If you were there, post it here. :-)

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2001

Answers

And that`s an order !!, Sound off, 1 2 . Sound off 3 4 , Yah mudder was right, yah left yah right, sound off team ,1 2 3 4, contributors are this week , Clarky----------------------Telegraph

Screacher-------------------Supa Sore-awa Sun

Steph-----------------------Mail

Rik-------------------------Daily Sport

Softie----------------------Morning Star

Gibbo-----------------------Private Eye

Kennyboy--------------------The Mirror

MacBeth---------------------The Scotsman.

DeBuilder-------------------Construction News.

**Tony , Marty , anyone else there sorry if missed out, hit the ink,

one condition would like on here, do your report without looking at

the others, might make more interesting readings and how different

we see things, and dat`s what makes a forum, we win and I`m hyper

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2001

Love it, Buff! Fortunately I was alone in the office for the final whistle cause I was whooping and hollering generally acting like an eejit. Rollercoaster going up..... :-)

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2001

eejit????... Hey Ciara.... ever been to Bermuda???

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2001

eh? I went to Bermuda once, a few years ago, for a day and a half. What am I missing?(besides not getting to see nearly enough of the place)

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2001

I got really suspicious when after the MAKAM game (2-1) bobby robson was on the MOTD cameras and he was smiling and lauging like a smug twat

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2001

Oh thank the sweet lord - 3 points!!

We were rather slow out of the traps, looking nervy and hesitant. However, we eventually got a grip in midfield, gradually got the passing going and started to exert some pressure. The goal when it came was the result of a fabulous cross from Solano, who had been at his frustrating best. That man Cort was in the right place again to blast it home. The goal took a lot of the pressure off, and we pressed hard for as second. I actually thought Solano's shot with the outside of his right foot was in at the top left hand corner, but Shaka diving backwards made a truly world class save, tipping it over the bar.

Caldwell, had come on for an injured Barton after only 5 minutes or so, and as is often the case saw a lot of the ball, some of it used well, some not, but at least the lad gets involved.

We finished the half pressing for a second, and after going ahead had played some decent stuff. At the HT mark, Given had had precisely nothing to do, and WHU with Kanoute having to be replaced after a heavy challenge from Dabz, looked toothless.

WHU came out a lot more determined at the start of the 2nd half, and as is often the case we started sloppily. However, as in the first half, we gradually got on top in midfield and started dictating play again. We created a number of half chances and Hislop again distinguished himself with 2 or 3 good saves, the best from a close range drive from Gallagher, who had come in for Ameobi, and I thought had a really excellent game.

The second goal finally came slightly fortuitiously from penalty for a handball called on I think Winterburn. Hearts were in mouths as Solano stepped forward, but he hit a delightful, cheeky chip over Shaka.

It was never a classic, but we really should have gone on to win 3 or 4 nil. However, shortly after Rob Lee was subbed clearly struggling with his knee problem, we contrived as usual to press the self destruct button. Following some typically sloppy work in the penalty area, Caldwell scythed someone down in the act of shooting on the edge of the 6yd box. Lampard blasted home the spot kick, and we went to rather pieces for the last 10 minutes, falling far too deep and conceding midfield to Cole, Carrick and Lampard. Having said that, with hindsight all they really managed was a couple of shots straight at Given. At the time we desperately needed someone like Solano to put their foot on the ball and calm things down, BR took off Gallacher for Luax2 - who proceeded to give the ball away several times to put pressure back on us!

Not a great game, but a critically important win, and three vital points that takes the pressure off. Hopefully this will enable us to play with a little more confidence and freedom - starting next Saturday.

