Smith out as Pancrate makes rare start for Magpies

06 March 2010 14:33
ALAN Smith will be absent as Newcastle attempt to strengthen their position at the top of the Championship against Barnsley this afternoon.[LNB] The Magpies skipper injured his ankle in training this week, and has failed to recover in time.[LNB] In his absence, Danny Guthrie will partner Kevin Nolan in central midfield, with Fabrice Pancrate preferred to Ryan Taylor on the right flank.[LNB] Newcastle boss Chris Hughton has made two more changes to the side that won at Watford last weekend.[LNB] Peter Lovenkrands replaces Leon Best in attack, with Jose Enrique returning at left-back in place of Patrick van Aanholt, who has returned to Chelsea following the end of his loan spell.[LNB] NEWCASTLE (4-4-2): Harper; Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Enrique; Pancrate, Guthrie, Nolan, Gutierrez; Lovenkrands, Carroll.[LNB] Subs: Krul (gk), Hall, R Taylor, Best, Butt, Kadar, Ranger.[LNB] BARNSLEY (4-4-1-1): Steele; Hassell, Foster, Shotton, Dickinson; Teixeira, Colace, Doyle, Hallfredsson; De Silva; Gray.[LNB] Subs: Preece (gk), Hammil, Hume, Potter, Macken, Bogdanovic, Moore.[LNB]

Source: Northern_Echo