And the irony of it all was the FA moved OUR game to a Friday because the Premiership fixture Sunderland v Wigan was seen to be "more high profile"!
SJP was electric as Newcastle put in a five star performance, and Peter Løvenkrands says the new players left the field "gobsmacked" by the atmosphere.
Peter Løvenkrands: “We’ve been waiting for a performance like that and the boys were outstanding, to be three goals up so early in the game against a team like Cardiff shows we did really well.
“They are promotion contenders as well and we have sent out a message to everyone else in the division, I’m sure.
“There was a real buzz about the place and the new boys have got a taste of what this place can be like when it’s really rocking.
“I’m sure they’ve enjoyed it – and they are looking forward to staying here.”