Got back from the game and watched the highlights on iPlayer. Holland's goal an absolute beaut. For the game itself, though we actually looked quite nervous for a lot of it, could tell they were a bit worried whether it being the cameras or just being against a top flight side.
Kept fighting and on another day some of the decisions would have gone our way (how that wasn't a foul in the build-up to the second I'll never know). But came out of it with loads of credit. Impressed by Agyei's directness and Kelly's desire. Really wanted the ball from the second he came on the pitch and used it well. Centre-halves were both ace and credit to Sykes, just got better as the game went on.
Thought we possibly showed them too much respect over the two games. Mackie works hard but never looked too much of a threat tonight, even if he did go close with his flick and volley. The fact Joelinton cost probably more than our entire squad and stadium put together speaks volumes about the so-called gap between the clubs. For what they're supposed to be, they're bobbins.
Cracking game to be at and fingers crossed gives us a boost for a busy February. Play like we did in the last ten and first half of ET and we'll be laughing come March.
Agree with a lot of this. I also thought we started very nervy and didn't get into the game until 2 nil. I actually thought Mackie had a better game than he's had recently and was very influential in lifting heads after we went 2 down. He was giving Sykes, Browne and Holland loads of verbal support and collectively they started pressing the Newcastle defence much more effectively.
Dickie was a class above every other player on the pitch and made everything look so effortless. Moore, Long and Ruffels all very good and Eastwood right back on form. Brannagan, Gorrin and Sykes started quietly but really started controlling midfield after 30 mins. Sykes was everywhere and pushed Dickie for MoM.
Further forward, Holland looked a real threat, and Browne had his moments but looked frustrated and almost a little sulky at times. He had moments like that last year and maybe needs to work on this attitude as it will hold him back.
I expected a bit more from Matty Taylor when he came on, and thought he went down easily a couple of times. Maybe not quite 100% fit yet but gave a better outlet than Mackie. Dan Ageyi also had speed, strength and a directness that Newcastle hated. However, he also missed a very good chance to kill the game in extra time and also went a little quieter towards the end. George Thorne looked to be a very good replacement for Gorrin, doing the simple things well and controlling the middle.
Finally, special mention to Liam Kelly. He looks a real player. He demanded the ball all over the park and looked to drive everything forward. A few overhit passes to begin with, but once he got to the pace of the game he barely put a foot wrong. He never shirked a challenge and was a real pain to Newcastle. Throw in his goal and I think our business in January looks even better.
The cups have been fun, and have brought in new revenue and new fans, but now we have the nuts and bolts of the league to focus on. Play like that and we should be in the playoffs at least come Msy.