Dabz and Gallacher made a huge difference to the side. Dabz in particular, after being out for so long, was truly immense, hardly putting a foot wrong defensively, organising young O'Brien and Caldwell, and even finding time to venture forward on a few occasions.
Gallacher was here, there and everywhere making good angled runs to create space for CC - he really is an intelligent forward, and I think we would be well advised to give him another one year contract. Cort was a handful, scored one, and could have had a hat-trick.
Solano, as usual was frustratingly inconsistent - made one, scored one, but disappeared for much of the second half. Rob Lee was yet again superb in midfield, and I'm pleased to say that I thought Christian Bassedas had his best game yet in b&w.

What a bloody relief!

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2001

Another load of rubbish, but we won so that's all taht matters isn't it.

I was on my own as the Fife schools always have the first two weeks in April as Easter holidays so he was back in class while I travelled by GNER.

Main surprise on the team sheet was Dabizas back, he was in for Hughes who was having a well deserved rest. Gallacher similarly in for Shola. Neither Shola nor Hughes on the bench. No D-I-C-A-N-I-O

Nice reception for Shaka.

Game was pants.

Barton was injured in the first ten minutes, a strain I think, and was replaced by Stevie Caldwell who played at right back, with no discernible difference in performance. It could even be said that if Barton is picked for his physical presence then Caldwell was better.

Solano looked like he was hiding and getting dragged inside too much. Bassedas was our best player keeping the ball well and playing some nice passes. This eventually forced Solano to get to the bye line and make a nice centre for Cort to squeeze in at the back post.

Solano inspired by his own adequacy then tried to chip Shaka but Shaka turned out to be taller than the goalies Nobby would face in training.

West Ham lost Kanoute which meant they had nobody I'd ever heard of up front, and it showed. Cole was flashily good a few times but was surrounded by mediocrity, both for an against.

We got a second when a centre was blocked by Winterburn (I think) and Solano gently stroked in the penalty.

We then had our best 10 minutes since Leeds. Chances, energy, shots, very strange. But we didn't score.

Rob Lee went off looking dead on his feet, Acuna on instead. Acuna had another half chance running through form midfield and it somehow went wide.

The mdifield/defence let Cole run at them and he passed through to sub Diadora (sp) and he was clattered by O'Brien as he went to shoot. Clear penalty, hit straight at Shay who dived to miss it.

We never really looked worried by them, but we never looked like scoring either.

Pluses ..... Dabizas played well,

Minuses ... static midfield, no one until Acuna actually getting from midfield to aid the strikers

Generally a far more inspiring performance than recently but only for 10 minutes while we two up. They never really threatened but were without Di Canio and Kanoute. I tried to see what Carrick offered but he was absent apart from one daft shot.

Ben didn't miss much.

Saturday ?? Well Sunderland are clearly our equals at the moment so it could be real dire stuff.

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2001

How was Dabs?

Just got back from Disney World in Orlando, wore my B&W with blue trim on saturday and all I got was questions about the Ipswich game. I had no clue of course but it was nice to see and hear from other fans if only to get away from Mickey frickin mouse. My daughter loved the place and already wants to go back even after a 7.5 hour delay at the airport yesterday.

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2001

I thought we were cack until after the second goal, when new found confidence and the realisation that they get paid for playing football hit home. For about 15 minutes. Anyway I thought we looked so inadequate early on that I had to ask the bloke next to me if we really were winning 10 minutes after the first goal. Nobby mystifies me, I find it very hard to be impressed with him. Maybe he hides too much. I was happy with Dabz - he actually looked quite composed, but that might be because of the standard of the opposition. I thought that Wham were worse than Bradford, when I expected their midfield to be special. Obviously so did most of our lot as we tried a new tactic by allowing Cole, Carrick and Lampard to run through any time they wanted to. Eventually it worked, because they seemed to think it was a trick. Which, I suppose, it was. It bewildered me. I thought Caldwell did well after a shakey start. Quinn got better as it went on. Cort looked ok, but I was well pleased with Gally, who I thought made a difference. Lee, Speed, O'Brien were nothing much to write about, so I won't. The complete lack of commitment and passion is deadly. I've not heard SJP so quiet this season. I'm sure that I heard YBR ordering his Sanatogen to be warmed before half time. We should have had another penalty, but Nobby put the one away with aplomb. Has Shay ever saved a pen, because I sort of knew he wasn't going to stop this one? I should be really happy. SMB beaten. Smoggies beaten. 3 points for us. But............Maybe its my age, or the fact that I hope my face doesn't appear on MOTD as I was 'at work' all day. Its three points, but not as we knew them Jim.

