Britannia Stadium
Barclays Premier League
(Attendance: 26,564)
Ba (40)
Ba (81)
Stoke 1 Newcastle 3
By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter
At the Britannia Stadium
Stoke City 1 (Walters 75)
Newcastle United 3 (Ba 12, 40, 81)
Demba Ba struck a Halloween hat-trick to inflict Stoke City's first home league defeat of the season - and three was the magic number as the Senegal star's treble lifted Newcastle to third in the Barclays Premier League.
It was Ba's second three-goal haul of the season and came as he headed home Gabriel Obertan's floated delivery then tapped home from Leon Best's shot-cum-cross on the stroke of half-time.
Jonathan Walters pulled one back from the spot but Ba scored a penalty of his own moments later to make it eight goals for the season - each of them coming in his last five league games.
Alan Pardew made one change from the team which beat Wigan nine days earlier, with Cheik Tiote's knee injury seeing him replaced by Danny Guthrie.
In a positive start, United forced two early corners and from the second, Yohan Cabaye's delivery was half-cleared to Ryan Taylor a good 30 yards out. The left-back went for an ambitious volley from 25 yards and it whistled just wide.
Then on 12 minutes, having soaked up everything Stoke - and Rory Delap in particular - had to throw at them in the opening exchanges, the Magpies took the lead.
Guthrie's pass found Obertan racing down the right and his cross was perfect for Ba to head home and the striker - who almost joined Stoke last season - was only denied a second when he capitalised on a slip from Ryan Shawcross but Asmir Begovic was quickly off his line to smother.
That was Shawcross' last action as the Potters captain was replaced by Matthew Upson on 19 minutes and the England international met a Delap long throw four minutes later, but headed well off target.
At the other end, a glorious Cabaye ball so nearly released Ba, who was playing on the shoulder of the Stoke defence, but Begovic sprinted out of his box to sweep up.
In the 35th minute, another long throw was headed out by Leon Best but Matthew Etherington was lurking on the edge of the box. His half-volley was well struck, but Krul was in the right place to save.
With five minutes left of the half remaining, Fabricio Coloccini's chipped pass was brought down by Best and drilled across goal, where Ba was waiting to slot home.
Best came close with a shot from range in first-half stoppage time, by which time Pulis had brought on Robert Huth for Marc Wilson.
The big German's arrival added further to Stoke's aerial threat and he headed over from an Etherington corner, then almost forced home from a Delap throw at the start of the second half.
Upson then headed wide at the far post from another Etherington flag-kick as Pulis' side - who had come out early at the interval, presumably after a rollicking from their manager - looked for a way back into the game.
And on 74 minutes, the home side were handed a lifeline as referee Mike Dean pointed to the spot. Glen Whelan's cross caused was met by Delap and although Coloccini headed his effort away from the line, the ensuing high hall caused havoc and Ba was adjudged to have pushed the giant Peter Crouch in the box.
Walters hammered the ball into the net from 12 yards to half the defecit and Pardew responded by bringing on James Perch for Cabaye, with the former Nottingham Forest man playing in a defensive midfield role.
But United were awarded a penalty of their own soon afterwards when Best was shoved as he challenged for Ryan Taylor's long throw.
Up stepped Ba to continue his fine run in front of goal. Seconds later, Obertan flashed a shot inches wide of the far post but, despite five minutes of stoppage time, it was Newcastle who ruled at the Britannia.
Stoke City (4-4-2): Asmir Begovic; Andy Wilkinson, Ryan Shawcross (c) (Matthew Upson 19), Jonathan Woodgate, Marc Wilson (Robert Huth 42); Jermaine Pennant, Rory Delap, Glenn Whelan, Matthew Etherington (Kenwyne Jones 68); Jonathan Walters, Peter Crouch
Subs not used: Thomas Sorensen, Dean Whitehead, Cameron Jerome, Wilson Palacios
Newcastle United (4-4-2): Tim Krul; Danny Simpson, Steven Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini (c), Ryan Taylor; Gabriel Obertan, Danny Guthrie (Dan Gosling 90), Yohan Cabaye (James Perch 78), Jonas Gutierrez; Leon Best (Sammy Ameobi 87), Demba Ba
Subs not used: Rob Elliot, Davide Santon, Sylvain Marveaux, Hatem Ben Arfa
Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 26,564
Foul by Jonathan Walters(Stoke) on Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Foul by James Perch(Newcastle) on Glenn Whelan(Stoke). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Glenn Whelan(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke).
Defending throw-in by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shot by Peter Crouch(Stoke) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed right.
Shot by Robert Huth(Stoke) volleyed left-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Demba Ba(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Rory Delap(Stoke).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Newcastle substitution: Danny Guthrie replaced by Dan Gosling (tactical).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Robert Huth(Stoke) on Tim Krul(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Rory Delap(Stoke).
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Newcastle substitution: Leon Best replaced by Sammy Ameobi (tactical).
Kenwyne Jones(Stoke) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Leon Best(Newcastle) on Robert Huth(Stoke). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Asmir Begovic(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Asmir Begovic(Stoke).
Shot by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle) right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), missed left.
Assist by Leon Best(Newcastle) from centre of penalty area.
Foul by Robert Huth(Stoke) on Leon Best(Newcastle). Placed penalty taken right-footed by Demba Ba(Newcastle) (bottom-left of goal), scored.Stoke 1-3 Newcastle.
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by James Perch(Newcastle) on Glenn Whelan(Stoke). James Perch(Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jonathan Woodgate(Stoke) from own half, passed.
Defending throw-in by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke).
Newcastle substitution: Yohan Cabaye replaced by James Perch (tactical).
Defending throw-in by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke).
Cross by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Asmir Begovic(Stoke).
Defending throw-in by Jonathan Walters(Stoke).
