Middlesbrough v Newcastle

NEWCASTLE HOME 14-8-04
Written by Steve G

A local derby on opening day had never been heard of before- however, this season it happened and we were pitted against Newcastle for our first Premier League fixture of the new campaign. How we relished the occasion.

So did the Geordies and their enthusiasm was increased by their club's very special 'Have Your Picture Taken With the Cup' opening day offer.

The West End of London is no place to watch a Tyne-Tees derby because this particular match appeared to be of no interest down here. It was as though it was a meaningless kick about between two teams from foreign parts. We changed venue three times before we found an establishment who could guarantee that they would be showing the match with the commentary turned on. Even when we settled in The Sports Bar in Haymarket, there was an element of doubt over whether we would get to enjoy the action in full.

But enjoy the action we did. Throughout the ninety minutes, the action flowed as thick and as fast as the drinks and The Wizard of Smog even produced half time pies, to the delight of those assembled.

Bolo Zenden was great and Ray Parlour looked like it would take a horde of Saracen invaders to break his guard. He really was a rock. Michael Reiziger was outstanding in defence and Jimmy worked hard to keep us in the game when behind, with minutes left to play.

I expected The Lizard to score when he replaced the lazy Joseph Job at half time. I should have known better. Jimmy looked hungry all night and was involved in almost everything that was going on. He deserved his goal and if it really was handball then it makes up for the penalty that we should have had in the first few minutes.

And we deserved our draw. Newcastle played well and appeared to be a little sharper than us. They were always cool under pressure but they still couldn't break down a Boro side who were determined to get their show on the road in style.

The result was not exactly what we wanted, however the team showed their mettle tonight and demonstrated why this season, we are considered to be contenders for the major honours.

BACK TO 2004/05 REPORTS INDEX

BACK TO ARCHIVE INDEX

Sitemap || Search Site || Terms and Privacy || Set as Homepage || Bookmark Site