Hughton pleased with United's fighting spirit

Aug 27 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

But United had to call on Shola Ameobi and Jonas Gutierrez to win the game. In-form striker Ameobi came off the bench at half-time and scored United’s third, a penalty after he was brought down, before creating the 83rd minute winner for Kevin Nolan. Danny Guthrie opened the scoring for Newcastle in the first half, instantly wiped out by two goals from Robinson.

Jason Rhodes made it 3-1 two minutes into the second half but again one goal prompted another as midfielder Geremi quickly found the net in response.

“It was certainly entertaining for the supporters, certainly the neutrals,” Hughton reflected. “It’s always disappointing when you concede the goals we have but we’ve seen four goals and four great goals (for Newcastle).”

As well as some high-octane entertainment for the fans, the Magpies’ youthful team showed a measure of resilience depressingly absent at times last season.

“I suppose these things happen when you’re on a winning run,” said Hughton. “We showed great spirit and I suppose we were deserved winners.” The biggest disappointment for United was the injuries they picked up in a match where they were trying to protect senior players. Substitute Ameobi was himself substituted before the final whistle with an ankle injury. He had come on for Nicky Butt, who failed to make the second half after picking up a knock in his first start of an injury-delayed season.