Big Geordie

Time to let Barton go, fellas. No sense in keeping this discussion going.

Yup - happy with that starting. XI.

Cambois Club! Bit out of your way like. Plenty bars in town, I imagine. No shortage.

Good news if he signs on again.

Brighton it is then. They win 5-4 on pens - unlucky on Wrexham.

Going to pens - 'mon Wrexham!

Wrexham hit the bar!

Wrexham should have just had a nailed on pen.

Yup - Wrexham have done really well (according to 5Live), but the extra fitness and quality of Brighton may well come into play now.

Sadly, I reckon Brighton will now pinch this in extra time. Hope I'm wrong.

Brighton equalize - Barnes.

A steward asked you to leave? Amazing.

You not fancy grassing up those guilty, Dave or is it just comments you hear but are unable to identify who said what? Would be good if supporters could self-police on this one. Away games are a bit of a different matter though. Anyone remember the Coventry stuff that happened when SBR was manager? (think it was in 1999) From what I remember reading about it, it was bang out of order and I'm not sure if those guilty of chanting 'A town full or Paki's' were ever caught. Brought shame to the rest of us good supporters.

Benwell lad. It'll be the same as the action taken after those derby 'pitch invasions'. Nout will happen.

Obviously, the subject of racism is back in the news in recent days and weeks -the student from Jesmond who was arrested for tweeting abuse to Collymore, and this latest 'mackem' who has been lifted for aiming racist abuse at NUFC via Twitter. At the age of almost 39, I remember the dark days of the 1980's when racism was still rife at St James'. I remember the skinheads from the National Front trying to shift their rubbish outside the Gallowgate on matchdays (my old man kept me away from them!) I also remember the likes of Watford's John Barnes and Bobby Barnes from West Ham being on the recieving end of monkey noises, etc. As a kid of 11 or 12 at the time I didn't really understand the issues involved and I'd like to think that I don't remember joining in with those around me. However, life at St James has changed from those days and much of that is down to the likes of Andy Cole and Les Ferdinand who blazed a trail for black players to become heroes and thus doing much to shift racist abuse from the ground. I don't doubt that it still goes on from a few individuals and I would encourage anyone who hears such filth inside the ground to shop the perpatrators to the nearest steward. The North East on a whole has become more diverse, but there is still a problem in areas and this isn't helped by the likes of the BNP targeting the likes of Fenham and Elswick when it comes to trying to win seats at election time. Am I right in thinking there is also a BNP presence in Sunderland? Show Racism the Red Card has done much fantastic work over the years to try and enlighten people and dis-spell ignorance. More needs to be done and by that I mean people taking responsibilty not only for their own actions, but dealing with the unacceptable actions of others. Any thoughts lads and lasses?

Can anyone offer some insight into what this mackem said? Just curious - particularly if this lad has 'form'.

Great news. Wish the lad well.

Just been on Radio Newcastle - Mick Lowes has said this link is NOT true. The lad is not under consideration at present.

Great news if the lad signs.

Aren't the ticket price in non-league football dicated by the league which they play in? Think it's about £10-12 to watch Blyth in the Conference North. Am sure there is a minimum price they have to charge. Looks very much like Darlo are headed to the wall. Sad times.

He was supposed to be up here for the game (according to .com I think)

I'd go with that - he held up the ball when needed and put himself about, providing a good foil for Best. Perhaps his lethargy towards the end was down to carrying a knock? He certainly wasn't as bad as some are making out on here.

Nearly as bad as when Sky had Souness as a pundit on one of our games, mere days/weeks after he was sacked. Am sure they also did something similar with Allardyce.

I used to like him as a commentator when he did Football Italia on C4, but today he was ridiculously biased towards QPR. Poor effort from Sky in getting him to do the game.

I thought Shola did OK - perhaps he is carrying a knock again. Poor game, but a vital win that keeps the momentum from the Man United game going. We were far too direct for the first 20mins, which is why we made QPR look like feckin Brazil. We look a much better side when we get the ball down and play it. Bizarre starting tactics from Pardew. I thought Guthrie, Colo and Santon did well and Best's finish was quality. Only hope Cabaye isn't out for too long and yes, Wilkins was very biased today. Not good from Sky.