Newcastle Back In The Premier League « Football Blog – Football News

Newcastle Back In The Premier League

The Magpies secured promotion without even kicking a ball, then celebrated it with a 2-1 win over Sheffield United.



SPECTACULAR: Kevin Nolan scores the winner



Newcastle United are back in the top tier of English football after third-placed Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City played out a goalless draw, meaning Newcastle are guaranteed of a top-two finish.

Manager Chris Hughton was obviously delighted after the result at the City Ground, and said, “This is a wonderful achievement and we are absolutely delighted. That we have secured promotion with six games left to play is a testament to this set of players and how good a season they’ve had.”

Newcastle would have been promoted if they had taken a point against Sheffield United on Monday night, but the draw at Nottingham meant that they were relieved of that obligation.

St.James’ Park was buzzing with joy when their newly-promoted side took on Sheffield, and the team didn’t disappoint as they provided the perfect celebration party with a 2-1 win.

The party though, was threatened to be gate-crashed by the visiting side, when they took the lead in the 22nd minute. James Harper’s corner was glanced in by Richard Cresswell to silence some of the fans.

Newcastle responded strongly and got their equaliser on the half-hour mark. Danny Guthrie swung in a corner, and Sheffield skipper Chris Morgan was penalised for manhandling Andy Carroll. Referee Andy Hall pointed to the spot, and Peter Lovenkrands stepped up and sent Steve Simonsen the wrong way for his 15th goal of the campaign.

Newcastle almost got the winner in the 70th minute when Jonas ‘Spider-man’ Gutierrez went on a magnificent run from the half-way line, but his shot smacked against the post.

Newcastle did get their winner 2 minutes later though, when Lovenkrand’s header was magnificently finished by Kevin Nolan, for his 14th goal of the season.

St.James’ Park erupted and the 50,000 fans’ voices were in full-swing throughout the game.

They thought it had got better in the 3rd minute of injury-time, when Shola Ameobi had the ball in the back of the net, but their celebrations were cut short after seeing the linesman’s flag.

Houghton fought back tears after the final whistle as his team returned to the Premier League and also moved ever closer to their first piece of silverware since 1993.

The Magpies’ boss’ future remains uncertain as prepares for a discussion with owner Mike Ashley as to whether he will continue as manager next season in the Premier League.

At the moment, few Geordies’ would be thinking about that as they prepare for another adventure back in the top-flight. Last time this season, it was tears as Newcastle got relegated with a loss at Villa Park. This time around though, it’s all ecstasy as they go back join the best in the country.

West Bromwich Albion, who currently sits in 2nd place, will be favorites to capture the other automatic qualification place.

In other Championship news, Peterborough was relegated to League 1 after being held to a 2-2 draw by Barnsley at Oakwell.

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Source: Newcastle Back In The Premier League « Football Blog – Football News

Source: Football Blog