Sports Direct Arena
Barclays Premier League
(Attendance: 49,865)
Newcastle United 1 QPR 0
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
At the Sports Direct Arena
Newcastle United 1 (Best 37)
Queens Park Rangers 0
A first half Leon Best strike maintained Newcastle's 100 per cent record in 2012, as they recorded a 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers at the Sports Direct Arena.
With half-time approaching, the front man turned neatly and applied a superb finish to break the deadlock in a match where United found themselves on the back foot for large parts.
Rangers created plenty of chances - particularly in the first half - but were unable to turn their dominance into goals in Mark Hughes' first game in charge.
The visitors applied some early pressure and top scorer Heidar Helguson tested Tim Krul inside the opening minute with a 20-yard drive, while Akos Buzsaky also stung the palms of the Dutch stopper from distance.
Rangers were well on top and came closest when Shaun Wright-Phillips latched onto a poor clearance on the edge of the box and fired in a shot which had Krul beaten, but clipped the top of the bar on its way over.
And Newcastle were dealt a huge blow in the 20th minute. Yohan Cabaye was caught late by Shaun Derry in the middle of the park, earning the R's man a yellow card, and Cabaye was unable to continue - stretchered off with what looked like an ankle injury.
Hatem Ben Arfa was introduced in his place, and took up a spot on the right wing, with Ryan Taylor moving inside.
But QPR continued to press and on the half hour mark Jay Bothroyd picked his spot from just ouside the area, and curled an effort inches wide of the far post.
It took 34 minutes for the Magpies to threaten. A neat passing move found Taylor in space 25 yards out, and the former Wigan man saw a fine strike tipped away for a corner by keeper Paddy Kenny.
That seemd to finally spark the hosts into life, and seconds later Ben Arfa fired high and wide from a similar position.
And they broke the deadlock in the 37th minute thanks to Best's fourth goal of the season. A long ball up to Shola Ameobi was chested down into the path of Taylor, and when it reached Best he turned Luke Young inside out before slotting home into the far corner.
The second half started in exactly the same way as the first did - with Krul having to get down well to deny the visitors, this time Wright-Phillips. Minutes later they had another opportunity as Helguson headed into the path of Jay Bothroyd, but the striker failed to hit the target.
On 53 minutes, Bothroyd did much better - racing on to Jamie Mackie's through ball before firing towards the near post, but Krul was alert to parry to safety.
As the clock ticked past the hour, Newcastle had a huge penalty shout when Best's header appeared to strike the arm of Buzsaky as the R's man tried to control with his chest. But referee Chris Foy was having none of it, much to the anger of manager Alan Pardew and his coaching staff.
By this stage clear cut chances were few and far between, but United got the chance to double their advantage in the 69th minute. QPR keeper Kenny came racing out of his box to clear a ball for a throw-in, which Ben Arfa took quickly.
Jonas Gutierrez received the ball, and with the stopper still racing back to his line, turned and lobbed an effort instantly goalwards. However, thankfully for the away side, Danny Gabbidon was on hand to head clear.
Rangers threw everything they had at United in the closing stages, but the home defence held firm for yet another clean sheet, and three points which lifted them up to sixth place in the Premier League.
Newcastle United (4-4-2): Tim Krul; Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini (c), Davide Santon; Ryan Taylor (Dan Gosling 82), Danny Guthrie, Yohan Cabaye (Hatem Ben Arfa 25), Jonas Gutierrez; Shola Ameobi, Leon Best (James Perch 77)
Subs not used: Rob Elliot, Shane Ferguson, Mehdi Abeid, Gabriel Obertan
Queens Park Rangers (4-4-2): Paddy Kenny; Luke Young, Danny Gabbidon, Anton Ferdinand (c), Clint Hill; Jamie Mackie, Shaun Derry, Akos Buzsaky (Federico Macheda 76), Shaun Wright-Phillips; Heidar Helguson (Tommy Smith 65), Jay Bothroyd
Subs not used: Radek Cerny, Bradley Orr, Fitz Hall, Hogan Ephraim, DJ Campbell
Referee: Chris Foy (Lancashire)
Attendance: 49,865 (1,300 QPR)
Foul by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) on Clint Hill(QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Patrick Kenny(QPR) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Patrick Kenny(QPR).
