Magpies show the Bluebirds no pity

Feb 6 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

Almost as troublesome as his finishing was Carroll’s ability to hang in the air.

He put it to good use in the 15th minute when Routledge put over a good right-wing cross on the run and Carroll directed it back inside David Marshall’s post.

In recent weeks the Magpies have played more functional than fantasy football, but with all six winter window signings in their starting line-up they were far too good for a Cardiff side who despite all their recent financial turmoil, went into the game unbeaten in their last eight and having won the previous four.

The fourth United goal was again provided by Routledge, substitute Peter Lovenkrands converting his pass. And the Dane made it six goals in as many matches when he cut in from the right and curled a shot inside the far post for 5-0.

Victory extended Newcastle’s lead at the top of the Championship to six points, and their unbeaten run to 15 matches – the club’s best spell since 1950.

The Bluebirds also struck the woodwork in an entertaining opening to a game, and snatched a late consolation goal through substitute Aaron Wildig.

Meanwhile, United have signed 18-year-old midfielder Juan Simun Edmundsson after a successful trial in December. Edmundsson, a full Faroe Islands international, has joined from native club B68 until the end of the season with the option of a longer deal.