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2001

I appear to have forgotten Bassedas. I maintain that he will come good if he's given a good run in the team. And he was better than Speed. But so was I.

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2001

Six pints o' Guinness before the match and I lost me damn specs.


-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

"Its three points, but not as we knew them Jim!"

Top line TG - best for quite a while. Glad you enjoyed the game!
I think I must easy pleased these days.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

Pre-match drinks were slightly delayed due to "Sunday Service" bus schedule. Still, just enough time to meet Dougal, Steph, Softie the Skinheed, Dr Bill (ditto, but his is more natural), Jonno, Gibbo, Jay and Clarky in the Straabeery.

The match has been well reported here, and in typical Sore-away Sun style, I won't mention it at all, apart from Dabs who your reporter thought was outstanding and makes a Page 3 appearance as your Super Knickerless pin-up.

More beers for afters, with Susie Brown Ale being a late replacement for Clarky who limped off to put more prawns on the barbie. Steph's Jon made a late appearance but tried hard to make up for lost drinking time. Susie's time was short-lived but she reckons she's building for the big-one later. Don't ask.

Back to work again, but at least with a smile on me face. See youse aal next time for annutha soopa soar-away score.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

Softie does look well hard liyk.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

It was a 14th plays 13th display, both sides lacking everything that makes the premiership special. Plus points were a run out for Caldwell brought about by the early departure of Wozza (skinned 2 minutes earlier - was he warmed up?) and Dabizas who looked as if he had never been missing.

Neither side took the game by the scruff of the neck; West Ham didn't look like they had a goal in them, they rarely threatened and after Cort placed a shot past Shaka from a fine Solano cross I expected to see a fight back, this wasn't to be the case and more misplaced passes by both sides brought us neatly to half time.

Second was a bit more spirited and seen us exerting more pressure, the penalty, although deserved was fortunate in that Winterburn handballed to block a Solano cross and given the fact that most of his crossing hadn't reached a target or had been snuffed out by some good goalkeeping it was utterly stupid defending. Up steps Nobby to side foot to the keepers right.

More inept passing and hoofing dragged the game along but we had chances to increase our lead as did WHam to get back into it and they did give themselves a lifeline after a break into the box was converted into a Hammer sandwich with the ginger ref awarding a penalty (postumously). A few more oohs and aahs brought they game to a close and the news that both the macums & smogs were beated made it a perfect day.



-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

Isn't it incredible what a difference it makes to your life when the Toon wins? I'd actually forgotten what it was like.

Got home from SJP and watched the Scouse derby feeling utterly relaxed with a couple of Buds. Enjoyed the pre and post game banter about who plays who in the remaining fixtures, and who will get relegated. Posted my match report under Buff's orders, and waited in vain for some bbs banter - dead as a dodo.

Enjoyed the Smogs and Mackems plight on MOTD, and fell asleep - contented. Woke up this morning feeling rested and mellow: read the Journal from cover to cover with a cup of tea in bed. Life is good, again!

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

.......I said "a couple of Buds" Screach, before you ask!

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

Still another couple of reports to come in, (Steph/Dougal/Jonno?) but on reading the ones received tells you a great deal on our various expectations at this time in the season. Couple feel "Phew" 3 points (myself included), but I don`t see the performance and appreciate the worries of those who are grateful for the win but not the way it was achieved. The overiding factor appears to be that though not tested Dabias had a good game and that is heartening. I like Clarky am a believer in the Big guy/Little more mobile guy up front,Cort and Gallagher must start up front against the Makems . Gally is not the long term answer but we need his experience on Saturday. Static midfield, that was obvious on 5 mins motd even , after watching the movement of Ipswich , the answer is so simple, Wadsworth earn !!

