Alternative game.

For anybody that couldn't get tickets for Wednesday's game, there's always the reserve game against Gateshead at the International Stadium to go to.


Wed 01.08.2012 NUFC Res v Gateshead (a) @ International Stadium, 7.30pm. Friendly. £10 adults, £5 OAPs, £2 U16s. Pay at turnstiles on the night - these are located at both ends of the Tyne & Wear stand and open from 6:30pm. Match programme will be on sale @ £1.50.

See what we've got in the tank if/when we have any injuries.

 

Bit difficult for me, living in the middle of nowhere and having a family wedding this week, going to be very difficult for me.

 

Just a case of being better than nothing for some.

They'd be able to come onto the forum and give us break down on what we've got in reserve. I wouldn't mind taking a reserve game or two in myself.

 

Know what you mean, thoroughly enjoyed the games I've seen at Gateshead in the last couple of years.

 

I'm pottering about south of the tyne right now, might as well pop in on the way home, never got to an away game against the goats so it'll be my first time there.

I'll try and update this thread with key moments but be warned I'm ****e with names so it'll be 'the lad with the fuzzy hair' and whatnot.

Should be a close match and a pseudo derby at that!

 

I was in the bogs when they announced the teams but based on the programme looks like we've brought a decent side.

I definitely see why they're building a new stadium, pitch is miles from the fans.

 

Goal Mehdi Abeid!!!

1-0 Newcastle

Given space and shot outside the box, keeper caught out. Wouldn't be given this sort of opportunity at the top level but well taken nontheless.

 

Amalfatino!

2-0 Newcastle

Gateshead are caught out on the counter and Mouthful easily skips past a defence on the backfoot to chip it over the sprawling Heed keeper.

 

Collins (Gateshead)!

2-1

Heed pressure pays off, Collins getting on the end of a cross to create extra urgency amongst the home players.

 

2-1 HT

Abeid has been the standout player this half, incredibly confident in posession however service to him has not been the best. Gateshead have arguably been the more disciplined side so far, holding their shape very well and giving a good show of themselves.

 

Conor Newton has looked out of place at RB in the first half now appears to be in an advanced position on the left. His crossing has been poor so far, interested to see if he's more useful in a forward role...

 

Keep updates coming in the 2nd half

 

Bigriyama (sp?) who has been sat just infront of the back four all game, has resisted the temptation to surge forward and has dropped almost to the sweeper position when needed.

Very composed and appears to have a fantastic engine on him, has not been caught out once for pace.

Announcer has just confirmed Colo and Jonas are in the crowd, a mix of 'Oh Coloccini' and sarcastic 'Who are ya?' chants.

 

Jonas has had a busy day then bearing in mind he was at the Olympics earlier as well.

 

Just as I say that, Bigi has been a little cocky in posession, tried a trick under pressure and gave the ball away in a dangerous position with Odubade narrowly missing the chance to equalise having beaten Alnwick (who has otherwise been quite solid).

The Heed substitutions have made the difference and they look the more likely to score next. Our attacking threat has been reduced to wishful longballs.

 

Conor Newton!

3-1 Newcastle

Headed goal from a corner in a packed box and almost straight after...

Marcus Maddison (first I've heard of him)

4-1

Gateshead immediately threatened to reply to Newton but a sharp save from Alnwick and quick delivery down the right saw a wonderful individual display from Maddison along the line before cutting in and skillfully lobbing the keeper. Excellent goal!!!

Newton and Good off, Riley and Knight on.

 

Abeid off, Henderson on.

Mehdi has been very hungry for the ball this half, probably my MotM. Bigi again performing tricks in the anchor role, something I feel he needs to be more careful with.

We've been playing with a very fluid midfield which has put some uneccessary pressure on our defenders, particularly on our left with Heed's Odubade outsmarting our kids. Alnwick has kept us out of trouble though.

 

4 - 1 result.

 

Cheers for the updates Mod Face, brilliant

 

4-1 FT

A victory through well-measured counter-attacking football. The youngsters braved an organised and physically strong side well and took advantage when their defence was left stretched.

The third of this summer's signings, Curtis Good, was decent without being dominant against a side probably equal to an average A-League side. It's too soon to be judging him but I would say based on that performance he will be our 4th/5th choice CB this season.

Very happy with Abeid, his positioning was excellent and in the second half his support play was spot on. Kept posession well and if squad places are being given on merit he's certainly earned it, possibly at Vuckic'd expense.

Bigi, aside from a couple moments of overconfidence, looks a very promising youngster. Defensive minded and with a little bit more discipline coaching, a very capable understudy to Tiote.

Credit to the Gateshead fans who were in good voice in contrast to the subdued visitors. A round of 'There's Only One Bobby Robson' contributed to the friendly atmosphere.