Newcastle United Blog » Fabricio Coloccini

Fulham 1 – Newcastle 0: Match Report

Dave NU Blogger — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 22:41:14 +0000

**My View from the Putney End**

Standing at the Putney End with high anticipation that the team go beyond the Carroll saga and find some form to prove to fans that we still have what it takes. It proved a quite fanciful thought where the game ended up 1-0 at the end with bad guy Damien Duff providing the only goal in the second half.

I have to admit that the first half, Newcastle played well and we had the Cottagers in the back foot most of the time. It was really disappointing to see Shola Ameobi pick up a broken cheek bone injury so early on. off he went and on came Nile Ranger who was largely ineffectual for the rest of the match. Let me make it clear we did play well but I couldn’t see where the next goal would come from but I was in for a completely different game in the second half.

Off came the Blues Brothers knock-off act and on came the players after the 15 minute interval. I’m not sure what Pardew had said during half time but the team looked tired and undynamic. Passing slowly became unprecise and Steve Harper had to really keep his wits between the sticks. After a barrage of abuse the Toon fans were giving Duff, it was some rough justice to have him put one past Harper. By then it was game over as Newcastle tried to get the equaliser but with no quality to connect with the ball.

The whistle went and dejected fans trudged out for the long walk through Fulham Palace park. An audible ‘F*ck You Ashley!’ was shouted out by a lone Toon fan and that was all we could muster after a disappointing night. It feels now that we have a real fight for the club to keep it’s head above water with the next fixtures now looking really challenging. In fact, I’m not sure if we can pick up much points if any, from the next three games ahead. By then Pardew’s head may well and truly be on the block knowing how Newcastle operates these days.

Newcastle United Manage To Make A Point

Dave NU Blogger — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 20:56:17 +0000

Boo-ing public enemy #1, Charles N’Zogbia didn’t help one bit as he scored a brace in the 22nd and 23rd minute respectively. What a dissterous start after what seemed to be a promising one for us. It was tough out there but were we expecting to be two nil down by half time wasn’t exactly the plan. Things had to be changed and Hughton knew it. Carroll was still out of form in parts missing great chances that came along. What do we need to do to get this man to score again! I’m not accepting that his hat-trick is about as good as it gets this season!

However, things picked up when in the 72nd minute when super sub Ameobi kicked the game back in touch with a lovely shot with a neat assist from Gutierrez. The team probably sensed that things were becoming a little more their favour and a new urgency in the play ensued. It was from a late, late corner set piece that Coloccini managed to pick up and produce a fine header in the dying minutes of extra time. Very dramatic stuff.

If the team continue to dig a hole for themselves, we’re going to need some Chilean mine experts to come in soon! It was a point but we had to comeback in spectacular fashion in order to get it. Yes, it was welcomed but seriously we do need to make St James the fortress once was.

Newcastle United All Set For Latics Encounter

Dave NU Blogger — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:17:19 +0000

After the terrible display by England in the ever-distracting Internationals that seem to be cropping up, it’s now back to real business of the Premiership. This weekend, every game will be pretty much over-shadowed by what happens in the Mersey derby but Toon fans know that Wigan’s visit to St James Park has the potential to shape our season. It’s actually a bit of a must-win situation and the pressure will squarely be on Hughton to deliver tactics that actually work this time.

Hopefully,Andy Carroll, whose form has dipped since the 6-0 rout of Aston Villa with the pointless talk of making it to the England squad. If Hughton has any sense, he should be partnered up front with either Ameobi or Lovenkrands. Sol Campbell should make a start as well. Danny Guthrie and Simpson are both in line to return, as is Coloccini.

Wigan have a somewhat bad record at St James’ Park, but that generally means nothing. We have to win and win big this time. At least Lawro predicts a win for us at least but I’ll be happier if the prediction comes true.

Newcastle United Go 10 Points Clear

Dave NU Blogger — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:21:06 +0000

Oh, what a glorious day in St James’ Park! The much talked about Tyne-side Derby turned out to be another shocker for Middlesbrough. Strachan’s side has only managed one win in eight games whilst the Mags haven’t been defeated in eight. With the team now squarely focused on Premiership promotion it seems that we’ve finally managed to pull together and look like a solid team. Harewood, who was under fire earlier on in his loan spell, yet again made his case for a full contract or at least a loan extension. He’s knocking in goals left, right and centre! Also, looking all the better after an injury spell is Shola Ameobi who has now scored twice since his return last week. It is also worth noting that the defence, particularly Taylor, Harper and Coloccini at the back who have all been exceptional and another clean sheet just shows that Hughton is doing the biz sorting out our notorious leaky defence.

Us fans can at last find some Christmas cheer and we’ll be optimistic that the Premiership awaits. Let’s face it, it is ours to lose now! However I’m confident in the team and management to pull us through to the other side.

Merry Christmas.

Back to Back Wins Restore Pride In The Newcastle United Badge

Dave NU Blogger — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:09:51 +0000

Ahh, it’s been a long time when I last wrote something positive in this blog but the 1-0 win in Cardiff has essentially put the smiles back all round. Even the yellowly custard Away shirts show something of the brighter outlook we are having. Yes, there’s still issues with Ashley’s dithering but at least its not showing in the team camp. Chris Hughton rightly picked up the Championship manager award for August whilst Shola Ameobi picked up the player of the month. Things couldn’t be better in terms of team spirit and confidence.

However, we have lost the services of Alan Smith for the next match. He’s worked tirelessly in midfield for us and the guy has been so far a hero in every sense of the word. Even the haphazard, Fabricio Coloccini managed to bask in a moment of glory by scoring with a powerful header in the firsthalf of yesetrday’s match. Top stuff.

Well, it poses some questions about Chris Hughton’s future at the club. Not negative questions by any means as whatever he has devised this season for the team is exactly what they need right now. He’s managed to instill some belief in the team players, who were as down in the dumps as us fans. He’s picked them up and got them playing football that actually beats teams. Granted, we have a bunch of excellent players from the Premiership but from what I gather they CHOOSE to play for Newcastle United and not desert us like some. They believe in the cause and they have the backing of fans like us.

Onwards to Blackpool and Plymouth..