Been lot of debate on here about Solano of late , his performance yesterday was labelled inconsistent although he had an assist and made scored a penalty and just missed another chance. Solano must be a good if not great player , why ? , easy , other clubs and supporters rate him and they may have just a system that he can comfortably be a part of, anything that comes from the Toon appears to be engineered by Solano, others have to take responsibility. One question I asked on the match thread, when Barton went off , did the Toon revert to 3 at the back or did Caldwell play orthodox full back? conflicting reports on this one. I am a great believer in luck in football, the Mackems carried it yesterday, Cov should have had 5 even tho sorryson had a beauty, and anyone who thinks that McAllister went for that 40yd goal and that includes Big Ears and Creased Whining the pundits must be off their trolly, he was looking to hit Babbell who had made a run that`s luck, they say you make your own , start mixing the recipe for Saturday then Bobby, and lets get the icing on the cake sharpish

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

Caldwell played right back, we didn't play with three centre halves. This was the right decision as Cole had already waltzed past the statuesque old clapper and if we'd changed to having three centre halves and Solano covering the right we'd have been stuffed.

Caldwell looked as good as Barton does. Take from that what you wish.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

There have been some great reports on here but I would add that: 1) Given was frightful. Appalling kicking and constantly putting the defence in unneccessary danger. 2) Barton would surely have been subbed even if he hadn't been injured s he had about two touches and f...d them both up. 3) Caldwell was very hardworking and does help with organisation but I'd have to agree that he's nee fullback. 4) Was Gary Speed playing? 5) Rob Lee wasn't that good. He is, however, carrying an injury which has to account for his being about 5 yards off the pace. 6) O'Brien looked canny enough. 7) Bassedas was OK, I thought. 8) Cort was great. Big Al wouldn't have had the pace to get to that cross. 9) Gallacher was very good,too. 10) Dabs had a fantastic game, 11) Nobbs' performance was a microcosm of his season - sometimes brilliant, sometimes awful, and can't really sustain it for a whole match. 12) Both sides specialise in pointless possession. If there were a league based on spells of possession, the Toon and the Bubble Blowers would be fighting it out for the Championship. 13) The most rousing song all afternoon was "Stand up if you hate Sunderland". Even the normally mouselike blokes in front of me and Jonno were singing it. I was singing "We love the Toon" instead of "We hate Sundland" and "Sit doon if you love the Toon" instead of "Stand up if hate Sunland" and Jonno bawled out these blokes behind us but to no avail. I know we are playing them next week but I hink the players get the idea: we aren't fond of the SMB. 14) We should sign up those bairns who were playing at half time before Mr Redknapp does. 15) Good to see Aarondite getting a rest: Bobby says that he's played more football than any defender in the Premiership so it's not entirely surprising that he's been looking knackered. Also, his confidence must have been knocked by some awful Northern Ireland results, our defence getting blamed for what are team errors and by bearing the burden of being our defensive mainstay at what is a relatively tender age. Hope he was catching up on a few Zzzzzzzzzzs while the rest of them ran around. 16) Good to see a bit of committment from the lads and the return to a bit of humour in the Gallowgate End. 17) Lovely to see Bill, Softie, Steph, Jay, Susie, Jonno, Screach and Clarky. I came to the pub as miserable as sin and went home full of joy and that was only partly the result, the main thing was putting the Toon to rights with the posse.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

Tried a new tactic. Sat absolutely silently throughout in case I mistake effort on my part for endeavour from the team. Very different experience and I can't see the attraction.

