Buzzin Championship Football

Newcastle close in on promotion

Newcastle United moved even closer to fulfilling their dream ambition of returning to the Premier League after just one season away, following a hard fought victory over Nottingham Forest last night.

Promotion could be confirmed as early as this coming weekend if results go in favour of the Magpies and they beat Peterborough and Forest lose to Bristol City.

Nottingham Forest’s purple patch now seems a distant memory, despite the team putting up another brave and gutsy performance at St James’ Park they once again ended the game with nothing to show for their endeavours, stretching their run of away defeats to seven.

Newcastle remain unbeaten at home this season and had the better of the chances in the first half, but amazingly the game remained goalless up until the 71st minute, when substitute Shola Ameobi grabbed the opening goal.

Jose Enrique added the second very late in the game after everyone and his dog had chances for Newcastle to seal the win, but Lee Camp in the Forest goal was superb at keeping them at bay until Enrique popped in the first goal of his career.

It was a close game and Billy Davies will take heart from his teams performance, but I can’t really see them winning an automatic promotion place now and they may have to settle for the play offs, where they already lead the pack.

Newcastle have got stuck in from day one in the Championship and have been favourites for the title all season. I have to say it will be no more than they deserve if they grab promotion this weekend, if not, it is only a question of time.