The was joy and jubilation this afternoon among the Welsh fans, when Swansea beat Reading 4-2 in the Championship Playoff final at Wembley, to become the first ever Welsh side to make it to the Premier League.
Scott Sinclair scores Swansea’s second goal
And it looked like the game was all over at half time, after Swansea had taken a stunning 3-0 half time lead.
Swansea got their first goal through a penalty when former Newcastle defender Zurab Khizanishvili made a stupid challenge on Italian Fabio Borini, and it was a stone cold penalty.
The only mystery was why the Georgian international didn’t receive a second yellow card for the clumsy tackle, and he would have been sent off – since he had already picked up a yellow card earlier – but the reason was he had already received one yellow card – obviously. 😀
Scott Sinclair, the former Chelsea youngster, made no mistake from the spot, as he put home the penalty with cool precision.
Referee Phil Dowd had hastily given out three yellow cards in the first 11 minutes, and why referees do that when they know the players are full of adrenalin initially – I don’t know.
Surely they should be lenient in the first 20 minutes or so, to let the players settle down a bit.
And then just over a minute after the penalty, Scott Sinclair had a brace, as he put the ball home when goalkeeper Adam Federici, could only parry a cross, and the 22 year-old made no mistake and Swansea had scored two goals in 75 seconds to 2-0 up.
And the stunned Reading side tried to come back but then on 40 minutes, Stephen Dobbie had an opportunity as the ball came out to him just inside the penalty box, and he hit the ball home first time into the net – it was a terrific goal from the Swansea player.
And it was 3-0 at half time and of course the TV commentator was saying the game was over and all the usual nonsense.
And we suppose Reading didn’t agree with that assessment, as the Reading boys came storming back after the break.
On 49 minutes Noel Hunt, whose brother plays for Wolves, had his shot deflected into the net by Joe Allan, and Reading were back in it at 3-1 – and Joe Allen was given the own goal.
And then after 57 minutes Reading got the all important second goal, when Mathew Mills jumped higher than anybody to a left wing corner, and headed home beautifully and it was game on at 3-2.
Swansea looked completely shaken out of their game, and their usual dominant defense didn’t look at all steady, and then Dobbie had a chance to get a fourth for the Welsh side, as he was clean through but somehow shot two yards wide when presented with an open goal from 14 yards out.
It was touch and go after Reading’s second goal, but then Reading gave away another daft penalty after 80 minutes, and it was a bad mistake from former Newcastle right back Andy Griffin as he brought down Italian striker Borini.
That gave Swansea a lifeline, and Scott Sinclair made no mistake from the spot, and got his hat-trick and will be the match hero in the valleys tonight – there’s no doubt about that.
Scott Sinclair scores from penalty after 80 minutes – the clincher
Swansea City held on for the remaining 10 minutes to record one of their most important victories for years and years, and they return to England’s top division after being absent since way back in 1983.
And for a club who almost went out of the Football league a short 8 years ago – this was a tremendous achievement by the Welsh club.
The match attendance was an impressive 87,000 with an estimated 40,000 Swansea fans present , and there will be some celebrating tonight for sure.
That means that QPR, Norwich and Swansea are the three promoted sides and they replace West Ham, Blackpool and Birmingham.
So there’s 18 points for Newcastle next seaosn – surely. 😀
And one more thing – that means Newcastle can now go in and bring Shane Long to Tyneside – it’s at least a possibility.
Comments welcome.
520 comments so far
GeordieToon89
May 31, 2011 at 1:59 AM
Comment #481Barnetta/Menez for 6million instead of Zogbia then thats 4million added to the Striker Fund
Nufc_mo
May 31, 2011 at 2:10 AM
Comment #482Jose Enrique has just gone back on Facebook (were majority of people listed on his friendslist are Geordies/Adopted Geordies 😛 )
Maybe a sign of his intentions of staying? Or a farewell to the fans?
Nufc_mo
May 31, 2011 at 2:22 AM
Comment #483Strikers id love to come to the toon
1. Sturridge
2. Berbatov
3. Park Chu Young
4. Loïc Rémy
5. Lisandro López
BigKirky
May 31, 2011 at 2:32 AM
Comment #484I’ve just got crank 2 film on as im reading this blog. They’re very similar head wrecks.
roshan MAGPIE
May 31, 2011 at 3:30 AM
Comment #485BENZEMA is a no go for NUFC
davis_toons
May 31, 2011 at 3:31 AM
Comment #486“Manchester United have an option to extend Berbatov’s deal by a year, they are in no rush to do so”
Berbatov, 30, –
Contract these days are not for pension.
We need players that can help the club move forward, stronger every year
nightfa11
May 31, 2011 at 4:03 AM
Comment #487wtfs wrong with u?
BERABTOV IS:
1.30 y.o.
