LAST night was officially the longest night of the year. It certainly felt that way on an evening of intense frustration for flat-lining Newcastle United.

They are now six without a win, but this St James’ Park reverse was by far the most concerning defeat of that troubling run.

For each of the previous five without a win Alan Pardew had some mitigation – last night they were architects of their own downfall thanks to truly dreadful defending.

To concede the lead once is careless.

To do so twice is troubling, but to let it happen a third time speaks of a team suffering seriously for the loss of Steven Taylor to a season-ending Achilles injury.

Even a heroic contribution from Demba Ba – who now has 13 goals for the season – could not stop United crashing to their third defeat in four games.

Ba was nothing short of brilliant, scoring with a fantastic free-kick and smashing past Ben Foster after substitute Hatem Ben Arfa had teed him up smartly.

That goal had calmed St James’ Park, but an awful late lapse by the back four allowed Paul Scharner the space to prod him from close range.

After nights like this it is worth reminding ourselves United’s stated aim was to notch a top-half finish this season.

They are ahead of schedule in that regard, but the positive signs from Saturday’s frustrating draw with Swansea were not built on last night.

Instead it was the issues which germinated after the Norwich game which returned with a vengeance last night to ruin Pardew’s festive spirit.

United were wide open throughout and led by the unusually profligate Cheick Tiote they were far too careless in possession.