Hughton named a strong side mixed with a few younger players. Starting XI: Harper, Tavernier, Coloccini, Williamson, Enrique, Inman, Smith (c), Nolan, LuaLua, Carroll, Lovenkrands.
Even with the experienced names in the starting line-up it was the home side that started better, creating the better and the majority of the early chances. Newcastle failed to test Carlisle goalkeeper Adam Colin at all in the first period.
The second half saw wholesale changes as the whole team was changed! 2nd half team: Krul, R.Taylor, S.Taylor, Perch, Ferguson, Routledge, Barton (c), Guthrie, Vuckic, Ranger, Best.
The changes paid dividends straight away as Best latched onto a through ball by Wayne Routledge, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball into the empty net. This was his first goal for the club and can hopefully boost the lads confidence which was unfortunately lacking towards the back end of last season. The second goal came 15 minutes later and it was again assisted by Wayne Routledge. He drove to the byline and pulled it back to Nile Ranger, who back-healed the ball home. The final goal came from Slovakian Haris Vuckic, his first goal for the first team. Leon Best found space down the right, played it into the youngster who swiveled and sent a left foot shot into the bottom corner of the net. It could have been even more in the second half, which showed a huge improvement from the first half.
The only downside was that Steven Taylor, just back from injury, walked off the pitch with 10 minutes remaining with a shoulder injury. Hopefully this is a very minor injury but we will see in the next few days. Tamas Kadar and Shola Ameobi were absent due to minor knocks while Danny Simpson is still out after an operation in the summer. Jonas Guttierez is also away having performed in the World Cup.
All in all a good outing for Newcastle with 2 people grabbing there first goals for United. Hopefully Leon Best can draw confidence from that goal and carry it into the Premiership season. The only disappointment is S.Taylor's injury, but lets hope that it isn't too bad. Onto Norwich next!
Comments welcome.
Glad to see Best and Vuckic score. Even though these pre season games dont mean much in terms of the result, i always think it's good to get into the habbit of winning.
ReplyDeleteYeah I agree mate. It is all about getting fit for the new season, but if we can continue winning its got to do more good than losing the games!
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