Newcastle turned in their worst performance of the season at Stevenage this afternoon, and their completely woeful performance gave Stevenage an easy victory by 3-1, with two goals in injury time to each side, but in truth it was fully deserved by this plucky Stevenage side, who recorded the greatest win their history.
Unfortunately for this Newcastle side their performance today was a lot worse than the result – that’s what is so unacceptable – the performance – and if you don’t believe us watch the game sometime – but only if you are brave enough to be humiliated.
And to make things a lot lot worse, Cheick Tiote managed to get himself sent off in the second half, with a straight red card – and will now miss the next three Newcastle league games.
The performance this afternoon will go down in Newcastle’s history as one of their worst displays ever in the famous FA Cup competition – it was as bad as that – and even worse.
The game kicked off and Newcastle showed they were ready for the game and started quite well.
Early in the game Kevin Nolan got hit in the face with the ball, and he seemed to have a slight cut just beneath the eye, which was already swelling up as he re-entered the field of play, and it could affect his vision as the game progressed.
But Stevenage also started the game well and things were very even for the first 20 minutes or so of the game, with James Perch again in an unfamiliar position at left back, being a natural right footed player.
In the 31st minute Bostwick had a good shot at Newcastle’s goal and Krul had to make a sharp save down to his right as he shoved the ball around the post for a corner.
It was a good save from Newcastle’s promising young Dutch goalkeeper, and the corner was easily cleared.
Newcastle were playing safe and quite solid at this stage, and were looking to make no mistakes to let Stevenage into this game, as they tried to play neat and tidy football.
Newcastle were finding it hard to find their two strikers Best and Lovenkrands up-field and too often, the long crosses were easily cleared by the two tall Stevenage central defenders. Best and Lovenkrands were not getting a look in at all.
On 36 minutes Long made a good run down the left wing and cut inside and the ball was scrambled away for a corner by Tim Krul, as Stevenage were having more of the play than Newcastle.
As half time approached the 5 man Stevenage midfield was starting to get a grip of the game and win the central midfield from Newcastle, who were starting to look increasingly hesitant at the back.
And Newcastle had absolutely no bite at all in midfield and were certainly missing Cheick Tiote.
Half time came, and if anything Stevenage were the better side, and certainly the more enterprising side in the first half, and little had been seen of the two Newcastle strikers, Lovenkrands and Best.
Newcastle were missing the enterprising Enrique as neither full back was able to get forward and as we said before they were badly missing Tiote – who was on the bench.
And early in the second half Stevenage got exactly what they needed – the first goal – and it was really lucky, but fortune favors the brave and at least Stevenage were moving forward.
Long worked the ball well on the left wing, moved inside and then got the ball back and from 25 yards he hit a shot at goal and it deflected off Williamson into the goal and to Krul’s right, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
It was a lucky goal no doubt, and they had at least deserved their luck as at this point Newcastle were not even at the races and we were wondering what our two strikers were doing as the midfield couldn’t get a grip at all.
Newcastle needed to get a grip and wake up – otherwise they would be out of the FA Cup at the very first hurdle.
Best was replaced by Nile Ranger, and today we hardly saw Leon Best at all.
On 54 minutes Stevenage went further ahead when Bostwick hit a great shot from the right, which went in off a post and it was 2-0 to Stevenage – and on merit too – as Newcastle seemed in a complete daze and not able to get going at all.
On 56 minutes Tiote came on for Smith who had been completely ineffective.
With the fourth division side two goals up against Newcastle, this was looking like a complete disaster for the Newcastle side, who up to this point had looked utterly hopeless.
Things only got worse for Newcastle when Tiote made a terrible challenge on Jon Ashton and he was sent off with a straight red card – and presumably misses the next three league games – this is turning into a complete calamity for Newcastle United.
Newcastle just couldn’t get going at all and looked a complete rabble as they made mistake after mistake – and Pardew brought on Phil Airey, born in Amble for his Newcastle debut.
Then on 90 minutes Joey Barton showed a little of his class, when he hit a rocket into the net and it was 2-1.
But the day continued to go dead against Newcastle, as Stevenage from the kick off attacked, and Long got involved again and played in Winn, and the Stevenage player chipped the ball nicely over Krul and it was 3-1.
