I don’t know why I bother with pre season. I must be fucking mad to have watched 5 
games of football in 6 days, all of us who were in Germany and there last night need our heads testing.
I headed across from Manchester for the short trip to Huddersfield, if I’m honest if UK pre season games weren’t so near to me I’d not have bothered my arse with any of them, arriving pretty much arriving bang on kick off to hear of a positive first XI.
I has happy to see Janmaat making his debut, in addition it was also good to see Sissoko in central midfield. Lets hope Pardew’s finally cottoned on to what we all know.
The first half an hour was played at a very good pace with Cabella, Colback and Riviere impressing, the latter looking like a bit of find at the moment. However, like all new strikers he needs to hit the ground running with a goal early on when the proper stuff starts.
United took the lead through Riviere in the 16th minute after Gouffran, who was busy as ever, and Cabella combined delivering a low cross for Riviere to tap home for an easy finish. After that United were in control for a 15 minute period with Cabella showing some lovely touches. Like most in attendance I’m looking forward to watching him at full pelt.
One area that worries me in particular is at the back where I feel we need additions. Colo hasn’t been the same player for the last 18 months, whilst Williamson’s only saving grace is that he isn’t Steven Taylor who must be the only footballer to come more naive with age.
Huddersfield equalised with cracking effort by Majewski, who I think has a bit of a reputation for a screamer, despite it being a good finish United were far too stretched for my liking.
Half time was mainly spent laughing about the weekend and West Ham’s Ice cream firm. I’ll be honest I didn’t really see any bother over the weekend other than the Saturday, I couldn’t fight my way out of a paper bag so I was always scampering away from any potential bother.
United should have taken the lead midway through the 2nd half after good work from Obertan, who’s done well during pre season, who flicked on the ball to Cabella who’s effort flew wide.
Shortly after that United went behind after ex Mackem Jonathan Stead shot took a deflection off Mr Bantz Steven Taylor and flew past Timmy Krul.
United went close to equalising with Perez, who reminds me of Hernández, having a couple of half sniffs. Before his excellent quick thinking laid on Cabella, who’s clever chip took a deflection and passed over the keepers head.
All in all a decent run out but I’m still worried about how we look at the back, whilst an additional Striker would bring some optimism to Tyneside. Now, that’s me done for Pre Season. Roll on a week on Sunday. HTL.
I’d quickly like to say how it was good to hear that Liam Sweeney’s body has been positively identified. The family have carried themselves superbly throughout what’s been a horrible time for them and hopefully this can make the grieving process that little bit easier.
Newcastle United will never be defeated !
JACK McLANE
Have you taken out a subscription to true faith DIGITAL yet? The SUMMER 
SPECIAL is out this week and flying out the door. You can take out an annual subscription for £17.99 or a quarterly subscription for £5.99 no matter where you are in the world. You will get instant accessto this latest issue as well as everyone we publish over the next year or four months. You will also get access to the previous 30 issues we have published as well. All you need to do is click here and you are on the way to getting access to your true faith subscription.
