Final Score: Boro 2-2 NUFC
Newcastle were robbed of an opening day win at the Riverside earlier
this evening when Boro's new signing Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink used
his hand to knock in a Zenden cross in the final minute as United
once again failed to win on the road with the curse of the last minute
equaliser striking again.
Newcastle, playing with 4 full-backs in defence, including Toon new
boy Stephen Carr, got off to a nervous start but a 14th minute goal
from Craig Bellamy soon settled nerves after the Welshman raced onto
an Aaron Hughes through ball that should have been intercepted by
Chris Riggot, to round the Boro keeper.
After his goal we started to dominate proceedings with Nicky Butt,
also making his official Toon debut, bossing the midfield alongside
fit again Jermaine Jenas in the centre and with Laurent Robert and
James Milner - the 3rd Toon debutante, hugging the touchlines we were
getting plenty of joy in the attacking 3rd while looking strong in
defence.
Going into the break we were well worth our 1-0 lead with Middlesbrough
looking disjointed with none of their very own 3 debutantes making
an impact in the game at that stage.
Into the second half we started the better and looked to build on
our lead but as the game wore on we become a little tired and Boro,
being the home side, started getting back into the game. Largely thanks
to Stewart Downing who had come on just after the hour mark and it
wasn't long before he made an impact when he grabbed an equaliser
on 73 minutes from inside the box after United failed to clear Hasselbaink's
right-wing cross. A sloppy goal to concede.
10 minutes later however we were back in the lead when Alan Shearer,
playing his 500th League game, smashed home a penalty (the 50th of
his career) after Shola Ameobi, who replaced Robert into the second
half, was brought down by Bolo Zenden.
Minutes later Big Al was subbed for Patrick Kluivert - for his official
Toon debut too and within seconds of his arrival we could have, and
should of wrapped the game up when Jenas shot wide of a gaping goal
from 4 yards out after Bellamy's cross.
All we needed to do was hang on but a Dyer slip let Zenden in down
their left with his cross being bundled into the net at the far post
via the hand of his fellow Dutchman Hasselbaink for a last gap leveler.
So for the second Season running we come away with a 2-2 draw on the
opening day of the Season and although our continuing winless streak
on the road and our habit of letting in last minute equalisers is
a kick in the teeth we can be pretty pleased with the result. I'm
sure we would have all took a draw beforehand and given our preparation
for this match and the injuries we have, the lads can be proud and
so should we - they played well and we were robbed. New boys Carr,
Butt and Milner also played well - especially Butt who had a great
game. Kluivert only got a few minutes so we'll have to wait a little
longer to see him in the thick of it.
It's great to be back.
United:
Given, Carr, Hughes, Elliott, Bernard, Milner (Dyer 67), Butt, Jenas,
Robert (Ameobi 76), Shearer (Kluivert 87), Bellamy. Subs not used:
Harper, Ramage.
Boro:
Schwarzer, Reiziger, Ehiogu, Riggott, Parnaby (Downing 65), Mendieta,
Parlour, Boateng, Zenden, Job (Nemeth 45), Hasselbaink. Subs not used:
Nash, Doriva, Cooper.
Full match report and player ratings to follow...
An in depth look at the Season ahead with a run down of our squad,
it's strengths and weaknesses, our 3 key players and a look at our
rivals who could prove an obstacle in that chase for a 4th place finish. |
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