Te final whistle went and it was the upset of the day in the 3rd round of the FA Cup – the exact thing we all didn’t want – as the famous fighting Magpies were a complete disgrace to the Newcastle club this afternoon.
And I use my words wisely and I am trying not to over-react too much to this terrible result – but it’s the performance that was just completely unacceptable and woeful this afternoon.
It’s bad enough to be eliminated from the FA Cup by a fourth division side, but to also lose one of your best players for the next three league games is a disaster for Newcastle and will no doubt count us points in the league, and after this performance don’t anybody even think Newcastle are safe in the Premier League.
Even towards the end of the game Newcastle just never got going, and they were not only an embarrassment to themselves but even to the Premier League – they were that bad – make that terrible.
The Newcastle side just didn’t turn up today and look for a big inquest on just what they were drinking or smoking before this game, because this is their worst performance of the season and the performance this afternoon has shamed the Newcastle United club.
One thing that Newcastle fans should demand is an inquest into why this team put in a performance which reminded us all of the listless and depressing displays in our relegation season.
And if this is anything about what is to come at Newcastle for the rest of the season, then we’ll be playing Championship football next season.
It was an utter and complete disgrace by the Newcastle team this afternoon.
This was completely and utterly unacceptable and we expect an apology and an explanation from both the Newcastle manager and the players.
Shame on them. And we beat West Ham 5-0 four days ago?
Alan Pardew will quickly lose the support of the Newcastle fans if he lets the Newcastle team put in any more performances like this one – and we cannot think Mike Ashley will be happy as this is the worst defeat of Newcastle since he’s been the owner.
I’ve seen a lot of poor and lifeless displays in my 61 years of watching Newcastle United football club, but this one today, at least in the second half, may be the most shameful of them all.
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To try to end on a positive note – congratulations to Stevenage, who won this game on merit and showed guts and spirit to record the greatest win in their history.
Congratulations.
If you are in the mood you may want to vote for the Newcastle man of the Match on our home page.
124 comments so far
mattyNUFC
Jan 8, 2011 at 7:53 PM
Comment #41whatever, guys, let’s get over it. All eyes on s*nd*rl*nd now.
shit display, the team knows it, Pards knows it, everyone does.
colwell
Jan 8, 2011 at 7:53 PM
Comment #42Our pampered players couldn`t play today as the pitch wasn`t as smooth as glass none of them knew how to stop a ball when it hit bobbles
ronaldeano
Jan 8, 2011 at 7:53 PM
Comment #43Daveyb
As I said b4, the long ball tactic doesn’t work when Carrolls not playing. Pardews fault we got beat today IMO mate..
chanty
Jan 8, 2011 at 7:55 PM
Comment #44stevange were the better team so fair play to them, but, the lads have to cut out this inconsistency.
yeah ok we have injuries but i wasn’t impressed with williamson at all, poor distribution causing loss of possession. no balance to the team 2day, nothing down the left at all.
red card was harsh, hopefully tiote will be available 4 sunderland where the lads will have 2 up their game and give us sumfin 2 cheer about 🙂
sweendog
Jan 8, 2011 at 7:55 PM
Comment #45think now the priority is 4 more wins to secure safety .. hopefully including a thrashing of sunderland and then this season wouldn’t have been a waste..
toon 86
Jan 8, 2011 at 7:55 PM
Comment #46tiote has to watch his discipline he always gets booked for needless or quite stupid or silly challengers.hope we appeal and the red gets taken away if not which a rekon wont we will struggle v the scum
ronaldeano
Jan 8, 2011 at 7:56 PM
Comment #47Lol colwell
I can’t type very fast on my iPhone :0)
colwell
Jan 8, 2011 at 7:57 PM
Comment #48Pards just said he is going too appeal Tiote`s red card
Therapyman
Jan 8, 2011 at 7:57 PM
Comment #49Sad to see that they were’nt ever there…
Marty-Toon
Jan 8, 2011 at 7:58 PM
Comment #50My goodness that was Absolutely Trollop!!!
Smith is just USELESS-was hoping he would be startin up front as he gives us nothing in the middle.
Willo was pure dribble at the back too,his positionin was terrible-no fault at the first goal(that stuff happens)but the other goals he was terrible.
What about the tactics??
Why was Barton on the left?
Loven or Xisco shoulda been there
Smith up Front if he had to be used
Barton,Nolan in the middle and Routledge on the right.
