SOUTHEND 0 NEWCASTLE UTD 2
Darlow; Janmaat (Sterry 63), Mbemba (Hanley 63), Lascelles, Dummett; Hayden (Colback 63), Shelvey (Saivet 73); Anita (Thauvin 78), Perez (Mitrovic 73), Aarons (Gouffran 63); Gayle (Armstrong 63). Sub not used: Sels.
Goals: Anita 47, Gouffran 78. Att: 6,570 (1,012 away)
Benitez’s side beat Southend United 2-0 at Roots Hall with Vurnon Anita and Yoan Gouffran were on target against Phil Brown’s side.
And United manager Benitez felt it was a “solid performance” from his team, which is unbeaten so far in pre-season.
The club wraps up its pre-season campaign with a home game against Vitesse Arnhem on Saturday.
“It was a solid performance,” said Benitez.
“We needed to do the job.
“The first half, they were a little bit better physically, but little by little we were controlling the game and we were just trying to play counter-attack.
“As soon as we scored the first goal, it was clear that they needed to take more risks and we could manage it a bit better.
“We have to improve. It was a solid performance – the team was fine – but still we have to improve and hopefully we can adjust two or three things in one week and we will be a little bit better.”
Benitez is close to finalising his starting XI for the club’s visit to Craven Cottage on August 5.
Asked about his team selection for the Fulham game, he said: “We will see.
“We gave 60 minutes to the majority of the players and we will try to do similar things on Saturday.”
Vurnon Anita’s cracking strike set up the Magpies at a humid Roots Hall.
Anita, playing on the right side of midfield, intercepted a loose ball 20 yards from goal and lashed a fierce shot into the far corner of the net.
Yoan Gouffran slammed home a late second goal in a game which saw Grant Hanley, signed from Blackburn last week, make his first appearance for the Tynesiders as a second-half sub.
Newcastle were physically tested by a direct Southend side, who attempted to play counter-attacking football, with Benitez pleased by his side’s performance.
Anita, eager to claim a starting spot for the Magpies’ Championship opener at Fulham a week on Friday, said: “It’s good for the team to have won, although there are still things we have to improve.
“It was nice to play in that position, and nice to score the goal. I saw the chance was available, and thankfully I took it. I was a bit more advanced down the right-hand side than usual, but it was nice to be able to show that I can play in that role.”
Benitez fielded Anita on the right in the absence through injury of summer signing Matt Ritchie. Asked about Anita’s strike, he said: “I’m really pleased. We were talking about pressing, and we regained (the ball) and he scored.
“It was good, and after a good goal from Gouffran.
“It was also good for the team. It was another clean sheet. We conceded maybe one or two chances, not too many. Again, I would say in the Championship you have to concede even less.”
Newcastle now wrap up their pre-season campaign with a home game against Vitesse Arnhem on Saturday.
On last night, Benitez said: “It was a solid performance. We needed to do the job. The first half, they were a little bit better physically, but little by little we were controlling the game and we were just trying to play counter-attack.
“As soon as we scored the first goal, it was clear that they needed to take more risks and we could manage it a bit better.
“We have to improve. It was a solid performance – the team was fine – but still we have to improve and hopefully we can adjust two or three things in one week and we will be a little bit better. We gave 60 minutes to the majority of the players and we will try to do similar things on Saturday.”
FULHAM
WHAT IS CRAVEN COTTAGE LIKE?
On one side of the ground is the Stevenage Road Stand which has recently been renamed the Johnny Haynes Stand after the former Fulham great. It previously had terracing at the front, but this has now been made all seated. The stand was originally designed by Archibald Leitch (who designed a number of football grounds and stands in the early part of the 20th century) and was opened in 1905. Considering its age, it can be forgiven for having a number of supporting pillars and old wooden seating in its upper tier. It does though have a fine classic looking gable on its roof; labelled Fulham Football Club.
Opposite is the aptly named Riverside Stand. which sits on the banks of the River Thames. This all seated, covered stand was opened in 1972. It was slightly raised above pitch level, but at the beginning of the 2007/08 season additional rows of seating were installed at the front of it, bringing it down to the pitch side. It also has a row of executive boxes running across the back of it and also houses a television gantry. There are a couple of small windshields to either side, plus it has a couple of supporting pillars. Overlooking the ground from one corner, between the Johnny Haynes Stand and Putney End, is the unique Pavilion building, which many fans refer to as 'the Cottage' (although this is technically incorrect as the original cottage after which the ground is named, was demolished many years ago). This looks somewhat misplaced being more reminiscent of a small cricket pavilion, rather than something found at a football ground, but it does add to the overall character.
Both ends which were previously terraced have now been replaced by two new large all seated, covered stands, that look fairly similar in design. They both though have some supporting pillars which is disappointing. The Hammersmith End has one large pillar towards the front and middle of the stand, whilst opposite the Putney End has a row of pillars running across the stand, about a third of the way down it. Attached to these stands in three corners of the ground are some three storey structures that are used to house corporate executive boxes. An unusual feature is that the teams enter the field from one corner of the ground, by the Cottage and then make their way up onto the pitch as it is raised. The only disappointment is that the fabulous old floodlights that the ground previously had, have been removed and replaced by a nondescript modern set. There is a small electric scoreboard situated above the Putney End. Outside the stadium alongside Stevenage Road is the Johnny Haynes Statue.
