United players unaffected by Keegan furore

Oct 5 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

Newcastle hit the woodwork three times against Bristol City and were denied an obvious penalty when Harewood was brought down in the area by Jamie McCombe.

Lovenkrands said: “We have to take it on the chin. We’ve kept another clean sheet, it’s another point and we’re still three points clear at the top of the table. We need to be positive and look at that. We played well and we need to take that on when we start again after the international break.

“There were a couple of penalty shouts as well. But we can’t really say too much about the referee. They have bad days as well. We were just unlucky he didn’t see these things and give the decisions that should have been given.

“The one on Marlon Harewood, I didn’t see it at the time, but the boys have said it was a stonewall penalty. It’s a shame we didn’t get that one.

“I had a shot near the end that the guy blocked with his arm as well, so we could have been given that one as well. The referee was right next to me.

“It’s one of those things. We just need to be positive and look at the fact we played well. We’ve dropped four points at home, which isn’t ideal, but we’re still feeling positive because we are playing well and we’re top of the table.

“After a game like this it is frustrating, but in the next match we might have five shots and score four of them.

“This was just one of those games and we will move on. It’s better to create a lot of chances than none. We’re not too downhearted.”

The Danish international was happy to get a chance to start up front alongside Harewood as Chris Hughton decided to give youngsters Andy Carroll and Nile Ranger a break.

He said: “It was great to get a start. I’ve been playing well in training and I thought me and Marlon linked up well and caused them a lot of problems. It was a positive for me to get a start and I’m getting my fitness back.”