Sunday, November 11

Clucking Kevin Nolan!

Newcastle United 0 West Ham United 1

What a result at St James' Park... another goal from Nolan and not even injuries to McCartney, Benayoun and Jarvis can take the shine off the fact that we are sixth in the Premier League. When did that last happen? And Nolan even declined to do his chicken dance after scoring against his old team.

Didn't look like a great game on MOTD2 with Newcastle starting as hesitantly as George Entwistle facing a grilling from John Humpreys. Our goal comes through Joey O'Brien's shot which is heading towards Gateshead until Nolan shows fine reactions to redirect it into the net. The Geordie nation is spared his chicken dance as the Irons fans rejoice in the stratosphere of the Newcastle stands. The non-clucking Nolan then goes close with an effort just wide.

In the second half Newcastle exert more pressure and the crucial moment is when Demba Ba's header is clawed off the line by Jaaskelainen. The Geordies say the ball crossed the line but the film evidence is inconclusive. Jussi makes another low save from Ben Arfa but West Ham almost double their lead when Nolan plays through Andy Carroll. His shot is on target but slightly too high and Krul pulls off a fine reaction save. Subs O'Neil, Demel and Maiga all contribute and it's another great example of the togetherness this year.

Big Sam says it's not a special result to defeat his former employers before presumably flicking the Vs at Mike Ashley from the team coach. Blimey. We're in a Europa League spot. Another 22 points and we're safe! Irons!

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