We were awful for most of the first half. Lack of movement, lack of communication and lousy execution of even the simplest passes. The crap linesman didn't help with hs nervous twitch that sent the flag up every time we crossed the halfway line and Durkin was determined to show that he won't be dictated to by the crowd so we got nowt and they got a half dozen dubious free kicks. The high point was when a joker in the middle of the stand stood up and started singing "Send in the clowns" which inspired them to put a decent move together culminating in Cort's 5th in 9 starts. God knows how he does it; all elbows and knees, awful touch, seeming inability to get his head to the ball 9/10 but put him in front of goal and he's a menace.

Speed and Bassedas were pretty much indistinguishable and vanished for so much of the game that any points people award them should be halved on principle. Rob Lee was caught in posession several times, despite plenty of warning from the crowd if not his teammates and obviously never gets to the ball first anymore. The other two might get better but Lee's condition will just keep getting worse. No idea why people will be going to his testimonial; we have spent the last 2 seasons applauding him for past achievements and we need either a mobile blocker or someone capable of scoring in his place.

Nobby was Nobby. Has more praise and abuse heaped on him in the same match than any other player at the club. His crosses range from the sublime to the ridiculous but he had his "putting himself about" hat on yesterday which is always an improvement.

The defence had nothing to do against a side with no strikers but still contrived to give away a pen and offer several clear shots on goal in the second half. It was like Dabz had never been away; 10 mins to go and he turned and laid a ball back to Given 4 yards short of the box. Given sprinted out and just cleared it. Can't wait to see that one against Liverpool....again. Caldwell did okay out of position and appears to have read all the column inches and letters about the lack of spirit or communication since he spent the match bellowing at the rest of them. We won a corner with a few minutes to go and he grabbed Dabizas and pointed him back towards our half (I was mighty relieved as I was fully expecting West Ham to equalize from the move). At the final whistle he grabbed O'Brien in a bear hug and lifted him off the deck. Not sure if we are looking at a future skipper or someone due to be slapped down during the week. Bobby certainly singled him out for several personal bollockings but that was more to do with him being the only player he can actually see at that range.

Gallacher was the real mover and deserves praise for that if nothing else, but still doesn't prove enough of a threat in front of goal. So long as he keeps on the move and draws a defender then he makes room for Cort, but ideally we need two front runners who can put the ball in the net.

Given showed us why he normally kicks the short pass out to the right since when he did it to the left it went straight out of play. He also contrived to stand on the ball in the first half but recovered to clear. One great save and actually caught a ball from a West Ham corner: so long as the opposition are as tall as Joe Cole he can be rock solid.

A very welcome result but shouldn't fool anybody. We made hard work of a side with third choice defenders and no strikers with a lightweight midfield. Shame we didn't try as hard as them when we were in that position.

As to management. One defender on the bench? Thought we were going to be right up against it when we had to bring Caldwell on so early with Dabizas on for a first game in months. Acuna should have replaced Lee earlier to keep the ball moving and surely Cordone is more likely to hold the ball up that Luax2?

Mr Grumpy-Trousers: The Oldie

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

Caldwell played RB Buff, but they played with no left-sided m/f player (bit like us) which often left him in acres of space - hence the amount of possession he had. I would not like his relative success yesterday to convince anyone that Caldwell could play RB - against a pacy winger I think he'd have real trouble.

I commented after the Boro game how slow Barton looks these days and got chastised by one or two for saying it. As Macbeth suggests, before he got hurt yesterday Joe Cole - not reknowned for his pace (he's not unlike Lee Clark actually) gave WB 2 yds start over 15 yds and beat him easily. We have got to get Griffin into the team at RB, and if he continues being so injury prone we'll need to get a top-class replacement - you have got to have good FB's in the PL.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

Talking of Wor Clarence, how many times has he ran into the goalpost and almost knocked himself out without getting to the ball? I mean, I know the Premiership is physical, but there's nee need to start assaulting the fixtures and fittings.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

