Newcastle earned a point on New Years Day against Machester United with stunning goals from James Milner and David Edgar cancelling out two Paul Scholes strikes. Milner had given United the lead but this was equalled by Scholes just before the break and then 20 seconds into the second half, Scholes struck again.

With 18 minutes left of play, making his home debut for Newcastle, 19 year old David Edgar hit a shot from 25 yards out and after taking a deflection, the ball beat Edwin Van Der Sar. After the game, Sir Alex Ferguson was full of praise for the Magpies as he told Sky Sports News:

“We missed a stack of chances but you have to admire the character and spirit of the Newcastle team,”

“They deserved a point without question. We had three cleared off the line so that was a bit unlucky.

“Then we went and missed two or three good chances. When you are creating chances you hope you are doing enough to win the match and we should have won the match.

“We didn’t play as well as we have been because Newcastle didn’t allow us to play. I’ve nothing but praise for them.”

Well done to Edgar for a truly special goal; may it be the first of many.

Rob Styles of Waterlooville in Hampshire takes charge of our televised clash with Manchester United at St James’ Park this evening.

Phil Dowd of Staffordshire was originally appointed to the game but after a major reshuffle Styles must make the long trip north on New Years Day for the second time in 3 years, for he was also the referee when we beat Birmingham City 2-1 on New Year’s Day 2005.

His last appearance on Tyneside was just last month, December 6 2006 as we defeated Reading 3-2. He awarded us a rather dubious penalty but equally dubiously disallowed what looked a perfectly good goal by Antoine Sibierski. If you’re looking for an omen, we’ve won every single game of ours he’s refereed here at St James’ Park, 6 out of 6, and each by the odd goal (2 1-0’s, two 2-1’s and a pair of 3-2’s).

Before we get too excited, his only Manchester United fixture of the season so far was their 4-0 win at Bolton in October, and he was in charge when we lost 2-0 at Old Trafford in March.