2.lazy (actually cant run cos he smokes 2 packs a day)
3. inconsisten: 1 match he scores 5 goals & on other he misses 5 sitters
4. we plan to play fast attacking football..which he cant
5.is on huge wages
6.would cost 10 mio
seriously guys..think before u write…its not in stats…sure..he scored 20 goals..but in like 7 matches..in others it was just painful to watch him..
davis_toons
May 31, 2011 at 4:10 AM
Comment #488Highly Rated Player
Iker Muniain Vs Romelu Lukaku
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqyZ2CR8mxk&NR=1&1&fmt=18
Iker Muniain seems good
ilovetoon8788
May 31, 2011 at 4:20 AM
Comment #489Gervinho now Benzema. The over optimism and surrealistic views are hilarious here. It’s ok, we Newcastle fans hadn’t have a chance to dream in a long time. And now’s the best time. Just don’t be distraught when either of them move to another club.
Nufc_mo
May 31, 2011 at 4:31 AM
Comment #490@ilovetoon8788
Whats with all the negativity concerning Gervinho. Imho he we have a very good chance of landing him…
Gervinho has decided that he wants to leave Lille, and the only two clubs in the EPL to show proper interest in him are
Arsenal and Newcastle.
Factors that work in Newcastle’s favour:
1. We can pay the full fee upfront
2. Gaurenteed first team football
3. We are assembling a french footballing army
4. Arsenal’s priorities are not forwards… they need to strengthen their defence
5. The only way arsenal would submit a bid for Gervinho is if they could raise funds from the sale of Arshavin
6. Arshavin has said he has vowed to stay at Arsenal for another season (where will they get the funds now?)
7. Cheick Tiote (Good mates with Gervinho)and possibly didier drogba (who had a role in convinving tiote to come to the epl) are more then likely convincing Gervinho to join
8. His team mate Cabaye has joined Newcastle
All these factors will play a part in Gervinho’s decision, and they are strongly in our favor…
davis_toons
May 31, 2011 at 4:32 AM
Comment #491In this video, HBA scores in the same way as how he do it for Newcastle.
BTW, @RomanXArmani (youtube) you sucks.
Pls respect other supporters club.
Just remb when Newcastle beat Barcelona 3-2. You might still be in your diapers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hccb2AYmAJE&feature=related&1&fmt=18
Nufc_mo
May 31, 2011 at 4:35 AM
Comment #492@davis_toon
Im sure RomanxArmani will not be visiting this blog. 😛
ginkoh
May 31, 2011 at 5:43 AM
Comment #493Sturridge is superb for us, I rock on ! I hope we have enough English man in our team next season and the most important thing is spirit in dressing room. We cannot afford to lose it !
ardenTOON
May 31, 2011 at 6:44 AM
Comment #494there’s an espn website saying we are after berba and the fee is quoted 2 be 7.5mill
ardenTOON
May 31, 2011 at 6:44 AM
Comment #495http://www.espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news/detail/item627617/Newcastle-eye-Berbatov-swoop/
Angryman the Angry fan
May 31, 2011 at 7:10 AM
Comment #496Lads, just a quickie as I’m off on my travels again, cwarro, three weeks ago!! ‘ joeys contract is agreed, will sign next week’ alas no signing, tweeter….thought you said Barton was signing new contract Colin? Warris ‘it was only a verbal agreement’ tweeter…so who told you that it was all agreed? BLOCKED!
All you followers of the Warris cult, ( yes it is spelled correct) take heed! He will say Gervinho broke down at last minute! It’s the way he works, but every close season his followers increase greatly and he loves his flock….. Pfft
Toonfan8
May 31, 2011 at 7:23 AM
Comment #497why Berbatov, especially when there is Djibrill Cisse for free? he played EPL, similar goals a season and also French player, very good pace…
GeordieToon89
May 31, 2011 at 7:31 AM
Comment #498Cisse is a decent shout mind.. Cisse nd Ba on frees n Sturridge for 12mil nd keep Best
JackButler
May 31, 2011 at 7:49 AM
Comment #499Owen wants to stay at Man u, how much money does this guy want for doing f**k all?
Rotonda heights
May 31, 2011 at 8:01 AM
Comment #500Angry
You’ve got to wonder what his motivation is.
NottsGeordie
May 31, 2011 at 8:05 AM
Comment #501Rotonda
He wants as much followers a possible.
Nufc_mo
May 31, 2011 at 8:12 AM
Comment #502News about Gameiro
http://www.nufcblog.org/2011/05/gameiro-likely-to-be-lining-up-in-black-and-white-next-season/?
The Entertainers
May 31, 2011 at 8:39 AM
Comment #503Interesting close season, with info coming in all the time.
Still
Strong rumours regarding Gervinho and today’s Journal has a slightly different slant , stating we’ll sign one or the other when it comes to Garmiero and Gervinho, with KG being the number one target and still a possibility.
With the apparent £30 plus million we have, why not sign both and Zog. Real statement of intent and I know a lot of fans will ‘be’ disappointed if Pards doesn’t get to spend near that amount!
