Carling Cup

http://www.ja606.co.uk/articles/viewArticle/51226

I went to the game. Me and about 15 others!!

Sad to see the turnout from the Rovers fans, but totally understand why, as I hummed and hawed myself about going.

On balance I think we deserved this win, although it was a very close run thing. We scored early and it settled us down and then as the game ebbed and flawed a pivotal moment saw the barcodes denied a penalty and in the resulting play following that decision, Rovers were awarded a penalty. Big difference 1-1 or 2-0 of course.

Two great strikes from Newcastle brought them level, a deflected goal from an excellent strike took us one up and a rather soft penalty brought them level yet again. Meanwhile MGP, Samba and Givet then combined to send us home happy for once.

Star Players; Samba (2nd half especially) - Givet throughout, Olsson, Lowe. MGP did very well also and Pet was much improved. Junior had a rather quiet game by his standards, Yakubu was somewhat stationery but scored well from the penalty spot, Rochina looked tidy, worked hard and scored, but continued to give the ball away cheaply in dangerous areas, whilst Goodwillie worked very hard but was totally ineffective again. He wasn't helped however by sloppy final balls when he had taken up good positions.

All in all a very good work-out and very good result and some very good performances across the team. I was very pleased to see Kean playing such a strong team and although the extra time will have been tiring, you could see the elation on the players faces at the end and I think the win, feel good factor and confidence gained will be worth more going to Norwich than a few tired limbs.

However, our confidence is hugely fragile and I would not be suprised if it dissipates quickly should things not go to plan at Norwich. I believe we will lose at Norwich in the league.

Credit to the amazing Newcastle fans! Definately amongst the most passionate fans in the country and pleasant and well behaved afterwards when chatting about the game.

Unfortunately, i think this is one of them results the fans will look back on after the next few results & think "Why cant we do that in the league?".

I think its a confidence thing, there is no pressure when playing in the cup matches, if you go a goal down, who cares? you can just go for broke. In the league, conceding a goal makes the team think "Oh sheeeeez" we're now in trouble.

I wish you well, and i hope i'm wrong, but its just my opinion.

^^^^^^....It's a sensible opinion and I fully agree.

personly i think we will get a draw today but i do agree it's a confidence thing but i think it's a more of a Kean does not have clue thing.

Surely the outrage will be x10s as bad.. If u lose to Norwich lol?

skinovers,

I cant comment on the Kean not having a clue thing as i dont have the pleasure of watching you week in, week out - but you could be right.

I distinctly remember Avram Grant doing extremely well in cup comps at both Portsmouth & West Ham, but he ended up taking both clubs down.

A hope this doesnt happen to you.

onlyonejackwalker,

Thank you for accepting my opinion as an honest one. Most fans on here would simply have shouted WUM & asked me to leave the board.

Good luck today lads.

I don't think it's all Keans fault we have a some very bad luck but if he had a good striker i don't think we would be bottom (chicken your comments i agree with your comments)

"I don't think it's all Keans fault we have a some very bad luck but if he had a good striker i don't think we would be bottom "

The other parts of the blame lay with Venkys and a part with the players. Majority with Kean however.

And whilst Roberts who you seem to knock at every moment. has never been prolific, consider:

- He was the main striker the year Allardyce got us to tenth
- Kean/Venkys have bought Rochina, Goodwillie, Formica, Yakubu, Slew and loaned Santa Cruz. If we haven't got a good striker now, should we trust them to actually get us one. So I think Kean is culpable.
- Kean chops and changes his strikers - why? Roberts last game, Yakubu this one?

Yep my comments Kean is a unlucky manager was right