Hanging On

If there's one thing that our beleagured manager (TM) doesn't lack it's fortune.  Most Newcastle fans will tell you that we are as high (cough, cough) in the league as we are no thanks to a bit of luck along the way, coupled with a truly dire bottom half of the 'best league in the world' (another TM) and we certainly rode our luck in the second half at the Britannia last night to remain in the draw for the fourth round.

For the first half we looked comfortable and in control of the game.  Stoke looked average at best and we limited to howking long balls up to their strikeforce and although we created little of any real note, we at least looked a threat going forward whilst Taylor and Faye mopped up everything at the back.  Indeed, the only threat to us seemed to be one of our own players, Alan Smith.  At best Smith has been a liability since joining us and has an impressive record of tallying more bookings than shots/passes on target put together.  Other than gifting Stoke free kicks in dangerous positions, I am at a loss to describe his contribution to the game, but never mind.

We started the second half on top again before the appearance of Desperate Dan (aka Jon Parkin) from the bench brought audible laughter.  Had this fellow won some sort of e-on sponsored competition to take part that we were unaware of?  Sure enough, our laughter was nearly very quickly stifled when he somehow missed from two yards out after some last ditch defending from Taylor/Faye and then caused havoc winning a header that almost led to Fuller putting them ahead.  This led to some serious jitters from us as their fans sensed blood but we just about managed to steady the ship and could have nicked it ourselves right at the end when substitute Carroll almost squeezed it in at the back post.

All in all, there was a pervading sense of relief at the final whistle.  The replay is far from a formality but we manage to stagger on regardless.  God only knows what Man United could do to us this weekend given a display like that.  I'm sure a 7-3-0 formation should save the day.

Keep the Faith and check out www.true-faith.co.uk for more NUFC related patter.

Gareth Harrison