MykToonFan
May 31, 2011 at 8:54 AM
Comment #504I don’t entirely believe that article in the Journal.
We have shown a huge interest in both players for a long time now – I think both are clear targets, not one or the other. We certainly SHOULD be trying to get both – they’ll inject the “pace, athleticism and quality” which Pardew says we need.
Whether we CAN get them or not is a different matter, of course.
NottsGeordie
May 31, 2011 at 8:58 AM
Comment #505I hope we can get them. Things havent been as exciting on Tyneside since Bobby Robson. Alan Pardew has to take massive credit and so has Mike Ashley. I love watching attacking flair football and this is what we will be watching next season 🙂
HTL
Nufc_mo
May 31, 2011 at 9:01 AM
Comment #506An online article of Gameiro from the Journal for those without access to the Journal
http://www.journallive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2011/05/31/nufc-may-persuade-kevin-gameiro-to-snub-spain-61634-28791846/?
Imo regardless of which ever one we sign (Gervinho / Gameiro) i would NOT bring both to Newcastle…
Id much rather get 1 of them and then a player like Sturridge..
Imo we need 1 EPL proven striker, with all these rumours i wouldnt be surprised if our most attacking EPL experienced forward was Nolan / Tiote…
Nufc_mo
May 31, 2011 at 9:01 AM
Comment #507A small update on BA
http://www.afrikansoccer.com/2011/05/newcastle-united-set-to-win-demba-ba-race/?
Nufc_mo
May 31, 2011 at 9:02 AM
Comment #508An article on French Youngsters and the Toon Army
http://www.journallive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2011/05/31/french-youngsters-fancy-joining-geordies-61634-28791867/?
Shearers-Island
May 31, 2011 at 9:04 AM
Comment #509I hope its not true ‘cos if we have ‘put all our eggs in one basket’ and hang on for ages while Gameiro makes a decision you can be sure we’ll lose both. Hopefully fatty has realised that he needs to take our thin squad up a few notches. Glad we dont seem to be looking at Larrson now. never been impressed and id prefer what we already have in midfield. I also think that Bartons new found Twitter fame will either make or break a new contract. If he keeps slagging off owner and having a dig at new signings he’ll be sold or told to piss off for breaking the team spirit he has worked so hard in building up. However, if the board realise what a massive loss the fans are feeling, they might put a new offer together. Its gonna be a long window this one…..
alex84
May 31, 2011 at 9:10 AM
Comment #510not sure who to believe now, cwarr says its a done deal for gervinho, the journal saying its either gameiro or gervinho…not both!, not sure!
The Entertainers
May 31, 2011 at 9:11 AM
Comment #511I have worries about Gamiero if I’m honest, he looks a cracking player in the French league but have major concerns about his ability in the PL at the moment.
He currently plays for a provincial side and is a big fish in a little pond.
Players like Guivarch and Chamak give me’ room for concern, as the striker position is the hardest of all positions to transfer your talent from one league to another.
And yes you can quote Henry and Cantona but they had played for bigger clubs ( granted with varying success )
Would ‘be’ far more happy with Sturridge, than either Gamiero or Erding and go for broke on Gervinho, who had the air of a superstar in the making.
JAMSHA
May 31, 2011 at 9:13 AM
Comment #512Flushed with the success of landing Lille’s French international midfielder Yohan Cabaye last week, United’s next target is to bring in a striker, and they are now leading the chase for Lorient’s coveted star Gameiro.
http://www.journallive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2011/05/31/nufc-may-persuade-kevin-gameiro-to-snub-spain-61634-28791846/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Nufc_mo
May 31, 2011 at 9:15 AM
Comment #513Agree with the Entertainers
Shift our interest off Gameiro and shove it all towards Sturridge!
davybtoon
May 31, 2011 at 9:29 AM
Comment #514the journal no nothing specially when they say gervinho is striker when hes a winger
JAMSHA
May 31, 2011 at 9:34 AM
Comment #515Davybtoon agree.
kentonmags
May 31, 2011 at 9:35 AM
Comment #516JAMSHA how do i change my pic on the side
MykToonFan
May 31, 2011 at 9:42 AM
Comment #517Agreed with Davybtoon.
If we only signed Gervinho, we’d still need strikers.
I’d gladly take Sturridge, but I can’t see Chelsea letting him go. He’s performed too well when on loan.
Gameiro and Gervinho may not be English, but they are young and creative. It worries me that if we don’t get them (having scouted them for so long) we’ll be forced to fight for scraps – Cole, Keane and others spring to mind.
JAMSHA
May 31, 2011 at 9:53 AM
Comment #518@ kentonmags, go to en.gravatar.com/ an sign up with ur email u have regesterd on this blog an upload any pic u want wen u login at gravatar.com
kentonmags
May 31, 2011 at 10:13 AM
Comment #519Thanks JAMSHA
kentonmags
May 31, 2011 at 10:17 AM
Comment #520toon