Federico Macheda(QPR) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Tommy Smith(QPR) on Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Foul by Jamie Mackie(QPR) on Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Luke Young(QPR).
Foul by James Perch(Newcastle) on Tommy Smith(QPR). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Clint Hill(QPR) from left wing, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Luke Young(QPR).
Foul by Federico Macheda(QPR) on Danny Guthrie(Newcastle). Federico Macheda(QPR) booked for unsporting behaviour. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Danny Guthrie(Newcastle) from left channel, resulting in open play.
Newcastle substitution: Ryan Taylor replaced by Dan Gosling (tactical).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Cross by Federico Macheda(QPR), comfortable save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Handball by Federico Macheda(QPR). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Luke Young(QPR).
Newcastle substitution: Leon Best replaced by James Perch (tactical).
QPR substitution: Akos Buzsaky replaced by Federico Macheda (tactical).
Cross by Davide Santon(Newcastle), clearance by Daniel Gabbidon(QPR).
Cross by Leon Best(Newcastle), clearance by Anton Ferdinand(QPR).
Cross by Leon Best(Newcastle), clearance by Daniel Gabbidon(QPR).
Shot by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) curled left-footed from right channel (25 yards), clearance by Daniel Gabbidon(QPR).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Shot by Danny Guthrie(Newcastle) drilled right-footed from right channel (20 yards), blocked by Daniel Gabbidon(QPR).
Cross by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle), clearance by Anton Ferdinand(QPR).
Cross by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle), clearance by Daniel Gabbidon(QPR).
Defending throw-in by Clint Hill(QPR).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Patrick Kenny(QPR).
Cross by Luke Young(QPR), clearance by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Patrick Kenny(QPR).
QPR substitution: Heidar Helguson replaced by Tommy Smith (tactical).
Cross by Davide Santon(Newcastle), resulting in ball out of play.
Cross by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle), header by Danny Simpson(Newcastle) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), resulting in open play.
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Akos Buzsaky(QPR) to near post, clearance by Leon Best(Newcastle).
Shot by Jamie Mackie(QPR) drilled left-footed from right channel (20 yards), blocked by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle).
Shot by Jamie Mackie(QPR) drilled left-footed from right channel (20 yards), over the bar.
Shot by Shaun Derry(QPR) drilled right-footed from right channel (25 yards), blocked by Danny Guthrie(Newcastle).
Cross by Akos Buzsaky(QPR), clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Clint Hill(QPR).
Shaun Wright-Phillips(QPR) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) to near post, clearance by Heidar Helguson(QPR).
Shot by Davide Santon(Newcastle) drilled right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Clint Hill(QPR).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Akos Buzsaky(QPR) to near post, comfortable save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shot by Jay Bothroyd(QPR) drilled left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), brilliant save (parried) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shaun Wright-Phillips(QPR) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shot by Jay Bothroyd(QPR) drilled right-footed from right channel (18 yards), over the bar.
Cross by Clint Hill(QPR), resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Patrick Kenny(QPR).
Weak shot by Danny Simpson(Newcastle) drilled right-footed from right channel (18 yards), missed left.
Cross by Davide Santon(Newcastle), clearance by Clint Hill(QPR).
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Cross by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle), comfortable save (caught) by Patrick Kenny(QPR).
Foul by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) on Heidar Helguson(QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Luke Young(QPR) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Shot by Shaun Wright-Phillips(QPR) drilled right-footed from right channel (25 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Shola Ameobi(Newcastle) on Anton Ferdinand(QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Patrick Kenny(QPR) from own half, resulting in open play.
Cross by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle), save (caught) by Patrick Kenny(QPR).