I cannot speak for all the other ex-pats but I am really chuffed to bits with this thread, started off as a wee bit of fun with Ciara but if you and I think most have played by the rules it has been very informative to say the least. The people who pay the money call the tune and I take it all in what you write , still waiting for Rik and the builder boy and anyone else for that matter who was there to report, who needs ic Newcastle when I got you lot, appreciated but come along Steph your letting me down pet, hit the presses

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

It's just so nice to finally have a home match so we can get all the contributions! Gotta start boosting bbs attendance at aways too. Perhaps we can get the club to give priority to bbsers? ;-))

As for Acuna assaulting fixtures around the pitch.....is he our Georgian Loon replacement? He does seem to have a wild look in his eyes in photos. :-)

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

Clarence suffers from believing colleagues will actually play the ball in front of him so he can run on to it. Yesterday the centre was played to where Shearer would have been if he was running in, no notice made of the fact it was somebody who actually wants to attack the ball at pace. He therefore ends up with the ball under his feet rather than just a pace ahead. I'd like to blame a clueless, static midfield player, but it was Cort this time.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

Overall I thought we were fairly good allround. Not gonna bore you with the details of the game, as everyone has allredy posted them (somewhat negatively I should add) I'd rather bring up team selection for the rest of the season. I'm not a Dabizas fan, but his pressance certainly made the defence look a lot tighter.I didn't really think West Ham were capable of getting past him, and their penalty couldn't really be helped. Nice to see Caldwell have a decent game at right back. I just wonder where Griffin is? In midfield I see that Rob Lee is playing despite needing an operation on his knee. Playing him while injured will probably end up ending his career . Surely it would have been better to leave him out and put a left winger in? Even using one of the youngsters like Bonvin, Bernard or Dimas . I thought Solano had a canny game as did Bassedas. Upfront I think we should scrap the two big lads playing together idea and go for the big un , little un theory,I'd like to see a bit more of LuLua playing with either Cort OR Ameobi. Cant see much point in playing Cordone or Gallacher, as niether will be at Newcastle next season. We've got two games in hand over the maKems, 4 home games, 2 away,If we can win five of them , then we can get into Europe. That means winning our next Away game against the MaKems. Which shouldn't be a problem, they are doing a lot worse than us at the moment. I really think that we'll beat them on Saturday if we stay positive, and put a bit of faith in the younger players.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

Sorry Buff - been off work and off-line!

Thoughts on the game - Good to see Dabs back, proabably man of the match. Nobby had a decent game, taking the corners better than he has for a while. Relieved to see Kanoute go off - left WHam with nowt up front. We probably played our best football this year for a period after the second goal Some lovely passing and they looked a lot more confident.

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2001

Okay its a wrap - thank`s folks - expecting more of the same Satday

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2001

You can certainly see why traffic-accident reports are such a headache to compile. Hopefully everyone will avoid reading the others first next time as it is the wildly varying perspectives that tickle the funny-bone. In the meantime I'll go and get the glue-pot ready while clarky polishes that pedastal :-)

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2001

Apologies with my late submission of the report as featured in Destruction News. Opinions are everything on this BBs and reading all the other reports we all seem to have been watching slightly different games!

Down to footie now and after seeing the victory against West Ham I thought the side looked quite decent. Hats off to Kevin Gallacher who continually posed a threat with the amount of work he gets through. Despite my fears about Dabizas he came through and shone in the defence. My girlfriend commented that he seemed to be the only one who was organising the defence.

Very please for Bassedas who had an excellent game IMHO. He's going to stay with the side and once we have a few more options up front and out wide, this man is going to shine. He needs a worker alongside him in midfield and Speed was getting stuck in along with Rob Lee which enabled Bassedas to move further up front. I hope he is a regular till the end of the season.

Sad to hear some oaf in the North West Corner continually criticising Caldwell for his performance at right back. Considering he is a Centre Back I thought he did well and tried to get forward. With Solano constantly pissing about trying to come deeper or more central, Caldwell had few options.

Is Barton injured for Saturday? I'd go for Hughes at right back if Griffin is still injured.

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2001