Sunderland (1) 1 Scott (19 pen)
Newcastle United(0) 2 Beardsley (52), Ferdinand (62)
Att: 22,037
Mackems: Coton, Kubicki, Melville, Ord, Scott, Gray, Bracewell,
Ball, Agnew (Rae 76), Stewart (Russell 82), Quinn
Subs not used: Perez, Hall, Bridges
Toon: Srnicek, Watson, Elliott, Howey, Peacock, Batty,
Lee, Beardsley, Ginola, Shearer, Ferdinand (Clark 76)
Subs not used: Hislop, Asprilla, Albert, Gillespie.
The entire NUFC world knew what crisis when half-time came and we were lucky to be just one goal down. KK put Beardsley in for Tino (as expected), left in Ginola (surprise) and brought in Peacock for Albert (shock).
The first period was a disaster and a personal one for Robbie Elliott. After getting booked he brought down Slapper Agnew and Scott converted from the spot after 19 minutes. Both decisions were harsh on Robbie with Agnew definitely looking for a penalty. Elliott's foot was left in the tackle, Agnew touched it past and fell over the outsretched limb. To be fair it was probably more of a penalty than Tino's against Sheff Wed, the challenge was poor and the ref really had to give it.
After the break Les started to pick it up from the half-way line and run at them. Shearer had a disallowed effort after Ferdinand fouled Coton but then Les went on one of his bursts into enemy territory. A fortunate bounce left him clear on the right edge of the box and then a delicate clip to Beardsley on the penalty spot was deftly turned past Coton just inside his left post. Deathly silence at Joker Park. Nothing new there but the silence was golden for the hoardes of Toon fans tuned into radios and watching beamed back pictures in the Odeon and Arena. All square after 52 minutes.
Ten minutes later a floaty Ginola corner (that are usually as threatening as a limp lettuce) was thunderously buried by Big Les's broad forehead. It seemed to go straight through Coton and the defender on the line such was the power of it. Ferdinand converting a Ginola cross - now that brings back memories. Wasn't that the sort of thing that put us top of the league this time last year?
The defence managed to stay firm(ish) and Pav juggled and jinked his way through the last 30 minutes to secure a stunning victory. KK said our season has finally started now. Ironic then that Tyne/Wear derbies at Joker Park have now ceased (balls and velvet bags could have an unlikely final say I suppose). Nice to leave there with a victory and leave the Mackems with only distant memories of their last victory against us there - 16 years ago.
Keegan must be scratching his head wondering just what this football management business is all about. A delicate Ferdinand chip, a Beardsley header and a Ginola corner won us the game. We'd all be reluctant to let him take any managerial credit for that but then we're quick enough to blame him for the first 270 minutes of the season.
Four games played, ahead of the Mackems and the Smoggies and on the shoulder of the Mancs and the Scousers. I'd settle for that going into Easter.
It could have been a night of diasaster but it wasn't. Instead was another great day in the life a Toon fan. It's just a huge shame none of us could be there to rub a few Mackem snouts in their own filth. I guess we can make up for it over the next few months by reminding them over and over again.