Newcastle United 1-0 Queen's Park Rangers - Match Report
Newcastle United secured a narrow 1-0 win over a hapless Queen’s Park Rangers, courtesy of a Leon Best goal.
Newcastle United secured a narrow 1-0 win over a hapless Queens Park Rangers, courtesy of a Leon Best goal. A far from entertaining game and though Mark Hughes first game brought him no points, with Tony Fernandes millions behind him its unlikely well be seeing such a toothless display from the Hoops in future games. Newcastle United welcomed Queens Park Rangers to the Sports Direct Arena or St. James Park to everyone apart from Mike Ashley; in the hope of proving they are not a one man team. However, its not just top scorer Demba Ba who has departed for Englands least favourite international tournament - the African Cup of Nations, but also the indefatigable presence of Cheick Tiote who was incidentally sent off in the Ivory Coasts last friendly with Tunisia. The Magpies are not the only ones with players departing to the tournament though; the Super Hoops were without Adel Taarabt and Armand Traore, though their major concerns were undoubtedly their weakened centre of midfield Joey Bartons impact was restricted to inspirational tweets as he was serving a three match suspension. Not only that, but Alejandro Faurlin is out until the end of the season. The Rs are also bottom of the form table with just two points from their last eight (!) This all diverts attention from the fact that the Rs have appointed Mark Hughes as manager perhaps judging Neil Warnock to be a tad mild mannered for the relegation dogfight. Sparky loves a draw, and indeed a point away at Newcastle wouldnt be a bad start to his managerial reign. Without Ba and Tiote it was a good time to play them. So with injuries and departures aplenty, Alan Pardews 4-4-2 line-up was led by Leon Best and Shola Ameobi with Danny Guthrie replacing the utterly irreplaceable Tiote. Hughes also went with a 4-4-2, and forgotten man Akos Buzsaky started alongside Shaun Derry. Clint Hill started in left back, but his lack of pace didnt look to be tested too much with Ryan Taylor starting on the right wing for the hosts. The visitors started brightly, and Jay Bothroyds delightful back heel found Heidar Helguson, whose shot struck the shoulder/arm/chest of Danny Simpson. Whatever it hit it wasnt a penalty but Rangers appealed wildly before Shaun Wright-Phillips unleashed a dreadful effort that went nowhere near the keeper. Tim Krul was tested moments later though by Jamie Mackie, whose effort from around 30 years was straight at the Dutchman. However, with perhaps one eye on potential Premiership suitors, Krul made a meal of it, palming it straight out into play, but luckily no-one was around. Its always a risk to play a supposedly wantaway goalie. Terrific effort from Wright-Phillips, well struck on the half volley from the edge of the area. Krul was beaten but it clipped the top of the bar and went behind. Newcastle were struggling to get into the game, often resorting to hoofed long balls towards Ameobi and Best. Bit of drama in the 20th minute. Shaun Derry went in late on Yohan Cabaye, who went down, sprang immediately to his feet, pushed Derry in the back before realising he was hurt after all and not only went down, but allegedly needed a stretcher as well. Hatem Ben Arfa replaced him not a bad replacement, he received a rapturous reception.