LILY

Newcastle United were playing at home today against Brentford.  I caught the bus a bit earlier as I had heard there were traffic problems in and around Newcastle due to a protest. It was a " go slow " protest about fuel costs and a farmer was planning on driving a tractor slowly into Newcastle, around Newcastle and out again ...and he was due to be joined by other farmers with tractors,, lorries, cars and people on foot. I think the protest was more or less over when I was travelling but there was obviously still some disruption as my bus drove into Newcastle by a completely different route to the usual one.

The atmosphere at the footie ground was noisy and enthusiastic.  Over 52,000 fans willing Newcastle to play well and win the game.  At times Newcastle did play well.  There were good performances from Joelinton, Shelvey and Ritchie. Newcastle were on the attack more than they usually are.  However defensively they were poor.  Newcastle scored after 10 mins buit then they let Brentfotrd get a goal on 11 mins.  Brentford scored the next goal  - and then Newcasle got their second. Then in the second half there was an own goal from Newcastle.  So the score was Newcastle 2 Brentford 3.  But Newcastle didn't give up and they kept up the pressure until they were rewarded with a goal on 75 mins.  Try as they might they couldn't get a winning goal so the match ended in a 3 - 3 draw.  Even though Newcastle still havent had a win this season there were definitely some positives to take from this match.  You can see where the new manager is making improvements and motivating players.  Its still early days for him so hopefully the team will continue to get better. 

After the match I did some shopping in Waitrose.  TV this evening.  Caught up with Shetland and watched Strictly.

None of my footie pics were worth posting as a main blip so here you have one of the lilies in the bouquet I got last week,  I put them in the small downstairs toilet which isn't heated so they are still very fresh. Ive added a footie shot as an Extra.... the flags in the Gallowgate end.

Steps today - 9,245