This Tyne-Tees derby meant something
ANOTHER three points, and another game ticked off. Only this one, while a pale imitation of a Tyne-Wear derby, meant that little bit more to Newcastle United's fans.
Those same supporters had been fearful of what the Championship held in store for their beloved club, mindful of the experiences of fallen giants Leeds United.
Yet a game away from the campaign's halfway point, Chris Hughton's side are seemingly unstoppable.
And Middlesbrough, among the early favourites for promotion, are one club that aren't going to catch them, such is the gulf between the two teams, with Newcastle having opened up a remarkable 20-point lead over another of last season's relegated teams.
The league title, and not just promotion, is United's to lose.
Gordon Strachan's side, of course, will point to Shola Ameobi's challenge on Emanuel Pogatetz for the first goal, and the inadvertent Steven Taylor handful at the other end later in the half.
They can, and will, claim they were hard done by in front of a Championship-record crowd of 49,644.
Ultimately, you get what you deserve in the Championship, and while United will themselves admit they've not always been at their best, they're better than anyone else out there, something which has become abundantly clear over the past weeks and months.
Hughton's side can put the ball in the net, and they can keep it out of their own goal. It's that simple.
Yesterday, Marlon Harewood poked the ball home in the first half after Ameobi headed a Danny Guthrie free-kick into his path.
And Ameobi made sure of the points when he nodded a superb Guthrie cross past Brad Jones in the 59th minute for his seventh goal of the campaign.
There was no way back from the second goal, and Ameobi and his team-mates lingered long on the pitch after the final whistle to thank a crowd which was only bettered over the weekend by that which saw Arsenal's win over Hull City at the Emirates Stadium.
Those who believed Newcastle's home support would disintegrate have been disappointed, and those fans who stuck by their team have been rewarded for their loyalty.
Supporters who last season didn't know where United's next win was coming from are now turning up at St James's Park more in expectation than fear.
Hughton, however, is keen to dampen expectations, but it would surely take a catastrophe unlike any other seen on Tyneside, and there's been a few over the years, to deny his team an instant return to the Premier League.
However, if owner Mike Ashley believes he doesn't need to dip his hand in his pocket next month, then he's mistaken.
Competition for places has driven Newcastle this season, and Hughton is also acutely aware injuries to players in key positions could quickly undermine the progress that has been made since the start of the season.
The planning for next season must start now, Mike.
For the next few days, however, United's fans can at least sit back and enjoy a black and white Christmas.
Email to a friend
Print this page- Newcastle target Barnetta to quit Bayer Leverkusen
- Demba Ba insists Newcastle United contract talks ongoing
- Transfer Rumours update May 22: Sunderland, Newcastle United, Liverpool, West Ham United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and QPR.
- Transfer Rumours May 25: Sunderland, Newcastle, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal
- Millionaire was close to buying Newcastle United
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for South Shields
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 7 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
