Newcastle United against Liverpool

Kuyt flicks on and Newcastle have a goal kick.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Smith is on for skipper Nolan and takes the armband.

Carroll fires it into Ranger's feet but he can't turn and shoot. Alan Smith is coming on.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Jovanovic comes on for Maxi.

Carroll jostles with Meireles but is judged to have fouled his opponent.

Now Carroll nods clear a Liverpool corner ahead of Campbell.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Tiote gets a yellow for hauling down Torres as Campbell horribly misjudged a bouncing ball. Sol has been just pathetic.

An awful goal to concede but again they couldn't deal with Carroll. Barton was quickest on the uptake while Johnson and Krygiakos dawdled.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Barton pokes the ball home! Carroll wins a long ball, Skrtel can't get it from Ranger and Barton steals in to tap it under Reina.

Carroll clears the free kick before Lucas has a woeful shot from range.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Nice skill from Johnson and Gutierrez hauls him down. Free kick wide right.

Gutierrez wins a free kick from Kuyt on the left.

Decent move from Newcastle as Ranger links to Tiote but he fires well over the bar from 20 yards.

Great work from Ranger as he wins the ball and gives it to Barton but as Carroll tries to meet the cross he pushes Johnson.

Another free kick given against Ranger. The young lad can look a little clumsy in the challenge.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ngog stays off the field and Babel is on.

If was after a tackle from Ranger, but the elbow of Krygiakos made contact with Ngog. Torres has a go at Barton and now Barton is screaming obscenities at him.

Ngog is down with blood coming down his face. Think it was an aerial challenge.

Ranger is rattling Liverpool's back line and nearly nicks the ball off Krygiakos again.

Lovely control from Carroll, who feeds Gutierrez, but the Argentine's cross is long and poor.

Krygiakos bundles Carroll to the floor but no free kick given before Enrique outmuscles Torres and comes away with the ball before the ref pulls them back for a Newcastle free kick. He's had a shocker Lee Mason.

Now Ranger skips round Krgiakos but his cross is right at Reina. The impetus Newcastle needed.

What a chance for Ranger! He muscles Skrtel out of the way and is in on Reina but fires narrowly wide. What a shame for the 19-year-old.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ameobi hobbles off and Ranger comes on.

Ameobi is having a sit down on the pitch. A presume he is injured rather than knackered.

Looks like Nile Ranger is coming on.

Carroll floats a ball for Ameobi but Skrtel nods coolly back to Reina.

Enrique finds Carroll but his close control is poor and Johnson jumps in.

A real groan in the stands as Gutierrez plays an aimless ball behind for a goal kick. Things turning a little sour for Pardew now.

Nolan gives the ball away, Torres takes it out of his feet and hits a shot just past the post.

Superb play from Carroll, who feeds Barton then gets on the end of the cross from seven yards out but nods over.

Carroll plays in Ameobi but he controls it with his arm and hands Liverpool a free kick.

Liverpool are bound to score in a minute if Newcastle keep defending like this. Now Ngog fluffs a free header.

Campbell at fault again as he completely lost Torres. He looks terrible today.

Torres should have scored. What a chance. A long ball dropped to him as Newcastle toiled and Krul pulls off a good low save.

Torres gets his head on a Meireles cross but it loops to Krul. Newcastle will be kicking themselves.

An awful mix up from Newcastle. A long ball was heading to Krul before Campbell lost the flight and the ball hit his back, then as Taylor came in to challenge Kuyt he had a hand in directing it into the corner.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> A mistake from Campbell and a deflected shot from Kuyt dribbles into the bottom corner.

The grinning chump Ashley is back in his seat.

Nice link up between Simpson and Barton but the cross is taken by Reina.

We begin again...

Meireles floats in a great ball and Krygiakos gets a free header from six yards out but glances wide of the target. What a chance to level things up. And that is half time.

Good ball in from Konchesky but a fine clearing header from Enrique in his own six yard box. Liverpool win a corner.

Two minutes to be added...

Maxi wants a free kick after taking a tumble on the edge of the box with Campbell near. Didn't look like much contact. then Meireles' shot causes pinball in the box before Simpson hacks clear.

Carroll truly is a beast in the air. Horrible to play against.

Barton went for Campbell this time but it didn't come off.

Poor control from Ameobi, then Gutierrez but Newcastle rebuild and win a free kick as Krygiakos forearms Carroll in the back of head. He was watching the ball though. Same place as the goal came from.

