabricio Coloccini, Steven Taylor, Alan Smith (c), Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton, Jonas Gutierrez, Andy Carroll, Shola Ameobi
Subs: Tim Krul, Geremi, Xisco, Nile Ranger, Kazenga LuaLua, Ryan Donaldson, Tamas Kadar
Reading: Adam Federici, Liam Rosenior, Ryan Bertrand, Kalifa Cisse, Alex Pearce (c), Jay Tabb, Jimmy Kebe, Scott Davies, Simon Church, Shane Long, Jem Karacan
Subs: Matthew Mills, Brynjar Gunnarsson, Noel Hunt, James Harper, Hal Robson-Kanu, Ben Hamer, Gylfi Sigurdsson
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Attendance: tbc
47 comments so far
ryan bob
Aug 15, 2009 at 8:39 PM
Comment #41It was fitting and proper that Shola dedicated his first hattrick (hopefully of many) to Sir Bobby.
I’m looking forward to catching NUFC online (Singapore does not show Championship matches) so many thanks to the guys posting links for us foreign Geordies
Hugh Jorgan
Aug 15, 2009 at 8:40 PM
Comment #42If Reading are one of the favourites to carry off the championship title Jesus knows how. Reading were mediocre to say the least.
It was quite refreshing to see some competent football from Newcastle United, after last seasons dross.
Congratulations to the much maligned Shola Ameobi for his hat trick.
Toony Soprano
Aug 15, 2009 at 8:41 PM
Comment #43when was the last time i felt good about NUFC?
nice to hear one or two eating a cold slice of humble pie as Shola ( should never wear the shirt again!!!) was the star of a perfect team performance. Our second highest scorer ever in europe has had a bit too much stick lately. The fact is the two biggins up front are sound enough for this league Xisc0 showed a bit of ability too.
I have heard all this shite about teams kicking lumps out of us this season, if the first to games are anything to go by i think they will get plenty back and the majority of them will struggle with the class that some of our high earners are starting to show.
I may be a bit cloud nine but i have waited a while for the feel good factor
Rangerman
Aug 15, 2009 at 9:14 PM
Comment #44I’ve got the feeling it’s going to be a really enjoyable season.
scrotty
Aug 15, 2009 at 9:58 PM
Comment #45I fully agree with JinkyGenius.
Chris Hughton is the hero whatever you think of him. I agree he’s not the long term answer but you’ve got to love him for his commitment.
Whatever else happens the team looked motivated, fit and organised and thats thanks to Chris Hughton.
Lets face it, at the moment he’s got one of the hardest jobs in football.
Johann
Aug 15, 2009 at 11:55 PM
Comment #46Man. Aren´t we building to the future? Playing an average striker in the championsship who can´t cut it at the top level. Rather play Carroll who at least seems to be able to score at that level and Ranger who is an immense future prospect. Perfect opportunity for them to play.
I still want Ameobi out. His lazyness through the years is unbelieveable. He owes Newcastle 100 million runs and 100 goals.
toonfin
Aug 16, 2009 at 1:19 AM
Comment #47Johan are you talkin about carroll who is yet to register a goal for us this season…against a player who scored a hat trick for us today.
Come on people evryone has said ameobi was a championship player….well hey here we are !