Newcastle progress against plucky Leeds.

Yoan Gouffran (L) celebrates his goal with manager Alan Pardew

White and Diouf replaced Tonge and Poleon as Brian McD sort to pull a goal back but within 5 minutes of their introduction Newcastle got the all important 2nd goal and what a goal. Gouffran seemed to be going nowhere when he received the ball on the edge of the box but he jinked and rifled in an unstoppable shot past the flailing Kenny. 2.0 Newcastle.

It was along way back for Leeds and gradually the Toon squeezed the life out of the game. They nearly got a third when Austin gifted the ball to Obertan before Pearce made a last gasp clearance. By then my eyes were watering from the smoke from two flares stupidly let off in the Leeds end. Wait until bonfire night if you want fireworks don’t let them off when I’m watching a match.

I’d like to say that Leeds mounted a stirring comeback in true Cup tradition but they did not. Newcastle were just too good for them. Leeds gave a good account of them selves and had a decent penalty shout when Smith went down but there was a sad inevitability about the closing minutes. FT 2.0 Newcastle.

As we streamed away from the ground all the talk was about how superb the Leeds fans had been singing from start to finish and they were………….I just wish for once everyone was talking about the team in the same manner. Leeds tried and won’t be too disappointed with their performance but the gaping chasm between the have’s of the Premier League and the have nots of the Championship was there for everyone to see. We were left to ponder that as my mind began to wander to the prospects for Saturday’s trip to our friends in South Bermondsey. That will be a slightly different atmosphere than tonight me thinks

Can’t wait.

MOT