Useless display
sweendog
Jan 8, 2011 at 7:58 PM
Comment #51on a positive note the magpies did beat the mackems earlier at the stadium of sh*te .. every cloud 🙂
JP...from The Rock
Jan 8, 2011 at 7:58 PM
Comment #52I am disgusted after watching that! The match had me shouting at the telly big time!! I am furious because that was disgraceful. I thought we would struggle with that line up but this was way below my expectations. What a joke! No spirit, no drive, no passion and no class. Pathetic display! It’s the worst I’ve seen for years tbh. Why in the hell were we playing (inaccurate) long balls all the time!!??? Every Newcastle player was afraid to play it along the ground instead they kept lumping the ball forward. We looked nothing like a premiership team even if we had our fringe players on. Full credit to Stevenage as they showed us how to play football, how fu**ing embarrassing.
Toon1978
Jan 8, 2011 at 7:59 PM
Comment #53We need a winger or two, Routledge can not cross a ball. Even against Stevenage.
GEORDIE69
Jan 8, 2011 at 7:59 PM
Comment #54My player ratings for the Stevenage game.
GK – Krul – 5 – One good save, kicking put us under all sorts of pressure.
RB – Simpson – 5 – Didn’t do to much wrong.
LB – Perch – 3 – Playing out of position and it was obvious, not up to this level.
CD – Williamson – 4 – Played like a Wimbledon centre half of the past, big pointless punts up field, finished his goal well though!!!
CD – Colo – 5 – Newcastle’s best defender until outdone for third goal.
RW – 3 – Routledge – No end product again, not good enough for this level.
CM – Smith – 2 – Far too slow, no passing ability, can not tackle, offers nothing. Not good enough for ANY level now. Hang your boots up Smithy.
CM – Nolan – 4 – Some nice passes but not enough energy or box to box play.
LW – Barton – 5 – Good goal, playing out of position, just did not happen today for him but was the best of a very very poor midfield.
CF – Lovenkrands – 3 – Was he playing?
CF – Best – 4 – No support, done well to get off the field when he did.
Overall – No balance down left hand side and nothing in midfield.
Managers Tactics – 1 – Very bad day all round. Why bring on a defensive midfielder when we are 2 goals down? Should of replaced Smith, Routledge and Perch after 10 minutes!
Team that we should of started with was!
GK Harper
RB Simpson
LB Ferguson
CD Colo
CD Williamson
RW Barton
CM Guthrie
CM Nolan
LW Lovenkrands
CF Best
CF Ranger
brucechung18
Jan 8, 2011 at 7:59 PM
Comment #55I wait 6 years to wait Butt out of the squad…don’t want to wait another 6 years for Smith!!
sweendog
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:00 PM
Comment #56Marty-Toon .. yep should have had wee ferguson on the left .. barton, nolan, tiote in the middle .. routledge on the right..
Jarra
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:00 PM
Comment #57Gosh some players who can not use the fact they were tired in that team who should have been hungry to impress.
Could be a busy transfer market as we lack depth which we knew in particular in creation and striker.
PERCH, SMITH, ROUTLEDGE, LOVENKRANDS, need to be shipped out.
Or is that a knee jerk reaction
slazberger
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:01 PM
Comment #58no good saying this team should of started after a game, we would all make world class managers that way. 🙂
JP...from The Rock
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:02 PM
Comment #59To cut it short perhaps Coloccini and Barton save themselves but the rest deserve a smack to wake up! We were worse than West Ham when we beat them 5-0!
Thump
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:02 PM
Comment #60@bruce: let’s be fair here, Butt could actually pass a ball.
sweendog
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:02 PM
Comment #61Jarra.. agreed on perch and smith ,, routledge and lovenkrands aren’t that bad .. definately good squad players..
DublinToonArmy
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:03 PM
Comment #62This game exposed the lack of quality and depth in the squad. If Alan Smith could only score as many goals as he gets yellow cards.
