As voices of discontent gathered at the back of the Milburn stand before the game, they were equally as vociferous in their support for their team once they got inside the ground. The second largest attendance of the day (43,067) certainly made their feelings known.

The Newcastle fans had something to shout about other than the owner as Jonas Gutierrez ran from the halfway, and finished with a shot that went past ‘Keeper Joe Lewis. The shot took a deflection but it’s thought that Jonas will be given credit for the goal (please dubious goals panel?).

NUFC kept up the pressure as the fans bayed for blood and they got what they were looking for when Andy Carroll headed in a Danny Guthrie corner. Newcastle went in 2-0 up at the half and continued in similar fashion in the second-half thanks to a quality strike from Danny Simpson. Simpson, on loan from Manchester United, cut in from the right and hit a shot that ended up in the top corner.

Peterboro managed to claw one back on the 80th minute with Dean Keats finding the back of the net with a close range finish. It was too little too soon though as Newcastle United took all three points and maintained their top of the table position. The Toon are clear at the top of the Coca Cola Championship by two points, and six points clear of the teams in a play-off position.

No points however were given to the Toon stewards as they made Newcastle fans who unfurled anti-Ashley banners take them down. I don’t know about anyone else, but freedom of speech is a right – just not at St James’s Park, apparently.

Newcastle take on QPR tonight at St James’s Park and a win will take us five points clear at the top of the Championship.

NUFC Player News

The Toon welcome back Jonas Gutierrez from a hamstring injury and Danny Guthrie from suspension. Coloccini is ruled out with an injury, while Ryan Taylor and Danny Simpson are both last minute decisions. With some of the performances of last weekend, you’d hope that Chris Hughton would be able to field an un-changed side.

After the results went our way with both Middlesbrough and West Brom losing, it’s time we showed our mettle. Anything less than a win would be a wasted opportunity.

Prediction:

Newcastle 2 – 0 QPR