While Newcastle hammered West Ham United on Wednesday night with five great goals – we also saw the miss of the season.

Nile Ranger – in action against West Ham

Nile Ranger had the ball about six yards from goal after a terrific run down the left wing by young Shane Ferguson, and all he had to do was plonk it into the net for his first ever PL goal.

But of course, amazingly, Nile put the ball  two yards wide – and even the commentators said that is probably going to be the miss of the season, and they’ll be right about that too.

It was a pity of course. because it would have been Nile’s first PL goal, just like Leon Best had famously scored his first three goals ever in England’s top league.

This is what Nile told The Evening Chronicle today about that miss:

“I wanted to cry – I was distraught.” “It happens, I guess, and I have to get over it. It’s done now.”

Newcastle were 5-0 up at the time – otherwise we would have been exactly like Nile – we would have wanted to cry too.

But Nile shouldn’t dwell on the miss too much –  in fact forget it right now – after all the game was well won at the time.

But hopefully he’ll get a chance tomorrow at Stevenage, and the lad is still a big handful for defenses  to cope with – but just like Andy Carroll a year ago – he now needs to start scoring those goals.

Nile continued about his performance on Wednesday night:

“I didn’t really play my part against West Ham – I didn’t really make an impact.” >“I just took a touch and snatched at it. I got excited, and thought it was my first goal, but it went acres wide.”

Ranger is still only 19 years old and learning very quickly and these things happen, so he shouldn’t dwell too much on it – but you could see he was embarrassed big time after the miss.

Nile continued:

“Obviously, all Leon needed was his first goal, and he got a hat-trick.” “I always felt he could do that.”“I’m waiting for that one – I need to stay confident.”

“Stevenage is another chance for me.” “I heard they’re doing well in their league, so we’ll out to go out there and give it our all.”

“The FA Cup’s a big competition, so hopefully I’ll be involved.”

We are big fans of the Londoner, and the thing we want to see most from him, is to become much more professional, and none of this stuff about turning up late to training.

Nile  has to take in what Alan Pardew tells him, and learn his trade fully – and learning is always about making the mistakes – and then learning form them – that’s the only way.

Unfortunately we are all human beings – and imperfect at best.

Nile continued:

“I used to watch Bergkamp play for Arsenal in the FA Cup, and Giggs for Man U as well when he scored that wonder goal against Arsenal.”

“I’m just waiting for that goal – hopefully it’ll come.” “I’m not feeling that well after the miss, but it’s about how you bounce back from things like that.”

If Nile gets a chance tomorrow we’d love to see him 100% committed in the game, and completely committed to scoring his very first FA Cup goal.

And Nile – it’s  time to forget about the miss – it’s all over – just like the 5-0 hammering against West Ham.

Now Newcatsle have to do it all over again – and beat Stevenage tomorrow afternoon.

Maybe Nile can help us get through the next round tomorrow, because we feel sure he’ll get another chance.

Comments welcome.