DIRECTIONS AND CAR PARKING
From the North M1
At the end of the M1, turn right (west) onto the A406 (North Circular) and follow it towards Harrow for nearly 4.5 miles. Turn left (east) onto the A40 heading into London (passing close to Loftus Road and after a little over 4 miles turn right (west) onto the A402 for just about 350 yards. Here you turn left (south) along the A219 for a little over half a mile. This brings you into Hammersmith where you turn right onto the A315 and then after just 130 yards or so turn left (south) back onto the A219. Follow this road for a little over a mile, and the ground down the side streets off to your right.
From The North M40 & West M25
Leave the M25 at Junction 15 and take the M4, which then becomes the A4, towards Central London. After around two miles branch off left into Hammersmith Broadway (before the flyover). Go around the ring road around central Hammersmith, keeping to the right. Then take the A219 Fulham Palace Road. Keep straight on this road, passing Charing Cross Hospital on your left. After about another half a mile, take one of the right hand turns for the ground. If you pass the Fulham Palace Garden Centre on your right, then you have gone too far.
From the South M25
Leave the M25 at Junction 10 and take the A3 towards Central London. After around eight miles, leave the A3 at the turn off for the A219. Take the A219 towards Putney. Continue straight on this road, down Putney High Street and across Putney Bridge. You will see the ground on your left.
Car Parking
Parking close to the ground can be quite difficult as Jim Huegett informs me; 'please note that parking on the streets near to the ground is restricted to one hour 'pay & display' on matchdays. This isn't obvious from the parking meters and signage and the wardens are out in force on match day'. To compound matters these restrictions are also in place for Bank Holidays, Sundays and evenings up to 9.30pm, so it will be a case of finding some parking further away from the stadium.
Thanks to Robert Donaldson, a visiting Stockport County fan, for providing the directions.
Post Code for SAT NAV: SW6 6HH
BY TRAIN/LONDON UNDERGROUND
The nearest London Underground station is Putney Bridge, which is on the District Line. The ground is about a fifteen minute walk. Turn left out of the station and then immediately turn right into a street called Ranelagh Gardens. As the road bends around to the right you will see the Eight Bells pub on your right. Turn left after the pub to take you up to the main road by Putney Bridge. Cross over to the other side of the main road and proceed up to the bridge and then on reaching the bridge turn right to enter into Bishops Park alongside the Thames. Just proceed through the park (keeping the Thames on your left) and you will reach the ground ahead.
An alternative route by tube, is to get the Piccadilly Line to Hammersmith from Central London or Heathrow. It is then around a 20 minute walk to the ground, going straight down Fulham Palace Road (passing Charing Cross Hospital). Further on you can then turn right into Crabtree Lane (for the pub of the same name) or carry on and turn right into Harbord Street for Craven Cottage.
Tony Baker adds; 'Those wishing to avoid the Tube can use the Putney National Rail station, which can be reached from Waterloo and Clapham Junction. Its about a 15 or 20 minute walk to the ground. Turn right upon leaving the station, and keep going straight, down Putney High Street and over Putney Bridge. You will meet the crowds from the Tube station here. Follow them along the river bank through Bishops Park and to the ground'.
SOUTHEND UTD 0 NEWCASTLE 2 (Anita, Gouffran)
Darlow; Janmaat (Sterry 63), Mbemba (Hanley 63), Lascelles, Dummett; Hayden (Colback 63), Shelvey (Saivet 73); Anita (Thauvin 78), Perez (Mitrovic 73), Aarons (Gouffran 63); Gayle (Armstrong 63).
Sub not used: Sels.
SPORTING LOKEREN 0 NEWCASTLE 4 (Perez 2, Perez, Janmaat, Shelvey)
Sels (Darlow 72); Sterry (Gouffran 63), Mbemba (Saivet 72), Lascelles (Dummett 63), Anita (Gamez 46); Hayden (Shelvey 46), Colback (Tiote 72); Janmaat, Perez (Mitrovic 46), Aarons (Thauvin 63), Gayle (Armstrong 63).
Subs not used: None.
DONCASTER ROVERS 2 NEWCASTLE UTD 2 (Hayden, Perez)
Sels, Janmaat (Sterry, 45), Mbemba (Saivet, 65), Lascelles (Dummett, 45), Colback (Hayden, 45), Anita (Gamez, 45), Ritchie (Gouffran, 45), Aarons (Perez, 45), Shelvey (Wijnaldum, 79), Mitrovic (Gayle, 45), Armstrong (Thauvin, 60).
BOHEMIANS 0 NEWCASTLE 6 (Ritchie, Mitrovic, Gayle, Thauvin, Aarons, Wijnaldum)
Sels, Anita, Lascelles, Mbemba, Sterry, Aarons, Colback, Gouffran, Ritchie, Saivet, Mitrovic.
Subs: Darlow, Gamez, Dummett, Wijnaldum, Shelvey, Hayden, Perez, Gayle, Janmaat, Tiote, Thauvin.