Goals from Lovenkrands and Fabrice Pancrate were enough to send Newcastle United four points clear of second placed West Brom. Even though Kevin Nolan received his marching orders for a second bookable offence, the Toon now extend their unbeaten to eleven games (in all competitions).

When Newcastle were relegated, many pundits and fans of opposing clubs warned us that the Coca Cola Championship would be a difficult league to get out of. Well, I’m sorry to say that this league is becoming a bit of a cakewalk. It’s definitely not the huge physical scrap we’d thought it be, and we can undo many of the teams we play because of the quality we have. Make no mistake, we deserved to be relegated but quite clearly the players that we have are a step above other Championship players.

On-loan signing Marlon Harewood retained his spot in the starting lineup and managed to play his part in the Toon’s opening goal. Harewood chased down a backpass played by Craig Cathcart to his goalkeeper and played the ball across to Peter Lovenkrands who just had to slot it into an empty net.

Kevin Nolan’s harsh sending off reduced Newcastle to 10 men and Watford managed to put some pressure on the Toon’s backline. However, Watford didn’t make their pressure count as they lacked the extra quality to open Newcastle up. On came Nicky Butt to aid in defence and Fabrice Pancrate made an appearance in the 83rd minute. The Frenchman’s impact was almost instantaneous after holding the ball up in the box, managed to turn two Watford defenders and fire in an unstoppable shot past Scott Loach. Fabrice Pancrate’s goal was Newcastle’s second and finally made sure that Newcastle  held onto the victory.

Even though it’s great to be sitting here talking about the goals we’ve scored, we have to give credit where credit’s due. That’s another clean sheet for us with a total of 11 all season, and the Newcastle United defence can all be proud of the work they’ve put in over the past few months (I never thought I’d be saying that!). The record speaks for itself, the Toon have the best defensive record in the league.

Another three points, another home victory and we’re certainly in good form right now. It’s going to be difficult to see us not winning the Championship. We’re 10 points clear of third place and looking good to go straight back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Swansea came into yesterday’s game on the end of an eleven game unbeaten run thanks to one of the league’s most stingiest defences. NUFC meanwhile, were looking to cement their place at the top of the Coca Cola Championship.

A crowd of 42,616, were in attendance as the St. James’s faithful showed some of the Premier League big boys just how much they love their club.

The Toon managed to get off to a great start and the game was all but over as a contest thanks to headed goals from Marlon Harewood with Peter Lovenkrands also getting on the scoresheet. Some lapse defending allowed Harewood to get in and score, and then a cross by Jonas (finally) saw Lovenkrands score from close range. Not satisfied with two, Newcastle went for a third and Harewood again was there with the finish.

Cedric van der Gun and Andrea Orlandi did have attempts at goal for Swansea though as ‘Keeper Steve Harper was called into action to produce some important saves. Harper was replaced at half-time by Tim Krul after still complaining about a back injury.

Swansea came into it and enjoyed the majority of the possession. Danny Simpson made sure that Newcastle came away with a clean sheet after heading off the line. Swansea seemed incapable of producing the quality in the final third and just couldn’t manage to get past the Newcastle defence.

Another three points and we further extend the space between us and third place to eight points. Watford at home are up next and we’ll look to keep the run going. The league is definitely starting to take shape as ourselves and West Brom look clear favourites to get promoted at the first time of asking.

After what seems like an age since we last played football, Newcastle United were back in competitive action tonight as they faced Preston North end in the Coca Cola Championship. With a win, Newcastle could return to the top of the league – a draw would mean that they would end up a point behind West Brom.

Newcastle were due to start with Ryan Taylor but lost the player during the warm-up because he was still getting over a virus. Big Toon striker Andy Caroll was also under the weather but was deemed fit enough. Marlon Harewood replaced Taylor in the NUFC lineup.

When Newcastle have played away, they’ve often been under the kosh for the majority of the game. Such is life in the Championship – they players may not beat you with their skill, but they’ll battle and fight for every ball. The Toon almost got off to a perfect start though as Steven Taylor put a diving header just wide.

Neill Mellor, the former Liverpool striker was Preston’s main threat throughout the night and had several chances, one of those coming in the first-half as the striker brought a comfortable save out of Steve Harper. There were several chances for both teams (no surprise, Jonas missed one) and NUFC’s Alan Smith received a yellow card. The game went in at half time nil-nil.

A collision between Preston defender Youl Mawene and his goalkeeper saw the defender replaced at half-time by Liam Chilvers who struck a shot just wide. Christ Hughton replaced Any Carroll around the hour mark with young striker Nile Ranger. The Newcastle youngster almost made an immediate difference and forced Preston’s keeper into a smart save. Newcastle’s goal came from Kevin Nolan, who turned and fired home from about 10 yards. That makes it 8 goals for Nolan who was clearly delighted with the strike. The 3,500 travelling Newcastle fans weren’t half pleased either!

There were disappointing performances from Jonas, Carroll and Harewood, but a win is a win and another three points in the bag. We now sit atop the table clear of second-placed West Brom by two points.