Assist by Peter Crouch(Stoke) from centre of penalty area.
Foul by Demba Ba(Newcastle) on Peter Crouch(Stoke). Power penalty taken right-footed by Jonathan Walters(Stoke) (high centre of goal), scored.Stoke 1-2 Newcastle.
Shot by Matthew Upson(Stoke) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Steven Taylor(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Rory Delap(Stoke).
Foul by Jonathan Walters(Stoke) on Danny Simpson(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Steven Taylor(Newcastle) from own half, passed.
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Demba Ba(Newcastle) on Jermaine Pennant(Stoke). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Asmir Begovic(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Foul by Leon Best(Newcastle) on Matthew Upson(Stoke). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Asmir Begovic(Stoke) from own half, passed.
Danny Simpson(Newcastle) caught offside. Stoke substitution: Matthew Etherington replaced by Kenwyne Jones (tactical). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Asmir Begovic(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Foul by Leon Best(Newcastle) on Andy Wilkinson(Stoke). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Asmir Begovic(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play.
Cross by Matthew Etherington(Stoke), resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Glenn Whelan(Stoke).
Foul by Robert Huth(Stoke) on Ryan Taylor(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Rory Delap(Stoke).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Jermaine Pennant(Stoke) to far post, header by Matthew Upson(Stoke) from centre of penalty area (6 yards), missed right.
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Jermaine Pennant(Stoke) to centre, clearance by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Foul by Leon Best(Newcastle) on Andy Wilkinson(Stoke). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Matthew Upson(Stoke) from own half, passed.
Defending throw-in by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Foul by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) on Jermaine Pennant(Stoke). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Asmir Begovic(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Rory Delap(Stoke).
Attacking throw-in by Rory Delap(Stoke).
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Asmir Begovic(Stoke).
Peter Crouch(Stoke) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Matthew Etherington(Stoke) to far post, header by Peter Crouch(Stoke) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards), missed left.
Foul by Steven Taylor(Newcastle) on Peter Crouch(Stoke). Free kick crossed left-footed by Matthew Etherington(Stoke) from left channel, clearance by Steven Taylor(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Matthew Etherington(Stoke) to centre, header by Robert Huth(Stoke) from centre of penalty area (6 yards), over the bar.
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Robert Huth(Stoke) on Demba Ba(Newcastle). Free kick taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from left wing (35+ yards), save (caught) by Asmir Begovic(Stoke).
Attacking throw-in by Rory Delap(Stoke).
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Rory Delap(Stoke).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Robert Huth(Stoke).
Foul by Leon Best(Newcastle) on Matthew Upson(Stoke). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Asmir Begovic(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke).
Defending throw-in by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke).
Goal kick taken long by Asmir Begovic(Stoke).
Shot by Leon Best(Newcastle) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), missed right.
Attacking throw-in by Rory Delap(Stoke).
Attacking throw-in by Robert Huth(Stoke).
Defending throw-in by Robert Huth(Stoke).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Foul by Jonathan Walters(Stoke) on Ryan Taylor(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Leon Best(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Asmir Begovic(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Foul by Jermaine Pennant(Stoke) on Ryan Taylor(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Stoke substitution: Marc Wilson replaced by Robert Huth (injury). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Matthew Etherington(Stoke) to centre, header by Matthew Upson(Stoke) from centre of penalty area (6 yards), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by Leon Best(Newcastle), goal by Demba Ba(Newcastle) left-footed (bottom-left of goal) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards).Stoke 0-2 Newcastle. Assist (cross) by Leon Best(Newcastle) from right side of penalty area.
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Foul by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) on Glenn Whelan(Stoke). Free kick crossed left-footed by Matthew Etherington(Stoke) from left channel, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Rory Delap(Stoke).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Cross by Jermaine Pennant(Stoke), resulting in ball out of play.
Attacking throw-in by Marc Wilson(Stoke).
Shot by Matthew Etherington(Stoke) volleyed left-footed from left channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Rory Delap(Stoke).
Cross by Matthew Etherington(Stoke), clearance by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Cross by Danny Simpson(Newcastle), clearance by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke).
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Jermaine Pennant(Stoke) to near post, clearance by Steven Taylor(Newcastle).
Cross by Glenn Whelan(Stoke), save (fumbled) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Rory Delap(Stoke).
Attacking throw-in by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke).
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Matthew Etherington(Stoke) to far post, comfortable save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Rory Delap(Stoke).
Cross by Jermaine Pennant(Stoke), resulting in open play.
Foul by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) on Andy Wilkinson(Stoke). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke) from right channel, passed.
Defending throw-in by Marc Wilson(Stoke).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Header by Matthew Upson(Stoke) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed right.
Attacking throw-in by Rory Delap(Stoke).
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke).
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Asmir Begovic(Stoke).
Stoke substitution: Ryan Shawcross replaced by Matthew Upson (injury).
Attacking throw-in by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Rory Delap(Stoke).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Matthew Etherington(Stoke) to near post, header by Jonathan Walters(Stoke) from right side of penalty area (12 yards), missed left.
Headed goal by Demba Ba(Newcastle) (top-right of goal) from centre of penalty area (6 yards).Stoke 0-1 Newcastle. Assist (cross) by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle) from right wing.
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) on Andy Wilkinson(Stoke). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jonathan Woodgate(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Marc Wilson(Stoke).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Cross by Jermaine Pennant(Stoke), clearance by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke).
Defending throw-in by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke).
Defending throw-in by Marc Wilson(Stoke).
Attacking throw-in by Rory Delap(Stoke).
Goal kick taken long by Asmir Begovic(Stoke).
Shot by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), missed right.
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) to centre, resulting in open play.
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) to centre, clearance by Peter Crouch(Stoke).