IT’S been a cruel summer for Newcastle United but at least Tim Krul was left smiling after yet more farce was visited on St James’ Park.

United’s Dutch goalkeeper was the clear winner on a day that otherwise did little to allay fears that both momentum and fortune are stacked against Newcastle heading into a new season.

Correctly called off after the hour mark by referee Mark Halsey due to torrential rain, a pre-season pock-marked with catastrophe and uncertainty drew to a fittingly chaotic close in front of some 12,000 unfortunate fans on Saturday afternoon.

After a near month of misery – punctuated only by a trio of signings in those early summer days that proved no more than a mirage – at least it’s over.

There have only been a few to prove a point during these strained weeks but Krul is one of them. He pulled off three superb reflex saves against Fiorentina to land what is surely a knockout blow in the battle to be Newcastle’s number one.

Knee injury victim Steve Harper, a frustrated spectator after a tough pre-season, has not had the chance to show what he can do, while Fraser Forster’s Elland Road missteps have probably done for his chances of starting against Arsenal. Krul is by no means the finished article but he improves with every showing – growing in authority and influence as he adds experience to his obvious potential.