Source: Daily_Mail
Newcastle 2 Birmingham 1: All positive for Pardew but nerves frayed for McLeish
SharePre-match concerns were raised at St James' Park when Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias criticised the club's fans but there was a much more positive feeling on Tyneside.[LNB]The same could not be said for Birmingham, who are still searching for the win that guarantees theirPremier League status.[LNB] Fine start: Shola Ameobi hit Newcastle ahead from the spot after 36 minutes[LNB] [LNB] They are three points from the relegation zone with two games to play Fulham at home next Sunday then Tottenham away and having Liam Ridgewell sent off after 36 minuteswas a disaster.[LNB]Boss Alex McLeish said: 'We had a double whammy Steven Taylor should have been sent off for leading with his elbow on Cameron Jerome's cheekbone early on in the game.[LNB] Arms race: Sebastian Larsson (right) Shola Ameobi lock horns[LNB]'Look at my nose, the stitches I have had over the years, that type of challenge is outlawed.'[LNB]But it is a different story on Tyneside. While securing the services of Joey Barton at the hub of everything positive is still a priority, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew wants Llambias and owner Mike Ashley to strike the deals which take the club to the next level.[LNB]Appeal: Newcastle players look to referee Chris Foy after Liam Ridgewell (right) handled on the line[LNB] [LNB] Barton's two corners led to both Shola Ameobi's and Taylor's goals before Lee Bowyer pulled one back moments before half-time.[LNB]'Joey was our best player and he has been outstanding this week, outstanding this season,' said Pardew.[LNB]Red card offence: Ridgewell (right) gets his marching orders[LNB] [LNB] [LNB]MATCH FACTSNEWCASTLE (4-4-2): Krul; Simpson, Taylor,Coloccini, Enrique; Barton, Nolan, Tiote, Gutierrez; Lovenkrands (Ranger 71min), Ameobi. Subs (not used): Harper, R Taylor,Ferguson, Donaldson, Tavernier, Kuqi. Booked: Tiote.BIRMINGHAM (4-5-1): Foster; Carr, Johnson, Jiranek, Ridgewell; Larsson, Ferguson, Fahey (Derbyshire 77), Bowyer, Beausejour; Jerome.Subs (not used): Doyle, Phillips, Bentley,Parnaby, Hleb, Davies. Booked: Bowyer, Jiranek, Larsson, Jerome. Sent off: Ridgewell (36min).Referee: C Foy (Merseyside).[LNB][LNB]'I have the owner investing in players, talking to agents. We need those three or four players who Newcastle arerenowned for getting at this club to take people off their seats. That is what is required to take this club on.'[LNB]Barton's performance and the result ensured Newcastle fans did not have to reflect for too long on Llambias's comments on the jeers Andy Carroll was subjected to at Anfield six days earlier following his record move from St James' Park to Liverpool in January.[LNB]Llambias wrote: 'The abuse he received was difficult to stomach after everything Andy brought to our club.'[LNB]Newcastle needed a helping hand from referee Chris Foy and Birmingham's left-back Ridgewell to find the breakthrough.Fabricio Coloccini's header was shoved off the line by Ridgewell with Kevin Nolan lurking and, after the defender was given his marching orders, Ameobi scored the spot-kick.'Nolan was in a good position to get on the end of t and the ref has seen Liam's arm go towards theball. Those are the rules,' said McLeish.[LNB] Blues boss McLeish backing Jerome despite 28-hour goal droughtGreat Scot or Great Dane? Newcastle's Lovenkrands talks to SportsmailAll the latest Newcastle Utd FC news, features and opinionAll the latest Birmingham City FC news, features and opinion [LNB] Explore more:People: Steven Taylor, Lee Bowyer, Liam Ridgewell, Kevin Nolan, Alex McLeish, Joey Barton, Mike Ashley, Andy Carroll, Derek Llambias Places: Birmingham, Newcastle, Liverpool
