Newcastle lost a chance to push for a top six finish on Sunday when they went down 1-0 to Wigan in what has to be a very disappointing result for Newcastle fans.

While it’s always been an up and down existence as a Newcastle supporter this defeat at Wigan was unexpected after the heroics of the Liverpool win - and 5,000 travelling fans went back to the North East disappointed.

But Newcastle are not yet a top side and their performances this season are certainly not consistent enough.
They had a good first half against Wigan - and should have done enough to win the game in the first 30 minutes when – of all people – Nobby Solano missed a penalty. Nobby has such a cultured right foot that it’s difficult to even envisage him ever missing a penalty.

But all credit to 37 year old veteran goalkeeper John Filan who made a wonderful save low to his right. In fact Filan made about four great saves to keep Wigan in the fight which was eventually won with an excellent free kick from Ryan Taylor on 40 minutes.
Newcastle have been weak this season against set pieces and in this case there were questions against Shay Given - who seemed to get nowhere near the shot.

From Wigan’s point of view it was a great result and certainly the Wigan players have always given 100% for Paul Jewell and the team. They are now six points from the drop (seven if you count goal difference) and look like they may be able to survive their second season in the Premiership.

From Newcastle’s viewpoint the game against Middlesbrough on Saturday cannot come quickly enough. Expect N’Zogbia and Milner to be on the wings (Damien Duff had another disappointing game) with Dyer back up front with Martins - and Nobby Solano back at right back – which is probably his best position now and in the next few years.

Also expect a better performance and three points from the Geordies.