The actual match was largely a sideshow. It was all about congratulating our excellent achievement and witnessing Newcastle United players waving a trophy around in front of a packed SJP.

An even scoreline meant no-one had to go home disappointed and it probably rewarded the travelling Ipswich fans who joined in in the Sir Bobby Robson love in. Having taken the lead through a stunning Andy Carroll header at the Gallowgate End we were pegged back before half time when Whickham was allowed to slide a low shot under Harper from the right hand side of the 18 yard box. Nicky Butt won a penalty which Shola Ameobi and Joey Barton jostled for, before the striker planted a spot kick into the bottom left corner. With time running out Walters scored a goal which looked clearly offside, but a point did no-one any harm.

Congratulations to everyone involved in winning this division, Chris Hughton, all of his backroom staff and of course, the players who remained at NUFC and upheld their commitment to get us back up to the premier league at the first attempt. When we were relegated we couldn’t go 5 minutes without some expert telling us how hard the league was, yet as we began to dominate it, all of a sudden the league was derided and put down continuously. Funny that.

Att; 23,163; including 4,000 (though a few non attendees) away fans

‘They’ say Champions are often made of a team who play poorly and win, well; take a bow this season’s team. Out played for most of the first half we went in 2-0 up somehow.

In the first 20 minutes I said to my youngest daughter’ we’ll probably go and score with our first attack’. No, I don’t have this week’s lottery numbers either...out of nowhere a clearance by Harper was helped on by Ameobi (more , or less, of him later) and Nerlan turned it in. Things got even better 2 minutes before half time when a counter attack led by Routledge resulted in a low cross from which again Nerlan tapped in.

A splendid win in the sunshine and we now require only 4 points to secure the title. We also extend our unbeaten run at home and if we get through the home game to Ipswich, we shall have gone through the whole season unbeaten at SJP.

Tamas Kadar came in for Jose Enrique and the first ten minutes were rather ineffective, however the game burst into life when Jonas Gutierrez broke into the left hand side of the box and then saw his attempted pass turned home by Evatt. The mask was then unleashed and webs were sent into the East Stand.

First off, some congratulations are in order. A huge “Well done” to everyone who has helped steer us to promotion. Last season was horrendous, it was a collective failing, however, certain individuals, of whom more was expected, showed zero commitment, desire or application in order to dispel ‘off field’ disarray and ensure our survival. They have long since left the scene. The current management team and players have shown tremendous determination to get Newcastle United back in the top flight and they have succeeded. All summer we were told NUFC have never bounced back at the 1st attempt. I believe Leyton Orient, away, was our turning point.

This win has us in a position where only hefty defeats from now on in can deny us automatic promotion. Nottingham Forest’s draw at Bristol City now means that we could only be overturned on goal difference, which is heavily in our favour. However this was no stroll in park.

Hughton made radical changes to the side which turned over Nottingham Forest on Monday evening. Removed from the starting line up were Routledge, Guthrie, Gutierrez, Carroll and Lovenkrands, in came Pancrate, Smith, Barton, Ameobi and Best. The new look side looked disjointed and over 4,000 Mags scratched their heads at what was going on.

It’s my guess that every Mag, whether at the match or watching it on SKY went home with a huge grin after this vital victory.

Jose Enrique, Mike Williamson and Peter Lovenkrands returned to the side. The game kicked off in awful conditions and after 5 minutes the only effort at either goal was Anderson’s ambitious header which dropped on the roof of Harper’s net. It took until the 20th minute for us to register our first sight of goal. A superb cross picked out Carroll at the back post and his volley was saved by Camp. Our next effort at goal was a mad scramble in the box when Andy Carroll went on a ‘dummy’ frenzy and eventually saw his shot blocked. Forest had an opportunity to score but Blackstock kicked fresh air on the penalty spot. Some resolute defending by both sides saw goal mouth action at a premium but Enrique fired in a low cross/shot which Lovenkrands nearly applied a decisive touch to. 0-0 at half time, with all to play for.

Attendance 14,850

Newcastle lined up, somewhat surprisingly, with the following line up. Surprising for 2 main reasons, Carroll, to all intents and purposes was out (for the season, according to some rumours) and the non inclusion of Williamson when it was again rumoured, that he would play.

Harper, Ryan Taylor, Simpson, Butt, Coloccini, Kadar, Routledge, Guthrie, Carroll, Nolan, Gutierrez.

Subs; Krul, Enrique, Pancrate(88 mins for Routledge), Barton (74 mins for Guthrie), Best, Ranger, Tozer.

On a rain soaked Tuesday night some of us wondered if this was to be another Blackpool or Scunthorpe where, 'we don't fancy it' but as it panned out we weren't troubled nearly as much as we were on those two occasions. Doncaster rightly renowned as a decent footballing team and on a pitch that was wet, but like a billiard table at kick off (shared with a Rugby league team too, Wigan's pitch anyone?) should have suited the passing team.

Another point towards promotion. This time we had to come from 2 goals down after a poor showing for an hour. Leon Best came in for the injured Peter Lovenkrands and we should have had a penalty after 20 seconds when Routledge’s cross was blocked by an arm. City hit back with a Danny Haynes’ looping header which hit the top of Harper’s bar. The same man cut inside to have a shot deflected wide but the home side took the lead when Harper fumbled a Maynard free kick and Nayatanga reacted quicker than any of our players to finish.

This was as one sided as a game as you’ll ever see. We absolutely battered The Irons. How this didn’t reach double figures is anyone’s guess.

Jose Enrique and Wayne Routledge both returned to the line up and we tore at the visitors from the off. Lovenkrands sent a fierce drive at goal which Murphy kept out, but on 10 minutes Andy Carroll rose majestically to head home a Guthrie right wing corner from 12 yards out. Just moments later Nolan headed home a Guthrie free kick only to be ruled out for a new interpretation of the offside law which only the 2 match officials involved can explain.