Abby Brammell

By Ian Ladyman

Power: Ryan Taylor produced a stunning opener at the Fraser Eagle Stadium


Accrington Stanley are, in their own words, the 'club that wouldn't die'.

Last night the tiny community team that almost went bust a year ago gave Newcastle a fright of their own during the course of a riveting cup tie at the Crown Ground.

If there is such a thing as taking some joy from defeat then this was the perfect example. Accrington's remarkably enthusiastic supporters indulged in a bit of pushing and shoving with the local police after full-time.

It was largely handbags stuff and seemed to revolve around the fact that they didn't really want to go home.

Little surprise in that, either. Their courageous team from League Two worried the life out of Newcastle as the clock counted down. Five minutes more and this game could have gone in to extra time. Ultimately, Newcastle deserved to win.

Manager Chris Hughton fielded a reserve team - as is his right during the early days of a hugely important season - but his players applied themselves well.


Slipping and sliding: Shola Ameobi scores Newcastle's second goal against Accrington Stanley


Leading 3-1 as the game entered added time, the Barclays Premier League team were coasting. But a late rally from Accrington had already seen Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul make two fine saves when Sean Hessey rammed his team's second goal high into the net.

The home fans began to dream of another half-an-hour of entertainment. Ultimately it wasn't to be.

There was one final attack and Newcastle bodies had to be thrown in the way of late, desperate shots. Accrington, though, came up just short. John Coleman and his players won't worry too much. Their priority is League Two, in which they are unbeaten so far.

Hughton had brought Alan Smith, Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan to sit on the bench just in case. As it was, he needn't have worried.


Room with a view: Accrington fans watch from nearby a rooftop during the Carling Cup second round


Newcastle began well and should have been out of sight by the time right back Ryan Taylor drilled a superb opening goal from 35 yards in the 40th minute.

Accrington goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin had saved well from an early Peter Lovenkrands header after a corner was allowed to bounce, before Shola Ameobi had three efforts in close succession.


The impressive Nile Ranger saw a shot saved well by Dunbavin as half time neared, while he also had a header cleared from the line.

Hughton's team were made to pay for their wastefulness, though, as Accrington roused themselves after Taylor's goal and the dangerous and forthright Ray Putterill picked up possession from a poor Newcastle clearance and drove a super, low shot past Krul from distance.

With the visitors perhaps a little disturbed by that equaliser, the start of the second half was going to be important.

Accrington threatened first as Charlie Barnett volleyed wide but then Newcastle put some distance between them and the opposition as Ameobi and Lovenkrands both scored from close range in front of their 1,000-strong band of supporters.

For once, though, it was hard to hear the Newcastle fans as their Accrington counterparts provided constant entertainment from the other end.They really were remarkable.

Newcastle could have scored more goals as Kazenga LuaLua hit the post and Dean Winnard cleared from the line. Ultimately, though, they almost paid a price as Accrington, led by the irresistible Putterill, came back at them at the death.

'I couldn't have asked for anything more,' said Coleman afterwards. It was hard to disagree.



source :dailymail