Feb5

Top 5 talking points from North East football last week

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The past week of football in this area of the country has had more drama and late twists than Emmerdale and Coronation Street put together and last Tuesday night will have left the regulars at the Rovers’ Return drowning in their sorrows.

1 – Giants Slayed at the Gallowgate

Last Tuesday saw possibly the biggest shock result of this Premier League season so far after goals from Salomon Rondon and Matt Ritchie nullified a first minute Sergio Aguero opener to give Newcastle United their first league victory over Manchester City in 13 years.

Rafa Benitez’s men defied the odds and pleased fans on Merseyside as well as Tyneside with the result with top class performances from the likes of Sean Longstaff showing that the Magpies have the grit to remain in the top flight.

Despite Saturday’s narrow defeat at Wembley to a Son inspired Spurs, Newcastle have a right to be more than pleased with their week.

2 – Delivering the McGoods

An Aiden McGeady strike in the second half at the Stadium of Light on Saturday saw Sunderland beat struggling AFC Wimbledon to move closer to the automatic promotion places.

Jack’s Ross men were frustrated by the FA Cup giant killers for the majority of the game before the Irish winger validated a less than convincing Black Cat’s performance.

As the old saying goes, the best sign of a top side is one that can win when playing poorly. However, Sunderland fans will be hoping for a more concrete showing at Oxford United on Saturday.

3 – Olle-aving it late!

Gateshead picked up their first win of 2019 and under new manager Ben Clark with a dramatic 2-1 win at Dover thanks to a stoppage time winner from Greg Olley.

Heed found themselves 1-0 down just eight minutes in thanks to a finish from Kevin Lokko and would be behind for the next 71 minutes until centre-half Fraser Kerr popped up with the equaliser.

Then cometh the hour cometh the man as Olley fired home in the 93rd minute of play to send Gateshead into wild celebrations and to send them back into the playoffs.

4 – Late Leyton blow to Blyth

Blyth Spartans took the long trip down to Brisbane Road hoping to cause an upset against non-league’s top side in the FA Trophy but despite exiting the competition the boys in green left North London proud.

The gulf in divisions was in no way evident throughout this last 16 clash as Spartans put up a valiant fight but couldn’t find that cutting edge to really hurt Leyton Orient.

It was all going to come down to one key moment and the hosts provided it in the 84th minute as Jamie Turley headed in a free-kick to break Blyth hearts but not the Spartan’s spirit as just under 300 fans that traveled from the North East stayed to applaud their players after the game.

5 – Britt gives Boro a boost

Middlesbrough made sure they let the rest of the Championship know they were still well in the fight for promotion with a 3-2 win away at fellow contenders West Brom thanks to substitute Britt Assombalonga.

Tony Pulis’ men were in-front early on through George Saville but later found themselves behind thanks to goals from Jay Rodriguez and Newcastle loanee Dwight Gayle.

Then the decision to bring on £15 million striker Assombalonga proved inspired as he netted twice in eight minutes to keep top flight dreams well and truly alive on Teeside