Dull. Uninspiring. Inept.

All words than can sum up tonight’s performance. It’s really gone beyond who scored for / against us anymore. It’s now down to attitude and application. Sadly for Newcastle United fans, both our coaching staff and players are completely incapable of showing either.

Marlon Harewood, who was void of any kind of class at all against Nottingham Forest was rightly dropped. Therein lies the problem. Once we drop one player, the person who comes in to replace him is equally as unmotivated and lacking in talent – and we lay that blame at the door of Chris Hughton, Colin Calderwood and most of all, Mike Ashley.

The failure to invest in both coaching and playing staff is now bearing fruit. A club down the road have sacked their manager and they’re fourth in the Championship. What’s going to happen if we fail to win this weekend? The St James’s Park hot seat could reach boiling point – it’s going to be interesting to see who cracks first.

To those players who wanted Chris Hughton to be given a crack at the manager’s job, I hope you’re happy – because it certainly doesn’t show.

Nottingham Forest put a dent in our title ambitions as what appeared to be a very unmotivated Newcastle side struggled early on.

Forest had the best of the first half and were unfortunate to only go in to the half-time break with a one goal lead. Newcastle were guilty of:

• Giving away possession (Are you listening Marlon Harewood?)
• Not making the best of our chances
• Woeful passing

I listened to the game on Radio Newcastle where John Carver was doing the commentary. I wish he was in the dugout instead – what a waste of a footballing brain. How he’s not employed I have no idea. His comments were spot on.

Unlike the Scousers who played at the Mackems, we don’t have the misfortune of blaming a big red balloon. Instead, the Newcastle United players have to take a long hard look at themselves and realise teams aren’t just going to roll over for us. They’re going to fight and scrap for every ball. I sometimes wonder if our midfield want to do the same.

Forest are a decent side, but there’s no doubt that we should at least have managed a point here. Coming away with nothing just adds salt in the wound – especially with West Brom winning. We have to get back to winning ways midweek against Scunthorpe – otherwise there’ll be fingers pointed at Chris Hughton (perhaps rightfully so).

One thing this game did suggest, is that we’re still woefully lacking in investment – from the coaching side all the way down to the players. When our first choice central defenders aren’t available and we struggle this badly, it doesn’t bode well.

Newcastle United go into the international break three points clear at the top of the Coca Cola Championship. That lead however could, and should, have been extended to six points today.

Bristol City goalkeeper Dean Gerken had an absolute blinder and had one of his upright’s to thank after Marlon Harewood shot against the post in the opening stages.

The keeper was only playing after Bristol’s first choice keeper – Adrano Basso was injured during the warm up. Danny Guthrie, Kevin Nolan, and Steven Taylor all had efforts either saved by Gerken or hit the woodwork.

We’re bound to have days when we throw everything at teams who play at St James’s Park, but the ref’s refusal to give a stonewall penalty after Marlon Harewood was felled in the box is just something that can’t be accounted for.

Fortunately, West Brom also drew meaning that Newcastle’s lead at the top stayed at three points.

Thanks to a late goal from new loan signing Marlon Harewood, Newcastle United managed to avoid defeat, and with it, go three points clear at the top of the Championship.

It wasn’t all plain sailing though and QPR proved they were no pushovers. They went in front on the 7th minute after a mistake from Jose Enrique allowed Ben Watson to slide the ball past Steve Harper. After 19 minutes Newcastle were gifted a chance to equalise from the penalty spot. Steven Taylor took a shot which hit the arm of Damion Stewart and the ref had no choice but to give Newcastle a penalty. Up stepped Danny Guthrie to put the ball home only for his weak shot to be easily palmed away by ‘Keeper Radek Cerny.

This gave the Toon the impetus to push forward and once more Guthrie was involved as he chose to shoot wide rather than play in striker Andy Carroll. The big striker then almost had one for himself as his shot was cleared off the line. However, Newcastle’s efforts went unrewarded as they went in one goal down at half-time.

The second half brought to life the Toon’s glaring lack of pace. Gutierrez came on to replace Butt to give us some width but failed to make much of an impact. It was either a stroke of genius or touch of desperation when Harewood was brought on to replace Nile Ranger in the 61st minute. The new signing made a great impact after getting on the end of a cross to put the ball home.

After the emphatic 4-0 victory over Ipswich, this was always going to be a tougher test as the R’s came prepared to have a go at Newcastle. Fortunately, even though the lads didn’t play particularly well, we managed to to maintain our unbeaten home run, extend our lead to three points, and we currently have the best goal difference in the league. Crisis? What crisis?

This has only been confirmed by Marlon Harewood’s agent (via Sky Sports), but it appears that the big striker is set for a loan move to the Toon. We could do with him too as Shola Amoebi is knackered for the forseeable future.

Harewood would be a decent backup. Coming back from injury, we would provide the first team football he’s craving and give him the opportunity to show that he can still do the business.

The most important thing is that it looks like the lad wants to join us. As many noted during last years relegation scrap, getting players here who wanted to play for the team and not the high salary, was half the battle.