Big Al and little Bellamy (Newcastle 3 Bolton 2) - 03/02/2002

What a game! Although this was far from Newcastle’s best performance of the season, there were some excellent moves and some excellent goals. Bolton played their part, but for me, they’re as good as down. They put men behind the ball and left Ricketts up front to scrap for anything he could. Gardner’s goal was well executed, but was more opportunist than well created…a similar story to Southall’s cracker!

Then you can look at Newcastle’s goals. OK the first goal came from a dodgy free kick, but it was nevertheless a great shot from Al. The second stemmed from a magnificent cross from Aaron Hughes, and the way Shearer made sure he got there was quite fantastic (just like Nat Lofthouse from days gone by), the defence was split apart and the power he showed to both get to the ball, then to slam it into the net was awesome. Solano’s vision in hooking the ball over the Bolton defence for Hughes to run onto was sublime, and then for Aaron to strike it first time with such precision was outstanding. Bellamy was in the right place and it was easy for him, a goal I’ll never tire of seeing!

Next week my old teams meet each other…and I can’t be there!! I’m off watching another game for Tyne Tees. I wish I were at St.James, as I think this one could be very interesting. Some of the Southampton results, excepting the defeat against Man U, have been way above my expectations. Strachan has got the Saints playing with great spirit and conviction – similar to Newcastle, so don’t expect it to be a fore gone conclusion. It’s going to very tight, and you can forget about Newcastle thinking this is an opportunity to improve their goal difference!!

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