Ayoze Perez scored twice and Matt Ritchie once as Newcastle United comfortably beat Town 3-0 at St James’ Park. Perez put the home side in front in the opening minute and added the second on 73, before Ritchie netted the third five minutes later. The Blues went closest to scoring when former Magpie Leon Best hit the bar in the first half.

Town made three changes to the team which beat Burton 2-0 on Tuesday with Jonathan Douglas, Conor Grant and Grant Ward coming into the side for Cole Skuse, who missed out with the toe injury which forced him off against the Brewers, and Kevin Bru and Teddy Bishop, who dropped to the bench.

Ward joined Douglas and Grant in central midfield with Tom Lawrence on the right and Sears on the left and Best the main striker.

David McGoldrick, back after the ankle injury he suffered in August, and Jonny Williams were both included among the substitutes.

Championship leaders Newcastle made three changes from the team which won 2-0 at Barnsley on Tuesday with DeAndre Yedlin, Ayoze Perez and former Town loanee Jack Colback coming into the side for Vurnon Anita, Mohamed Diame and Isaac Hayden.

The game got off to the worst possible start for the Blues with the home side going in front inside the opening minute.

Paul Dummett was found on the left by a raking Jonjo Shelvey pass and the Wales international whipped over a cross which Yoan Gouffran flicked on to Perez, who was breaking in unmarked at the far post from where he volleyed a low shot past Bartosz Bialkowski, who was yet to touch the ball.

Newcastle passed the ball around confidently in the minutes immediately after the goal with the Blues rarely touching the ball but the Magpies didn’t create another opportunity until the eighth minute when Yedlin cut the ball back from the left but Dwight Gayle shot over.

The Blues, who had switched Ward to wide right and Lawrence to the left with Sears moving behind Best, almost got back on terms with their first shot of the game in the ninth minute.

Following a corner the ball fell to Best, who hit a shot on the turn from inside the box which crashed against the crossbar with home keeper Karl Darlow well beaten.

But Newcastle were still on top and on 13 Matt Ritchie curled an effort not too far wide, the ball catching a Town defender on its way wide. From the corner, Gouffran shot well over.

After both sets of fans had joined in chants of ‘There’s only one Bobby Robson’, Ritchie went close again in the 19th minute. After the former Bournemouth winger’s initial pass had been blocked by Christophe Berra, the ball rebounded back to him and his low shot deflected wide.

The impressive hosts were starting to create opportunities with concerning regularity and a minute later Gayle saw his low cross from the right bundled behind from the right.

On 26 Adam Webster intercepted a Newcastle pass on the edge of the Blues box following a throw on their right and brought the ball well into the Magpies half riding a cynical Shelvey challenge on his way.

The former Portsmouth man looked for options either side of him but eventually opted to curl a 20-yard shot, which flew not too far wide of Darlow’s right post.

Shelvey was lucky to avoid a booking for his attempted challenge but a minute later referee James Adcock showed Colback the first yellow card of the game for a foul on Sears.

Newcastle claimed a penalty in the 35th minute when Gayle was played in one-on-one with Bialkowski and crashed to the ground as the Polish keeper dived at his feet. The former Crystal Palace man was convinced the referee should have pointed to the spot, while Bialkowski was similarly adamant he had got the ball.

As the half moved into its final five scheduled minutes Knudsen was booked for a foul on Yedlin as the US international broke quickly down the right. A minute later, Ritchie shot well wide from distance.

Skipper Luke Chambers headed over from a Lawrence near-post corner on 44, then moments before the whistle Best required treatment for what appeared to be a dislocated finger.

The Blues will probably have been pleased to have gone in only a single goal down at the break, the home side having dominated the half.

Conceding in the opening minute was the worst possible start for Town with manager Mick McCarthy having noted Newcastle’s tendency to start games brightly in his pre-match press conference.

The Magpies, who passed the ball around slickly and at pace when in the final third, had created plenty of opportunities and will they will feel they should have hit the target more regularly.

But they were well in control with Town struggling to get hold of the ball and only really threatened when Best hit the bar and Webster made his run forward.

McCarthy made two half-time changes with McGoldrick replacing Best, probably due to injury, and Josh Emmanuel taking over from Knudsen, the Dane perhaps also having taken a knock.

The Blues began the half seeing much more of the ball than they had during long spells of the first period and on 57 Chambers fed Ward, who sent over a cross towards McGoldrick but too close to Darlow, who claimed.

Newcastle had their first chance of the second half in the 64th minute when Ritchie volleyed wide from Dummett’s left-wing cross.

A minute later, Gouffran hit a shot from the edge of the box which Bialkowski batted away.

While the early stages of the second half were more even than the first had been, the hosts began to find their feet and were looking the more likely scorers.

And in the 74th minute they doubled their lead. After a long spell of passing, Ritchie crossed low from the right and an untracked Perez slammed a low shot past Bialkowski to claim his second goal of the game. A minute later, Christian Atsu took over from Gouffran.

