Ahead of yesterday’s game the Geordie nation were optimistic and most expected Newcastle to dispatch of Bristol City with ease by virtue of their league position – 21st.
Fans soon came crashing back down to earth as reality struck and they remembered they supported Newcastle United.
The Magpies started poorly, looking devoid of confidence and very shaky. Bristol City, however, were not phased by the occasion and took full advantage of Newcastle’s slow start, netting twice in the first-half.
The first goal of the game came in controversial as scorer Aaron Wilbraham, deemed to have been onside by the referee and linesman, stood miles beyond the last defender. David Cotterill then capitalised on a defensive mix-up between Paul Dummett and Karl Darlow to net Bristol’s second on the 21st minute.
Newcastle, now two goals down, had a mountain to climb and the atmosphere began to sour.
In the second half, Newcastle were much improved and looked much more organised and structured when going forward.
The Magpies netted their first shortly before the hour mark. A goal originally given to Jonjo Shelvey, before later being ruled as a Korey Smith own goal – not the best looking goal you would have ever seen.
The electric and positive atmosphere was back as Newcastle pressed for an equaliser.
Then, in the 82nd minute, as time was starting to run out for United to find the equaliser up stepped Ciaran Clark to get United a vital goal to earn a point from a game in which Bristol completely dominated the first-half of.
Rafa Benitez would have struggled to take any positives from his side’s first-half performance, but their second-half comeback was encouraging.
Next on the road, Rafa’s men will be visiting The Amex for a crucial title challenge game against Brighton. In which Newcastle will need to win as part of a bid to finish the Championship top ahead of their biggest threat at the moment which is Brighton.