On another note, could we not have guaranteed David Bentley first team action week in week out???
davybtoon
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:04 PM
Comment #63smith is rubbish, we are desperate for 3 or 4 quilty players taarabt,zianni n larrson are a must now
Richy_c90
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:04 PM
Comment #64http://yfrog.com/n27jxz
one of their fans smacked their own player!
ochytoon
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:04 PM
Comment #65Wanted to give Smith a chance cos he’s a good role model but after todays performance you can piss off back to leeds
slazberger
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:04 PM
Comment #66i hope pardew has give them hairdryer treatment after that, and would deffo tell a couple of them you are not playing again after that. the likes of smith and co sghould have been showing the gaffer they deserve a regular game but all theve done is let him know they shouldnt be at the club
toonoholic
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:05 PM
Comment #67oh well that’s that. hopefully we got the bad luck out before the sunderland game
Thump
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:05 PM
Comment #68@Richy: was that today?
davybtoon
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:06 PM
Comment #69i dont think it wud matter who started they all looked shot to bits n knackered after 4 games in 15 days
JP...from The Rock
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:06 PM
Comment #70Ed – ‘vote for Newcastle Man of the Match’ you must be joking! Not even Krul was on his game tonight. What was he doing passing it to their forwards!! And he needs to improve on his 1 v 1 situations. Everything went horribly wrong tonight and that’s us out of the Cup again! When was the last time we had a good cup run?? I guess the only positive is we can now solely focus on our main goal EPL survival.
Richy_c90
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:06 PM
Comment #71Yeah, its all over twitter atm
GeordieMeerkat
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:07 PM
Comment #72Tiote’s card won’t be rescinded purely because he jumped in, somehting he had to do to make that distance. They’ll ignore the fact that he only led with one foot, played the ball at ground level and didn’t show any of his studs.
It is clearly a worse thing than going over the ball with both feet and both studs showing, or a deliberate stamp on a player and possibly anything El Hadji Diouf does if he isn’t punished for his actions today (he berated Mackie for feigning injury when he had a double leg break).
I wonder if Smith is going to give any of his £50k wages back for today’s performance. He got nowhere near a League 2 midfield. Routledge didn’t threaten league 2 defence. Perch couldn’t handle any of their players. These 3 players are on the very cusp of our first choice XI, a damning indictment of our squad’s depth.
murvar
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:07 PM
Comment #73It’s absurd to blame Pardew for that display. He’s entitled to think he could field any 11 players from his first team squad and expect them to beat Stevenage. He made sensible substitutions at half time to strengthen the side. They got a fluke first goal and we had no response. We simply weren’t up for it and I suspect the players thought they were invincible after Wednesday’s result. We don’t usually associate this side with complacency but that was today’s problem. Barton worked hard but Nolan looked knacked from the start. One thing I think AP must know already is that Rout can’t cut it – there’s never any end product. And he’s starting to morph into Tyrone in Corrie. Now that PL defences have stopped Gut and Jonas being effective as an attacking force, Gut is not pulling his weight either. I’m sure that’s why he secured Ben Arfa and wanted Bentley – to add quality in those wide areas so that Carroll can get better service. If only Rout and Gut could cross like Simpson and Barton!
davybtoon
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:07 PM
Comment #74at least the scum got knocked out at home today, both us n them with terrible displays n results n cup b4 derby shud b hell of a game
GEORDIE69
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:07 PM
Comment #75Slazberger! Would you of started with Perch and Barton as your balance on the left hand side of a team? You build your team around a backbone which we failed by playing Smith! Our balance was all wrong. Perch and Barton had to cut inside all of the time, that is really easy to defend against at any level. Looking at our squad for the game there was only Ferguson and Lovenkrands that are left footed players. If you are playing 4-4-2 then you need balance. Look at what happens to Jonas playing wide left! The only plus about Jonas is his work rate, that suits Enrique’s over lapping runs. Perch and Barton offer you no balance at all. The game was lost before we started with Smith in centre midfield and no left handed balance.
brucechung18
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:08 PM
Comment #761-2 crap players could distroy the team…and we may ever have more…players who useless should be shipped out immediately…crap players in the squad just waste of room
davybtoon
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:09 PM
Comment #77like i say at least pardew can show ashly now how desperate we are for new players
DublinToonArmy
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:10 PM
Comment #78How about a vote for the most diabolical player of the match Ed?
daneevz
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:11 PM
Comment #79After all said and done lads we used to this we are newcastle fans shite like this happens to us all the time! get ova it and move on. or just hide away till we win nxt week!.lol
davybtoon
Jan 8, 2011 at 8:12 PM
Comment #80more gutted bout tiote missing next 3 games than i am losing today