As the clock moved past the 76-minute mark both sets of fans started chanting ‘There’s only one Bobby Robson’ and applauding the clubs’ legendary manager.

Soon after, Chambers crossed from the Town right to Douglas, who headed down and into the arms of Darlow.

On 78 any lingering doubts there might have been regarding the result were put to bed when Perez teed-up Ritchie on the edge of the box and the Scotland international powerfully smashed home to make it 3-0.

Newcastle switched Gayle for Mitrovic and then Shelvey for Isaac Hayden before, with seven minutes remaining, the Blues introduced Williams for Sears.

McGoldrick shot over from distance on 86, then a minute later Dummett was booked for a foul on Ward.

There were no further scares for the Blues and referee Adcock’s whistle confirmed what was a routine win for the home side.

Having gone behind in the opening minute, it was always going to be tough for the Blues, who battled gamely in their usual manner, but only seriously looked like getting back on terms when Best hit the bar and Webster made his run forward.

However, plenty of teams will visit St James’ Park with a similar result with the Magpies already looking champions in waiting.

Town drop to 17th in the table ahead of next week’s home game against Rotherham, who are now six points from safety at the bottom of the division.

Town: Bialkowski, Chambers (c), Webster, Berra, Knudsen (Emmanuel 46), Douglas, Grant, Ward, Lawrence, Sears (Williams 83), Best (McGoldrick 46). Unused: Gerken, Bishop, Digby, Bru.

Newcastle: Darlow, Clark, Dummett, Colback, Lascelles (c), Gayle (Mitrovic 79), Ritchie, Shelvey (Hayden 83), Perez, Gouffran (Atsu 75), Yedlin. Unused: Anita, Diame, Mbemba, Sels. Referee: James Adcock (Nottinghamshire). Att: 51,963 (Town: 2,700-ish).

Photo: Action Images

Seasider added 16:09 - Oct 23 Nobody has mentioned on here that all three of their goals came down our right,and in two of them Chambers was the nearest(about a foot away,and seemingly made no attempt to put the striker off or even possibly tackle.For Newcastles 2nd Douglas was a similar distance,their striker being between them.Mentioned the other day about how much ground this favourite covers;but he doesn't do it at pace or effectively,in fact at 35 he is becoming quite pedestrian. Although have thought it;but up to now can't recall calling for Mr McCarthy to call it a day(or be sacked);but I am now a member of the Dinosaur out brigade;although think we may have quite a wait. In the meantime suggest that all of us who are season ticket holders try and get along to the Supporters AGM when we can meet the Manager face to face on the 27th October in Legends @ 7.30pm(this Thursday).It is usually a cosy little self congratulating get together with very little dissention;but I think matters have reached a point where back slapping and subservience to Mr McCarthy should be supplanted by a concern that is more relevant to the position in which our club finds itself in.ie 17th in Championship. Jim Magilton was sacked when the club were 9th because it was said he couldn't gain promotion.

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Pip50 added 16:17 - Oct 23 Yes Newcastle are favorites for the league have a transfer budget but the thing they have most is a manager who knows what he is doing. We were beat before Saturday McCarthy basically admits that. Both Wolves and high flying Huddlesfield got three points at Newcastle both pretty much on our budget. Please go now.
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dirtydingusmagee added 16:45 - Oct 23 to all the people that have posted and been marked up ,please mark up from me too, im losing the will to live while Evans and McCarthy at ITFC .No disrespect to all those that travelled , but i just find it hard to believe there were 2000 + still prepared to do so .
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Tony88 added 17:19 - Oct 23 I would like to know that if we played all the players that all you managers want and we went to attack and got stuffed 6-0 I presume you would say at least we tried. I am not happy that we lost but we have not got some of the more attack minded or creative players fit to play 90 minutes.
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surgery added 17:47 - Oct 23 Doesn't matter whether we have or not, he wouldn't play them
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Bob7881 added 17:59 - Oct 23 Went to my first match under Mccarthy yesterday to be honest only went because of the Bobby Robson connection. Watching those tactics it was my last.
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StochesStotasBlewe added 18:05 - Oct 23 Men against boys. Poor defending. No creativity whatsoever. Magpies didn,t need to get into top gear, it was all too easy. Still, had a good weekend up there, a fantastic stadium, great supporters & decent beer.
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Mick_Mills_Tache added 18:17 - Oct 23 Dirtydingusmagee - I suspect that the majority of those 2500 that went yesterday went moreover for the occasion (Sir Bobby connection, massive stadium and a good night out.) I went when they were last down...is always a good away day as the Geordies are a good bunch (particularly to us Town supporters).
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bressinghamblue added 19:08 - Oct 23 Imaginary after-match quote from MM: "Its a bonkers league this. With just another four wins, we'd be up there challenging for the Premiership. Bonkers! Proud of the team, they're all different class, especially Dougie. Bloody marvellous. Proud to a man. only 3 nil against Newcastle, wow, well done lads." Mick - we are 17th and just playing boring, boring football. It needs sorting, and fast, or you'll have the team in exactly the same bloody place where you started.

