I'm really proud of the effort the players put in and the fantastic atmosphere. That was by far the most entertaining 0-0 draw I've seen.
Firstly, Newcastle were utter wank. Unimaginative hoofball to Carroll and Routledge diving were their only threats, neither of which actually caused our defence many problems. I hate to say it but WBA and particularly Forest look much better than Newcastle.
Secondly, our luck was right out today. I saw the second Wellens booking on the telly in the concourse at halftime and I think Routledge took a dive. Little more than a hand on his back and the lad throws himself on the floor, disgusting. The King header/handball happened very quickly but the players put up a big appeal so it was obviously close. Matty was so unlucky to be denied by the arse of their defender after that lovely run and shot.
Lastly and most importantly, we were fired up and could have easily won the game if we had only taken our chances. Oakley, Fryatt, Gallagher and Berner were particularly superb in my opinion.
Quote of the day has to go to my dear old dad. After Gally's trick to spin past a Newcastle player on the half way line he shouted; 'Oh Gallagher, you pornstar!' Made me chuckle.
Weale - 7 - Caught all he could and made a great save in the first half off of their left back.
Morrison - 7 - Won his headers and got his tackles in. Didn't put a foot wrong.
Hobbs - 7 - Dealt well with Nolan's runs from deep and headed plenty.
Brown - 8 - Strangley his distribution wasn't dire and he actually played some nice balls into the channel for Waghorn. Defended valiently against the crap but awkward Carroll
Berner - 8 - Good God I've missed his big challenges and occasional runs at the opposition, the guy is class.
Oakley - 8 - Kept it simple, won the ball and had his best game in ages.
Wellens - ? - Stupid tackle got him booked in the first place but I felt he was unlucky with the second as Routledge went down far too easily.
King - 6 - Hardly noticed him but he obviously did something right to keep Nolan, Butt and Guthrie quiet.
Gallagher - 8 - Lovely football, maybe the guy is a bit of a luxury. I wished he played like he did today every week.
Waghorn - 7 - Pure effort and endevour.
Fryatt - 8 - Would have scored one of the goals of the season but for the late block. His effort to cover the pitch more than made up for the absense of Wellens.
Hopefully this brave performance means our poor run is at an end. If onlly they could inspire themselves to play like that every week. Why can't we take that kind of performance to Barnsley and Scunthorpe away?
to gain their point.
