Mapies thrash Quakers in friendly

18 July 2009 14:56
Goals from Damien Duff, Kevin Nolan, Jonas Gutierrez, Steven Taylor, Andy Carroll and two from Shola Ameobi eased the Magpies to victory, although, worryingly, Nicky Butt departed early through injury. But just how many of the players on duty on Saturday afternoon - Sebastien Bassong was conspicuous by his absence - are still at St James' Park when the new Championship season kicks off in three weeks' time remains to be seen. The 3,445 visiting supporters among a crowd of 6,698 made their sharply contrasting feelings about manager-in-waiting Alan Shearer and want-away owner Mike Ashley abundantly clear in front of managing director Derek Llambias at the Northern Echo Darlington Arena. Newcastle, wearing their controversial new away kit for the first time, took the lead with three minutes gone when Duff latched on to an error by Darlington trialist and former Magpie Paul Arnison to slot past keeper Tom Woodhead. The League Two side were level within three minutes when veteran striker Dean Windass, who had earlier forced a good save from Tim Krul, converted a penalty following Tamas Kadar's trip on Mark Convery. Nolan restored the visitors' lead with 17 minutes gone when Joey Barton's excellent run into the box handed him the simplest of chances, and Ameobi's neat control allowed him to make it 3-1 from close range 11 minutes later. Ameobi added a fourth with a fine right-foot finish from a tight angle nine minutes before the break and Gutierrez, one of seven half-time substitutes, made it five within two minutes of the restart with his first goal for the club. Nick Liversedge replaced Woodhead with 59 minutes gone, but his first touch of the ball came as he picked Taylor's header out of his net and, although Windass pulled one back with 24 minutes remaining, Carroll thumped home Jose Enrique's cross to make it 7-2.

Source: Team_Talk