New-look defence Fitz the bill for Chris
CHRIS Hughton is already sold on new central defensive partnership Fitz Hall and Mike Williamson.
With Fabricio Coloccini struggling with a hamstring problem, Hall and Williamson are set for another run-out in tonight's game against Derby County.
Hughton's defence was only denied what would have been a third successive clean sheet by an 89th-minute goal from Cardiff City substitute Aaron Wildig on Friday night.
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Otherwise, Hughton's back four were solid, and he's confident the Championship leaders can shackle what he regards is an improving Derby team at Pride Park.
"They were up against two top strikers in this division in (Michael) Chopra and (Jay) Bothroyd," Hughton told the Gazette.
"Bothroyd, of course, went off fairly early, which disrupted the way they wanted to play.
"But it's about combinations, and when you have a back four which has been so entrenched this season, and them missing out, it's about trying to get good combinations in a short period of time.
"Mike's had a few games now, and I was pleased for Fitz and Patrick (van Aanholt) coming in."
Derby – who did Newcastle a favour by beating promotion rivals Nottingham Forest late last month – were denied another win by a 90th-minute Sheffield United goal at the weekend.
And having been held to a goalless draw at St James's Park by Nigel Clough's well-organised side on December 28, Hughton is understandably wary of their hosts.
Hughton went on: "Confidence is high on the back of a very good win, but that was then, and this is a completely different challenge.
"It'll be another full house, with a very vocal crowd. They're a team which is in good form, and we'll certainly have to play well.
"You've got to give them credit. Although we had the better chances, they were worthy of the result they got, and since then, they've had some good performances.
"Of late, the last two have perhaps seen them go in the direction they wanted to go in."
For the first match report from Pride Park tonight, log on to www.shieldsgazette.com after the game
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 11 February 2012
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