Magpies show the Bluebirds no pity

Feb 6 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

NEWCASTLE United brought up their longest unbeaten run for 60 years in some style last night after blitzing Cardiff City in a blistering first-half display at St James’s Park.

The game was effectively won in the first 15 minutes, when the hosts raced into a 3-0 lead but substitute Peter Lovenkrands added to it twice in the second half for Newcastle’s biggest win of 2009-10.

Wayne Routledge made an eye-catching home debut, impressing with his pace and crossing ability, but it was striker Andy Carroll who took the plaudits.

The Gateshead-born forward scored twice inside the opening 15 minutes, and would have had a hat-trick had his sixth-minute shot not struck the post.

As it was hapless defender Gabor Gyepes, running back, was only able to bundle the rebound into his own net.

The Hungarian made amends when he denied Carroll again in the 80th minute, clearing the England Under-21 international’s shot off the line. The Magpies had

needed just three minutes to go in front, Carroll having opened the scoring from a corner knocked back to him by Kevin Nolan.