Darren Ambrose: "We knew we could give Newcastle a game, but their quality showed through.
"They scored two goals in 20 minutes, and that killed us off.
"You can't give a team like Newcastle a two-goal head start. You give yourself so much to do. We created some chances, and could have scored one or two, but it wasn't to be.
"Credit to the lads, we came out fighting in the second half, but you can't give a team like Newcastle a two-goal head start, if you do, you're not going to win.
"Newcastle showed their quality, and they should get promoted automatically.
"They played like a Premier League side. They didn't rush, they weren't too physical, and they were relaxed on the ball.
"It's all changed, really. Shola's obviously still there, as is Steven Taylor. It would be good to see him stay there – he's Newcastle through and through.
"I'd have liked to put one past Steve Harper, but it wasn't to be!
"Hopefully we can come up to St James's Park and put in a good performance."