Kuyt goes down clutching his face after an aerial challenge with Tiote. No booking for the snood-clad midfielder.

Konchesky's cross is hacked clear by Stephen Taylor.

Liverpool have a free kick for pushing, presumably, even though Carroll wants a foul.

A terrible pass from Meireles hands the ball to Ameobi and his shot is deflected just wide off Krygiakos.

The camera picks out Alan Shearer looking on from his box.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/1211/nolanceleb20101211_275x155.jpg"> Nolan celebrates his goal.

Now Enrique blocks Meireles' shot as the corner falls to him.

Confusion at the back as Taylor headed a ball into the box that Krul came for. Campbell then blocks Ngog's shot and Liverpool have a corner.

Another lung-busting Johnson run comes to an end as he runs the ball out of play.

Good covering from Campbell after Enrique lost the ball.

Nice interplay between Carroll and Ameobi but the former's powerful shot is right at Reina.

Krygiakos leaps above Ameobi and both scream for a free kick. Its a home throw in.

The ball gets stuck in the wall and then Torres pokes wide. It smashed into Carroll's midriff.

Campbell nicks the ball off Torres, the striker falls over and gets a free kick. Another awful shout.

Liverpool enjoying a decent spell of possession.

Krul is out to claim a long ball before Torres could get there.

A break in play as Tiote took one in the jewels.

Johnson's run is halted by Enrique inside the box but Liverpool regain possession.

A half chance for Maxi as Johnson clips in a sweet ball but his header is awful.

Barton's long ball into the area is nearly met by Campbell but it bounces through to Reina, who grabs at the second attempt.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Johnson piles in on Gutierrez as he offloaded the ball and gets a needless booking.

That goal was far too easy for Newcastle and far too predictable. Carroll was left one-on-one and easily beat Krygiakos.

Barton flies in on Lucas, a very hard tackle but fair. Ish.

Not even a flicker from Pardew as the goal went in. Too cool for school.

The house mates combine! Barton stands it up for Carroll who knocks down for Nolan to finish at the near post.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Nolan scores from a Carroll knock down.

Krygiakos climbs all over Carroll and Newcastle have a free kick central, about 35 yards out.

The corner comes to nowt as Meireles' ball in is gathered by Krul.

Torres turns Campbell and wins a corner.

Torres can't collect Maxi's pass and Krul hoofs clear.

Barton flicks a ball into Nolan but his cross is cleared then Carroll is put in by Gutierrez but though he is clean through the lanky striker's control is poor and Reina clears.

The free kick is turned back in and despite shouts for a penalty against Maxi, Krygiakos forces a parry from Krul with a shot from 12 yards.

Johnson runs into the back of Enrique and gets a ridiculous free kick. Awful decision, even accounting for my bias.

Lucas is clipped by Nolan and Liverpool have a free kick in the centre of the park.

Sol intervenes in midfield but then gifts the ball to Meireles. Torres is then flagged offside from the resulting ball forward.

Now a song of "There's only one Chris Hughton."

Ameobi battles with Krygiakos and Newcastle cross but Reina collects easily.

Ameobi and Carroll try to combine but the former's flick goes through to Reina.

Maxi Rodriguez finds some space in midfield but blasts a shot over from 25 yards.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/1211/cockneymafia20101210_275x155.jpg"> Newcastle fans vent their spleen before the match.

A few decent early touches for Enrique before Tiote gives away a free kick.

<b>KICK OFF</b> The game starts to a round of "Get out of our club," directed at you know who.

Pardew comes out and heads right for his seat in the dugout as banners thanking Chris Hughton for his work are displayed at both ends of the ground.

The teams trot out to a noisy reception...

Newcastle's new manager - by virtue of visiting Derek Llambias' casino - says: "There will be a great atmosphere today, because there is that tension in the air. I'm bracing myself for a difficult reception. I'm not nervous, I know I can do my job and I'm good at it."

<i>Comment from my Dad at the match</i>: Big demo at the ground. Noisy but so far behaved. People are punch drunk with the madness of it all. After all, what has Pardew done to EARN such a job?

The Toon Army have massed outside the players' entrance and are letting Ashley know exactly what they think. That he is a total muppet when it comes to football. Hard to argue, really.

Torres is back for Liverpool, who are in decent form of late. Babel drops to the bench.

One thing in Pardew's favour is the return of captain Kevin Nolan, and Joey Barton - his suspension is up but Toon centre backs Williamson and Colocinni are still out.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Konchesky, Kuyt, Meireles, Lucas, Maxi, Torres, Ngog. Subs: Jones, Aurelio, Cole, Jovanovic, Babel, Poulsen, Kelly.

Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Steven Taylor, Campbell, Jose Enrique, Barton, Nolan, Tiote, Gutierrez, Carroll, Ameobi. Subs: Harper, Guthrie, Routledge, Lovenkrands, Perch, Smith, Ranger.

Good evening everyone and welcome to what could be a feisty encounter between Newcastle and Liverpool. It is Alan Pardew's first game in charge of the Toon after Chris Hughton was cruelly discarded. There have been protests outside the ground already and there should be planet of animosity directed at Mike Ashley inside too.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ngog stays off the field and Babel is on.

If was after a tackle from Ranger, but the elbow of Krygiakos made contact with Ngog. Torres has a go at Barton and now Barton is screaming obscenities at him.

Ngog is down with blood coming down his face. Think it was an aerial challenge.

Ranger is rattling Liverpool's back line and nearly nicks the ball off Krygiakos again.

Lovely control from Carroll, who feeds Gutierrez, but the Argentine's cross is long and poor.

Krygiakos bundles Carroll to the floor but no free kick given before Enrique outmuscles Torres and comes away with the ball before the ref pulls them back for a Newcastle free kick. He's had a shocker Lee Mason.

Now Ranger skips round Krgiakos but his cross is right at Reina. The impetus Newcastle needed.

What a chance for Ranger! He muscles Skrtel out of the way and is in on Reina but fires narrowly wide. What a shame for the 19-year-old.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ameobi hobbles off and Ranger comes on.

Ameobi is having a sit down on the pitch. A presume he is injured rather than knackered.

Looks like Nile Ranger is coming on.

Carroll floats a ball for Ameobi but Skrtel nods coolly back to Reina.

Enrique finds Carroll but his close control is poor and Johnson jumps in.

A real groan in the stands as Gutierrez plays an aimless ball behind for a goal kick. Things turning a little sour for Pardew now.

Nolan gives the ball away, Torres takes it out of his feet and hits a shot just past the post.

Superb play from Carroll, who feeds Barton then gets on the end of the cross from seven yards out but nods over.

Carroll plays in Ameobi but he controls it with his arm and hands Liverpool a free kick.

Liverpool are bound to score in a minute if Newcastle keep defending like this. Now Ngog fluffs a free header.

Campbell at fault again as he completely lost Torres. He looks terrible today.

Torres should have scored. What a chance. A long ball dropped to him as Newcastle toiled and Krul pulls off a good low save.

Torres gets his head on a Meireles cross but it loops to Krul. Newcastle will be kicking themselves.

An awful mix up from Newcastle. A long ball was heading to Krul before Campbell lost the flight and the ball hit his back, then as Taylor came in to challenge Kuyt he had a hand in directing it into the corner.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> A mistake from Campbell and a deflected shot from Kuyt dribbles into the bottom corner.

The grinning chump Ashley is back in his seat.

Nice link up between Simpson and Barton but the cross is taken by Reina.

We begin again...

Meireles floats in a great ball and Krygiakos gets a free header from six yards out but glances wide of the target. What a chance to level things up. And that is half time.

Good ball in from Konchesky but a fine clearing header from Enrique in his own six yard box. Liverpool win a corner.

Two minutes to be added...

Maxi wants a free kick after taking a tumble on the edge of the box with Campbell near. Didn't look like much contact. then Meireles' shot causes pinball in the box before Simpson hacks clear.

Carroll truly is a beast in the air. Horrible to play against.

Barton went for Campbell this time but it didn't come off.

Poor control from Ameobi, then Gutierrez but Newcastle rebuild and win a free kick as Krygiakos forearms Carroll in the back of head. He was watching the ball though. Same place as the goal came from.

Kuyt goes down clutching his face after an aerial challenge with Tiote. No booking for the snood-clad midfielder.

Konchesky's cross is hacked clear by Stephen Taylor.

Liverpool have a free kick for pushing, presumably, even though Carroll wants a foul.

A terrible pass from Meireles hands the ball to Ameobi and his shot is deflected just wide off Krygiakos.

The camera picks out Alan Shearer looking on from his box.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/1211/nolanceleb20101211_275x155.jpg"> Nolan celebrates his goal.

Now Enrique blocks Meireles' shot as the corner falls to him.

Confusion at the back as Taylor headed a ball into the box that Krul came for. Campbell then blocks Ngog's shot and Liverpool have a corner.

