We started rather tentatively, and although never under any real pressure, didn’t turn on the class until after the first goal went in. From then on the confidence started to flow – over-confidence at times – and the result was never then in doubt.

Coloccini mirrored this progression perfectly. As usual, he started tentatively, allowing his man to bully him. But then after 20 mins or so he seemed to realise that he was actually a better player than his striker and the confidence seemed to flood back.

Towards the end of the first half, under real pressure, he flicked the ball up and over his opponent who ended up flat on his @rse while FC calmly trapped the ball and brought it away. That’s by far the best thing I’ve seen from this guy, and it had me wondering whether there may actually be a player under that curly mop – at least at this level.

We defended better than last week, but against poorer opposition, although over-confidence caused us to give several soft corners away in the 2nd half. Harper had very little to do – I don’t think he made a single save. Taylor gave another strong performance in what tragically looks like being his farewell to SJP. Very sad.

We controlled m/f, and with it the game. Barton was in and out, but still contrived to play several terrific passes. Smith again patrolled the space in front of the back 4 to good effect, and after managing to get himself booked for two wild challenges he settled down and had another powerful game.

Shola was Shola, but this time scored 3 goals. His first was a slightly mistimed header from a brilliant cross from Enrique, his 2nd a superb diving header back across the keeper at the end of a thrilling passing move and another tremendous cross, this time from Barton. The 3rd was a calmly converted penalty given for handball – about the first decision that went our way.

A good atmosphere created by a small crowd, and a comfortable win – achieved against the backdrop of some anti-Ashley chanting and culminating in what looked like the sad goodbyes of one of our own.

Sadly, NUFC has returned to being a selling club, with Steven Taylor seemingly preparing to trod the path previously taken by Waddle, Beardsley and Gazza.

Before the confirmation of his loan signing, Ameobi has been named in the Newcastle squad for tonight’s reserve team match against Manchester United at Northwich Victoria. He finds the target in last week’s 2-2 reserve draw at Bolton Wanderers.

Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan said that the 26-year-old striker still has the chance to go back into his plans in the future. having just eight appearances for the Toon this season, Ameobi falling behind Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka for the striker place at St James’s Park, with Toon youngster Andy Carroll is looking way ahead of him.

Ex-United manager Glenn Roeder also stated his admiration to sign Ameobi, while other first division team Plymouth and Ipswich are also said to have shown an interest. Stoke has moved fast before them to bring Ameobi to Britannia stadium and could make his debut at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

Sidelined for 5 months during 2006/07 after a hip operation in November 2006, his name seems out of any attention, and his career with Newcastle is in big doubt.

But, he is being recalled to the first team by Kevin Keegan last weekend against Bolton and that was his second senior action for Newcastle this season since the League Cup tie at Arsenal way back in September.

“Obviously, it was a special match for us with the gaffer Kevin Keegan and I think we gave it everything we could out there.” Shola told the official site, “Bolton played really well and defended really well and we came away with a draw but that is the start of things to come. It is the second time for us as players, for the manager and for the fans.”

Being called back for the game last weekend to fill the gap left by the late Mark Viduka calf injury, Ameobi battled out in the full 90 minutes game alongside Michael Owen.

“I was so pleased with Shola Ameobi.” Keegan comment on his appearance, “He hadn’t played or trained and I asked him yesterday morning if he would go substitute and get 30 minutes out of it. Then I had to go and ask him to play 90 minutes.”

“But the game was better than any training sessions. He was blowing a bit at the end, but did well for us.”

Signed for Newcastle United Academy on July 1, 1995, Shola did not make his debut for the senior team until five years later under Sir Bobby Robson. His first senior team debut was in September 9, 2000, in a home draw against Chelsea. His debut for England U21 in 2000/2001, until now he has 20 England Under21 caps with 7 goals.

Shola still have a year left on his current contract with Newcastle until the end of 2008/2009 season.