Toon boss hails his so solid crew
NEWCASTLE United's back four might have been ripped apart by injury – but it was not torn to shreds by Cardiff City.
Chris Hughton's rearguard, shorn of injured trio Fabricio Coloccini, Steven Taylor and Jose Enrique, were only denied what would have been third straight clean sheet in the 5-1 trouncing of Dave Jones's side by an 89th minute goal.
"We were actually disappointed with the goal late on, but I'm really pleased overall for the back four," Hughton told the Gazette.
Read Miles Starforth's match report from St James's Park
One foot in the Premier League?
"When you think that only Danny Simpson was a regular member of the back four, the rest did well.
"I was delighted with Mike Williamson, Fitz Hall and young Patrick Van Aaonholt, who have not played a great deal of football lately.
"If I look at what has got us where we are, it's the stability of the back four."
Hughton hopes Coloccini will be fit for Tuesday's visit to Derby,
having been left out as a precaution because of a hamstring problem.
"Colo has played with it for the last couple of games, but we have cover, and didn't want to take any risks," said Hughton.
Alan Smith (thigh) is also pencilled in for a return.
* South Shields Mags are running a bus to Tuesday's game at Derby County. It departs at 1.30pm. For bookings call Chris on 07730 508362.
Email to a friend
Print this page- Transfer Rumours May 12: Sunderland, Newcastle, Chelsea, West Ham, Liverpool, Blackpool, Reading, Tottenham, West Brom
- Transfer Rumours May 12: Sunderland, Newcastle, Chelsea, West Ham, Liverpool, Blackpool, Reading
- Sammy Ameobi will be a big player for Newcastle United next season
- Tearoom throws out Anthem row trio
- Newcastle in talks over Cardiff friendly
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Jarrow
Monday 21 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
