It was an action-packed Sunday (April 1st, 2012) afternoon in the Barclay's Premier League for the toons as they demolished the mighty Liverpool side at home. Newcastle fans made their roars heard as they flocked St. James' Park (now SportsDirect stadium) in huge numbers as always to support their beloved Newcastle Utd squad. And indeed they were treated to a feast of beautiful football and some heart-warming passion. The crowd could be heard booing former Newcastle players Andy Carrol and Jose Enrique everytime the ball touched their feet.
The first half had a dramatic beginning as Carrol was shown yellow for faking a dive in the Newcastle goal. The former Newcastle number 9 actually had a golden opportunity to score had he stuck with the tackle instead of opting for the dive. The incident angered the crowd and the boos went even louder. On the other hand Newcastle's gritty and passionate play made the game take a breath-taking pace. One couldn't take the eyes of it as the Magpies launched attacks and counter attacks sending shivers down the Liverpool fortress.
It was in the 19th minute that a diving header from the in-form Papiss Cisse saw the home side take lead in an emphatic fashion. The visitors did threaten the Newcastle goal once or twice but were turned down by rock-solid defence of Williamson and Simpson in absence of the veteran Argentinian Mr. dependable, Coloccini. Their endeavour was matched by diligent goal-keeping from Krul. Clearly, the first half belonged to the toon army and Alan Pardew wouldn't have asked for any more from his boys.
The second half started with even better pace and the battle grew more tense. Newcastle's euphoria saw no bounds as the Senegal international Cisse scored again at the 59th minute this time adding a flavour of a graceful tackle with the keeper. This was the striker's 7th goal in as many appearances for Newcastle. It looked like the big man will have his hatrick but was turned down by what looked to be an untimely substitution bringing in the veteran Shola Ameobi.
The visitors showed more skill as Liverpool stikers Suarez and Ballamy changed gears. But it was disciplined defending from Newcastle again that helped them maintain a clean sheet. However frustration continued for Carrol as he was dispossessed by Newcastle midfielders and defenders time and again with determined efforts. This lead to the lanky striker's substitution, who was seen shouting unpleasant words as he left the ground, furious.
The drama continued as Liverpool goalkeeper was sent off for an uncalled-for brawl with Perch in the closing stages of the game. Enrique had to put on the keeper’s gloves when Reina left the ground in anger adding to the embarrassment of visiting Liverpool fans. All said and done, it ended 2-0 in favour of the home team. A thoroughly deserved win, third in a row. A thoroughly deserved win, third in a row and I won’t be the lone person hoping for a place in the elusive Champion's League. Go toons go!
The first half had a dramatic beginning as Carrol was shown yellow for faking a dive in the Newcastle goal. The former Newcastle number 9 actually had a golden opportunity to score had he stuck with the tackle instead of opting for the dive. The incident angered the crowd and the boos went even louder. On the other hand Newcastle's gritty and passionate play made the game take a breath-taking pace. One couldn't take the eyes of it as the Magpies launched attacks and counter attacks sending shivers down the Liverpool fortress.
It was in the 19th minute that a diving header from the in-form Papiss Cisse saw the home side take lead in an emphatic fashion. The visitors did threaten the Newcastle goal once or twice but were turned down by rock-solid defence of Williamson and Simpson in absence of the veteran Argentinian Mr. dependable, Coloccini. Their endeavour was matched by diligent goal-keeping from Krul. Clearly, the first half belonged to the toon army and Alan Pardew wouldn't have asked for any more from his boys.
The second half started with even better pace and the battle grew more tense. Newcastle's euphoria saw no bounds as the Senegal international Cisse scored again at the 59th minute this time adding a flavour of a graceful tackle with the keeper. This was the striker's 7th goal in as many appearances for Newcastle. It looked like the big man will have his hatrick but was turned down by what looked to be an untimely substitution bringing in the veteran Shola Ameobi.
The visitors showed more skill as Liverpool stikers Suarez and Ballamy changed gears. But it was disciplined defending from Newcastle again that helped them maintain a clean sheet. However frustration continued for Carrol as he was dispossessed by Newcastle midfielders and defenders time and again with determined efforts. This lead to the lanky striker's substitution, who was seen shouting unpleasant words as he left the ground, furious.
The drama continued as Liverpool goalkeeper was sent off for an uncalled-for brawl with Perch in the closing stages of the game. Enrique had to put on the keeper’s gloves when Reina left the ground in anger adding to the embarrassment of visiting Liverpool fans. All said and done, it ended 2-0 in favour of the home team. A thoroughly deserved win, third in a row. A thoroughly deserved win, third in a row and I won’t be the lone person hoping for a place in the elusive Champion's League. Go toons go!
