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This was a fantastic result which not only strengthens our promotion hopes and cements our excellent home form, but it also sends out a message to sides hoping for us to tail off.
Enrique returned to the side after van Aanholt’s loan expired, Guthrie moved into central midfield for the absent Smith and Pancrate filled in on the flank. Even though the first 40 minutes passed without us going in front, we dominated the play and looked well on top. Guthrie had an early free kick saved and Nolan misread a cross and couldn’t control it with his chest which would have left him a simple finish. Barnsley offered little, one weak shot from distance and Colace tested Harper at his near post. Gutierrez almost provided a finish to a fine move but got crowded out just as he went to shoot. Lovenkrands had a goal ruled out for offside and Enrique had a shot from distance. Andy Carroll somehow headed wide when it looked harder to miss after a great cross from the left. We did go in at half time ahead though, Pancrate slid Lovenkrands in and it seemed to be a case of the ‘keepers dive putting Lovenkrands off rather than any actual contact, but the ref pointed to the spot and also brandished a harsh red card. The Dane slammed home the penalty.
Barnsley’s 10 men collapsed in the second half. Just 3 minutes in Carroll disposed the full back and his excellent left wing cross was headed in by Lovenkrands. 2 minutes later and Guthrie blasted in a 3rd from outside the box. Right on the hour Gutierrez produced a wondergoal. Cutting in from the left he waltzed past 3 men and cracked a right foot shot in off the bar from 25 yards. 9 minutes later Guthrie slung in a free kick which beat everybody and found the far corner of the net. Nolan added a 6th when he dribbled round the ‘keeper. Barnsley grabbed a consolation goal when mix up between Simpson and Coloccini left Bogdanovic to walk clear and slide past Harper.
There’ll be big concerns about Jose Enrique who had to exit after 30 minutes with another hamstring problem. A win next week at Middlesbrough will all but break the backs of the chasing pack.
Newcastle Team:
Harper,
Simpson,
Williamson,
Coloccini,
Enrique: (Kadar 30 mins)
Pancrate,
Nolan, (Capt) (Ryan Taylor 73 mins)
Guthrie,
Gutierrez:
Carroll, (Best 72 mins)
Lovenkrands:
Subs not used:
Krul
Butt,
Hall,
Ranger.
Barnsley Team:
Steele, (SENT OFF)
Hassell,
Foster,
Shotton,
Dickinson,
Teixeira,
Colace,
Doyle,
Hallfredsson (Bogdanovic 63),
De Silva (Preece 42),
Gray (Macken 63).
Subs not used:
Moore,
Hume,
Potter,
Hammill.
Referee: Grant Hedgely
Man of the Match: Guthrie
Attendance: 44,464
League Position: 1st