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mawitham added 19:50 - Oct 23 He was happy we kept it to 1-0 after 70 mins - says it all, pathetic.
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warktheline added 19:55 - Oct 23 Are we still competitive? Answer the question honestly, I would imagine for the vast majority it would be a resounding NO! Thus as I mentioned over 18 months, the progression had stopped, and a slow decline had set in. How much longer does this go on for? Could be quite a while, considering we have a totally disinterested owner, and a manager who's lost his edginess,or should I say, hunger to win football matches! What is it they used to say about being an Ipswich manager, 'safe job', jeez it sure is now! Magilton must be shaking his head in astonishment....sure is cozy walking around Portman Rd these days! If you don't believe me, go ask McCarthy and his sons, sorry I meant players!

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corkblue added 19:59 - Oct 23 Rotherham are next in town - doubt whether we can achieve !
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warktheline added 20:18 - Oct 23 Compare Warnock's positivity to McCarthy's....if the owner had any interest he would surely have acted by now! Would love to swap shoes with Evans for just one week, by Christ, he wouldn't look back! Wake up man, and bloody well appreciate what you have in life.....somewhere on that list you have my beloved FOOTBALL CLUB! Enjoy it or leave alone and move on.
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DannyITFC added 20:51 - Oct 23 Ok, lets be honest Newcastle are a different class so there is no shame losing to them. However the performance was woeful, Chambers was like a fish out of water and Knudsen had a game to forget. Douglas is too slow and a very average league 1 player.... IMO he should be released along with Coke. Now it's obvious to me Evans is not providing MM the funds to compete for top 6..... however MM has time and time again picked the wrong team, playing Sears and Chambers in the wrong position. Additionally Douglas needs to go as we have Skuse and Hyam as that style of midfielder. For me MM has had his chance, it's time for a change.... bring in a younger manager who is doing well in lower league football or bring back Burley and appoint a new skipper - Tommy Smith. With Burley as manager this would be my squad - Bart Emmanuel, Webster, Smith, Knudsen Ward, Williams, Bishop, Lawrence Sears, Best Subs: Gerkin, Chambers, Digby, Kenlock, Grant, Bru, McGoldrick, Pitman I would let Berra go to bring on Webster and Smith and have Chambers/Digby as cover. We need a change in approach, I do like the look of Best but if he has n't got fully back into it I would suggested signing a young powerful striker (like Chris Wood) I actually think relegation could do us good but obviously would prefer us to turn it around this season...... MM must leave for this to happen, the crowds continue to drop and if things don't change I can see it dropping below 10,000 for some games. MM to leave, Burley to return as manager, Release Coke/Douglas and Berra (we need to develop Webster/smith) and Smith as new skipper!

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DannyITFC added 20:54 - Oct 23 Obviously Hyam and Dozzell also on the bench for previous entry I made!
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Cloddyseedbed added 22:39 - Oct 23 Spot on Seasider with your evaluation of our unbalanced defending with Chambers to my mind too the very weak link and hinders other defenders as they have to cover for him. It also hinders attacking down the right as they are expected to track back and help out the out of position and a lot of the time awol defender. If MM can't or will not address this blatantly obvious frailty then there is no hope. I'm sure a lot of players who are being kept out the team by out of position and form players are getting as despondent as some of us supporters. Who the hell are we supposed to beat with the tactics adopted. Look at the teams in our division and say with confidence who we are comfortably going to get 3 points off. Rotherham............ we'll see.

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Lightningboy added 11:59 - Oct 24 ^^^seasider - your point re Magilton says it all. Don't anyone tell me this club has moved forward since Jim got the push.
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spartacus1609 added 12:20 - Oct 24 Like most town supporters we want our team to at least compete in games and not be negative. Unfortunately our club is in the hands of an owner who's passion is directed elsewhere and while this is the case we will do well to survive in this league. We have to be careful what we wish for as I couldn't think of many managers like ours who could year on year keep us in this division with having both hands tied behind his back and fronting up like he does. We have no available funds to strengthen otherwise I'm sure Mick would have used them. I would prefer a more adventurous manager and get the excitement back at Portman road but until we get investment from a new owner it will stay just a dream.

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JimmyP45 added 12:43 - Oct 24 The really sad part is that if ME sacks Mick, who is going to be the next manager? Probably a cheap as chips nobody who will not get any better out of the club than we have already. We are a club stuck in the mud!
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hancockingoal added 18:13 - Oct 24 How do we know Mick has no funds? How do we know anything? All we get are soundbites from Milne and contempt from McCarthy! The Cobbalds, Kerr and Sheepshanks were local people who cared about the supporters, sadly those days are gone and probably never to return? It is looking more likely that I will be watching my local team Felixstowe & Walton Utd next season?

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