Hartlepool United – here we go

By: j | July 19th, 2008

Opening lineups and a few surprises to say the least. Things to chat about after:

Newcastle United: Shay Given, David Edgar, Jose Enrique, Steven Taylor, Claudio Cacapa, Damien Duff, James Milner, Nicky Butt (c), Charles N’Zogbia, Oba Martins, Alan Smith

Subs: Fraser Forster, Danny Guthrie, Shola Ameobi, Frank Wiafe Danquah, BenTozer, Callum Morris, Mark Doninger, Jonny Godsmark, Darren Lough

Hartlepool United: Arran Lee-Barrett, Jamie McCunnie, Ritchie Humphreys, Antony Sweeney, Ben Clark, Sam Collins (c), Gary Liddle, Ritchie Jones, James Brown, Joel Porter, Matty Robson

Subs: Andy Monkhouse, Jonny Rowell, Michael Mackay, Richard Barker, Alan Power, Michael Nelson, Willie Boland, Jan Budtz, David Foley

Incredibly it’s raining in Hartlepool

4 minute: After Hartlepool starts off fast, a defensive lapse has Newcastle win the first corner. Charles N’Zogbia takes it but Hartlepool defensively swarm and clear it.

10 minute: First attempt on goal this pre-season comes from Obafemi Martins. Wanders wide of the target

16 minute: After a few modest forays in the offensive front, League One, Hartlepool takes the lead 1-0 with Matty Robson giving the home fans something to cheer about. The winger takes a slick pass from ‘Roo Joel Porter and Matty finishes to the near post.

20 minute: ok, enough of this. Hartlepool has another corner. Cleared-out. Am I really chatting about the Hartlepool onslaught?

32 minute: yes, the Hartlepool assault continues. Gary Liddle, a ‘boro product, snaps a shot 20 or so meters out but Nicky Butt flicks off for a corner. We survive the corner from Ritchie Humphreys who has been with the club since the dawn of time, which flitters just dangerously close. Goal kick, breath easy for a moment.

40 minute: oh look at that, we scored!!! (I don’t do the “GOOOOAAAL” thing) – NEWCASTLE GOAL (1-1): Republic of Ireland’s Damien Duff hits a left-footed shot to far corner from just inside the area, off a solid break lead by James Milner. Oh this will spark even more rumours of James.

Half –
Danny Guthrie and Danny Guthrie on for Obafemi Martins and José Enrique

as a correction Ritchie Humphreys has not been with Hartlepool United since the dawn of time because he was first at Sheffield Wednesday. I only make light of that because he comes from a great Footballing family and a tremendous asset to the game in general. Alas, another story for another time.

50 minute: Danny Guthrie and James Milner are showing a very active pace out there.

my, I can’t tap, tap, tap this in quickly enough

52 minute:oh look at that, we scored!!! (I do need something better than that don’t I?) young, Danny Guthrie threads the ball to Damien Duff, to slams home his second of the day.

53 minute: oh look at that, we scored!!! (again) Danny Guthrie – Toon Army, Toon Army – sparkplug for offense. Danny Guthrie scores from just outside the area. Newcastle 3 Hartlepool United 1

whoops my miserable feed dropped out there for a minute – it’s back

64 minute Shay Given is given a rest as Fraser Forster comes in to see some work

80 minute: as you’d expect lots of substitutions and scoring attempts are becoming a bit scarce

87 minute: not so fast about that. Damien Duff has a lot to say and slots home his third goal of the day as the Magpies take a 4-1 lead over Hartlepool United

Full-time – great story to the pre-season that everyone will be pleased with.