Derby clash will be a fight to a likely death

May 9 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

It promises to be the most dramatic North East derby in almost 20 years, but who has the edge heading into Monday night’s relegation decider? Chief Sports Writer Luke Edwards reports.

THERE are many things Newcastle United and Middlesbrough have lacked over the course of this torturous campaign, but confidence has caused more damage than anything else in recent weeks.

A lack of ability explains why both clubs have been gasping for breath in the relegation zone in the first place, like a fish left to die slowly on the floor of a fishing boat.

Yet, it is a lack of certainty, mettle and fortitude which ensures neither side have been able to claw themselves out of trouble with just three fraught games left to play.

On Monday night at St James’s Park, one will have the opportunity to launch one final push for survival at the expense of the other.

Whoever wins will live to fight another day, whoever loses will have to fortify themselves for a season of Championship football and life back in a small pond full of piranhas thrilled to have the chance to tear at the relegated carcass.

Yet, there is another, worse case scenario, an outcome the likes of Sunderland, Hull City and Blackburn Rovers will celebrate with gusto. Should Newcastle and Middlesbrough draw, both will move another step closer to the Premier League trapdoor.

Certainly, given their own dismal run of form, Sunderland, who travel to Bolton today will hope their North-East rivals slug it out to stalemate in order to hide their own inadequacies.

At home, in front of their own supporters, Newcastle should have a crucial advantage. They have shown character and fighting spirit under Alan Shearer, which should give them an edge, but the mood on Tyneside is becoming as black as the stripes on the team’s shirt.

The Magpies have won just four home games in the league all season and have persistently failed to win the must-win games which have come their way. They have also scored just once and picked up two points from Shearer’s five matches in charge.

Boro, though, have won just two away games and scored just nine goals on their travels.