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Season 2009/20010 - Match 10

NEWCASTLE UNITED

0 v 0

BRISTOL CITY

Post Match Comments:
Newcastle caretaker manager Chris Hughton said:
"I thought we deserved the win, and it was an absolutely clear penalty. With some penalties, you're not sure if the referee's going to give it, but I could have almost looked away – I was just waiting for him to point to the spot.

It was a frustrating day, but I couldn't fault the players' effort. We had opportunities and if we'd taken one of them I could see us going on to get further goals.

My frustration is not about the performance, but about the result. It's certainly a better result for them rather than for us."

Newcastle forward Peter Lovenkrands said:
"It really was two points dropped, the other results went for us again, especially the early kick off at Preston, and it was very disappointing not to have capitalised on it.

Marlon should have had a penalty, it was a dead cert but somehow the referee didn't agree. Then I had a shot that hit the arm of one of their defenders and that wasn't given either. I asked the referee and he said something along the lines of 'well you wouldn't want it given had it been against you.

I didn't understand that, if it's handball then surely it's a penalty. I suppose what comes around goes around and next time it'll probably go our way.

I still don't know how the ball didn't go in when we hit the bar twice in a matter of seconds, then I hit the rebound just wide - it was incredible. And their keeper pulled off some top notch saves too.

But taking the positives, we played well and created lots of chances so I guess we can't be too disappointed. We go into the break now three points clear and looking forward, with confidence, to the next game at Forest.

I was delighted to start on Saturday as I've been pleased with the way my fitness has improved and it's good we've got plenty of competition for places up front."

Newcastle midfielder Danny Guthrie said:
"I thought it was a penalty. Marlon said it was a stonewaller - the Bristol City player took his standing leg.

Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don't and we have to move on. Hopefully we will get one we don't deserve.

I was still on and I wanted to put things right if I was given the chance. I was about to run up to the ball and get ready to take it.

I really thought the referee was going to blow, but he didn't. Hopefully next time we'll get that bit of luck.

I can't remember too much about it (his shot) - I just remember I connected cleanly and it was high as well, so I expected it to go in. But it was a fantastic save.

There was a 10 to 15-minute spell where we threw everything at them, but it was one of those games.

It's a cliché, but whatever we did, we just weren't going to score today. We've hit the bar twice and in the first half we hit the post.

But going into the international break, we have a three-point gap. It's a nice feeling, but it could have been five if we had just nicked a goal."

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson said:
"We all have our ideas on it but ref makes the decision. I must admit my heart was in my mouth at the time. My players felt there was a bit of contact, but maybe he was already starting to go down. It was a brave decision with 40,000 screaming for a penalty."

AUSSIE MAGS By Row 'S' Army