Newcastle 1 - Birmingham City

Just incase you missed it..here it is again.

In the first half United missed two clear-cut chances. Firstly, Bellamy went through on goal but his attempt to take the ball round Brum keeper Bennett failed, much to the anger of the Toon Army. Then later on Nobby Solano, who had lots of room, fired his first-time volley over the bar from about 10 yards out.

But near the half-time mark Hugo Viana opened the scoring with a curling free-kick, after Matthew Upson was sent off for Birmingham because of denying Bellamy a goalscoring opportunity. However, although I'll take it, it wasn't really a stone cold red card as I wouldn't call it a push on Bellers, they just seemed to collide. Hugo's execution of the kick was delightful though, 1-0 to the Toon.

In the second half we missed some good chances.

Bernard went on a good run dfrom left-back, beating three players but dragged his shot wide. Then Ameobi had a shot on the edge of the box but it was straight at Bennett, Kieron Dyer did the same soon after.

Then Bellamy broke away in the inside left channel and when he found room to cross he could only find a defender as United had players free in the middle.

Later a good chance arrived to Ameobi and although everyone thought it had gone in Shola headed against the underside of the bar and somehow the ball was cleared.

Then Shola missed a sitter when Bellamy set him up but the striker missed from about four yards with the goal gaping.

There were the times when Newcastle should have taken a crack at goal more often. Dyer's final ball also let him down sometimes though his workrate was excellent.

Although Brum had a few crosses fired accross Shay's goal either the class-again Woody or the brilliant Steve Caldwell were there to mop up.

So, what a season and what a reception the players got from the immense crowd at St. James' Park. Local Hero bellowed out while the players went round the pitch and the Toon faithful truly showed their appreciation and chants of "GEORDIES IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE" made the aftertoon very sweet indeed.

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