Attacking throw-in by Luke Young(QPR).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Cross by Danny Simpson(Newcastle), clearance by Anton Ferdinand(QPR).
Cross by Danny Simpson(Newcastle), resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Patrick Kenny(QPR).
Cross by Jamie Mackie(QPR), resulting in ball out of play. Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Shot by Jamie Mackie(QPR) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle). Shot by Jamie Mackie(QPR) volleyed right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by Shaun Wright-Phillips(QPR), clearance by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle).
Cross by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle), clearance by Luke Young(QPR). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) to far post, clearance by Anton Ferdinand(QPR).
Cross by Leon Best(Newcastle), save (caught) by Patrick Kenny(QPR).
Foul by Jay Bothroyd(QPR) on Davide Santon(Newcastle). Jay Bothroyd(QPR) booked for unsporting behaviour. Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Goal by Leon Best(Newcastle) right-footed (bottom-right of goal) from centre of penalty area (12 yards).Newcastle 1-0 QPR. Assist (pass) by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from left channel.
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Luke Young(QPR).
Shot by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) drilled left-footed from left channel (30 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Patrick Kenny(QPR).
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Cross by Danny Guthrie(Newcastle), clearance by Daniel Gabbidon(QPR).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Shot by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) curled right-footed from right channel (25 yards), save (tipped round post) by Patrick Kenny(QPR). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) to near post, clearance by Heidar Helguson(QPR).
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Foul by Clint Hill(QPR) on Danny Simpson(Newcastle). Clint Hill(QPR) booked for unsporting behaviour. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from right wing, passed. Cross by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle), save (punched) by Patrick Kenny(QPR).
Shot by Jay Bothroyd(QPR) curled right-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Shaun Wright-Phillips(QPR) on Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle). Free kick crossed right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from right wing, clearance by Heidar Helguson(QPR). Leon Best(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Patrick Kenny(QPR) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Daniel Gabbidon(QPR) on Shola Ameobi(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from right wing, header by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Patrick Kenny(QPR).
Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Foul by Shaun Derry(QPR) on Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle). Free kick crossed right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from left channel, clearance by Clint Hill(QPR).
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Cross by Shola Ameobi(Newcastle), clearance by Daniel Gabbidon(QPR).
Newcastle substitution: Yohan Cabaye replaced by Hatem Ben Arfa (injury).
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Bad foul by Shaun Derry(QPR) on Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle). Shaun Derry(QPR) booked for unsporting behaviour. Free kick crossed right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from right channel, clearance by Heidar Helguson(QPR).
Shot by Jay Bothroyd(QPR) left-footed from right channel (30 yards), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Patrick Kenny(QPR).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Cross by Clint Hill(QPR), clearance by Danny Simpson(Newcastle). Shot by Shaun Wright-Phillips(QPR) drilled right-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), hit bar. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Luke Young(QPR).
Heidar Helguson(QPR) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Clint Hill(QPR).
Attacking throw-in by Clint Hill(QPR).
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Handball by Shola Ameobi(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Patrick Kenny(QPR) from own half, resulting in open play.
Cross by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle), clearance by Anton Ferdinand(QPR).
Defending throw-in by Clint Hill(QPR).
Heidar Helguson(QPR) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Foul by Danny Guthrie(Newcastle) on Akos Buzsaky(QPR). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Clint Hill(QPR) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Clint Hill(QPR).
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Luke Young(QPR).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shot by Akos Buzsaky(QPR) drilled left-footed from right channel (25 yards), save (parried) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Clint Hill(QPR).
Shot by Shaun Wright-Phillips(QPR) volleyed right-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), resulting in open play.
Shot by Heidar Helguson(QPR) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), blocked by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Shot by Shaun Wright-Phillips(QPR) right-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle). Jay Bothroyd(QPR) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Cross by Luke Young(QPR), clearance by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle).
Cross by Shaun Wright-Phillips(QPR), clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Shot by Heidar Helguson(QPR) drilled left-footed from right channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).