Marlon Harewood comes to Magpies’ rescue

Oct 1 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

CHRIS Hughton admitted Newcastle United had been handed a Championhip wake-up call after QPR gave his table-toppers a serious scare at St James’s Park.

Hughton was indebted to loan striker Marlon Harewood, who came off the bench to earn a disappointing United a share of spoils against in-form QPR, converting from close range after Andrew Carroll had flicked on a Danny Simpson cross.

It was reward for a better second half performance and gaining a share of the spoils took Hughton’s side three points clear of West Brom in the embryonic Championship standings.

But the midweek stumbles of the Baggies and Middlesbrough illustrated the unexpected dangers that await during this marathon season, and Hughton was a relieved man after his side escaped the fate of their fellow pacesetters.

United’s caretaker boss admitted: “It was important to get something from the game.

“We were up against a QPR side who are in good form at the moment, they’re scoring goals and no doubt they were the better side in the early parts of the game.

“We didn’t keep the ball as well as we should have done and consequently we allowed them too much possession. When you do that against an in-form team they can hurt you.

“They are as good as anyone that we have played this season and it’s a big reminder to everyone that we won’t have it all our own way. It is a reminder for anybody that there is quality in this league.