Another lung-busting Johnson run comes to an end as he runs the ball out of play.

Good covering from Campbell after Enrique lost the ball.

Nice interplay between Carroll and Ameobi but the former's powerful shot is right at Reina.

Krygiakos leaps above Ameobi and both scream for a free kick. Its a home throw in.

The ball gets stuck in the wall and then Torres pokes wide. It smashed into Carroll's midriff.

Campbell nicks the ball off Torres, the striker falls over and gets a free kick. Another awful shout.

Liverpool enjoying a decent spell of possession.

Krul is out to claim a long ball before Torres could get there.

A break in play as Tiote took one in the jewels.

Johnson's run is halted by Enrique inside the box but Liverpool regain possession.

A half chance for Maxi as Johnson clips in a sweet ball but his header is awful.

Barton's long ball into the area is nearly met by Campbell but it bounces through to Reina, who grabs at the second attempt.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Johnson piles in on Gutierrez as he offloaded the ball and gets a needless booking.

That goal was far too easy for Newcastle and far too predictable. Carroll was left one-on-one and easily beat Krygiakos.

Barton flies in on Lucas, a very hard tackle but fair. Ish.

Not even a flicker from Pardew as the goal went in. Too cool for school.

The house mates combine! Barton stands it up for Carroll who knocks down for Nolan to finish at the near post.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Nolan scores from a Carroll knock down.

Krygiakos climbs all over Carroll and Newcastle have a free kick central, about 35 yards out.

The corner comes to nowt as Meireles' ball in is gathered by Krul.

Torres turns Campbell and wins a corner.

Torres can't collect Maxi's pass and Krul hoofs clear.

Barton flicks a ball into Nolan but his cross is cleared then Carroll is put in by Gutierrez but though he is clean through the lanky striker's control is poor and Reina clears.

The free kick is turned back in and despite shouts for a penalty against Maxi, Krygiakos forces a parry from Krul with a shot from 12 yards.

Johnson runs into the back of Enrique and gets a ridiculous free kick. Awful decision, even accounting for my bias.

Lucas is clipped by Nolan and Liverpool have a free kick in the centre of the park.

Sol intervenes in midfield but then gifts the ball to Meireles. Torres is then flagged offside from the resulting ball forward.

Now a song of "There's only one Chris Hughton."

Ameobi battles with Krygiakos and Newcastle cross but Reina collects easily.

Ameobi and Carroll try to combine but the former's flick goes through to Reina.

Maxi Rodriguez finds some space in midfield but blasts a shot over from 25 yards.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/1211/cockneymafia20101210_275x155.jpg"> Newcastle fans vent their spleen before the match.

A few decent early touches for Enrique before Tiote gives away a free kick.

<b>KICK OFF</b> The game starts to a round of "Get out of our club," directed at you know who.

Pardew comes out and heads right for his seat in the dugout as banners thanking Chris Hughton for his work are displayed at both ends of the ground.

The teams trot out to a noisy reception...

Newcastle's new manager - by virtue of visiting Derek Llambias' casino - says: "There will be a great atmosphere today, because there is that tension in the air. I'm bracing myself for a difficult reception. I'm not nervous, I know I can do my job and I'm good at it."

<i>Comment from my Dad at the match</i>: Big demo at the ground. Noisy but so far behaved. People are punch drunk with the madness of it all. After all, what has Pardew done to EARN such a job?

The Toon Army have massed outside the players' entrance and are letting Ashley know exactly what they think. That he is a total muppet when it comes to football. Hard to argue, really.

Torres is back for Liverpool, who are in decent form of late. Babel drops to the bench.

One thing in Pardew's favour is the return of captain Kevin Nolan, and Joey Barton - his suspension is up but Toon centre backs Williamson and Colocinni are still out.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Konchesky, Kuyt, Meireles, Lucas, Maxi, Torres, Ngog. Subs: Jones, Aurelio, Cole, Jovanovic, Babel, Poulsen, Kelly.

Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Steven Taylor, Campbell, Jose Enrique, Barton, Nolan, Tiote, Gutierrez, Carroll, Ameobi. Subs: Harper, Guthrie, Routledge, Lovenkrands, Perch, Smith, Ranger.

Good evening everyone and welcome to what could be a feisty encounter between Newcastle and Liverpool. It is Alan Pardew's first game in charge of the Toon after Chris Hughton was cruelly discarded. There have been protests outside the ground already and there should be planet of animosity directed at Mike Ashley inside too.