Newcastle United 3, Plymouth Argyle 0

Jan 14 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

IT was the game neither team really wanted to play in the middle of a crowded Championship fixture list and it was the game nobody really wanted to watch either with the lowest crowd at St James' Park since 1992, yet it brought one of Newcastle United's most dominating displays of the season.

Plymouth were comprehensively out-classed and, while these two clubs may share the same division, the gulf between them last night made them look leagues apart as Newcastle set-up another tough away trip - their third out of four cup games this season - to West Bromwich Albion.

Given the Baggies were the closest Newcastle came to having a challenger in the promotion race in 2009, it is reasonable to assume they will offer a far tougher examination than Plymouth have been able to muster.

In truth, Newcastle should have wrapped the tie up at Home Park.

However, poor finishing in front of goal forced the Pilgrims to make the long trek to the North East for a replay which arguably brought more potential for harm than good in terms of injuries given the respective league positions of the two sides.

Newcastle are desperate to get out of the Championship, Plymouth are fighting for their lives to stay in it, although neither manager treated the game lightly on the team sheet.