Grey's Monument

I was on a  mission today to prune the Buddleia bush in the front garden and fill the garden bin ready for emptying tomorrow.  I succeeded on both counts.  It wasn't easy tackling the Buddleia as it was very tall and a lot of the branches were quite thick so it was tough going at times as I was only using secateurs.  I was glad when it was done and headed indoors for a cold drink and a rest.

Did a few indoor chores and then it was time to get the bus to Newcastle.  I was going to the match.  Newcastle United's first Premiership home game of the season.  They were playing Liverpool.  Kick off was 8pm.  Not the most convenient day or time.  The Bank Holiday bus service is not very frequent.  

I got to Newcastle around 6pm.  First thing I did was get my blip shot for Mono Monday.  There's no theme today.  Thanks to laurie54 for hosting.

Next I headed to Old Eldon Square where I sat on a bench  for a while just watching the world go by.  Town was packed .... mostly football fans.  The weather was lovely - very warm and sunny.

I got to the football ground around 7.15pm.  Ive added an Extra of a couple of police horses that passed me when I was outside the ground. There were big queues at the turnstiles but I was spotted by my favourite steward who was on duty at the disabled entrance and he called me over and said I could go in that way to save time as there was no queue there. 

The ground was already quite full when I sat down and the atmosphere was noisy.  

Newcastle played very well in the first half.  It was fast paced with lots of action.  However the first goal was scored after 35mins by Liverpool against the run of play.  Then to make things worse just before half time Newcastle player Anthony Gordon got a red card and was sent off.  So Newcastle had to play the second half with 10 men.  Liverpool  scored again soon after the start of the second half and it looked like it could be all over for Newcastle.  But they fought and fought and never gave up.  They pulled one goal back after 57 mins.  But then 3 players had to go off because they were injured and substitutions were made.  Fortunately one of the subs Will Osula scored on the 88th minute. Full time came and the score was 2 - 2.  However the ref added on 11 mins of Extra time .............and Liverpool scored in the 10th minute .  What a blow.  Even though Newcastle lost it was still a positive performance as they never gave up --- and some of our new signings got to play and they did well.  

I had to rush from the ground to get my bus.  The match finished around 10pm and my bus was due at 10.16pm.  I managed to catch it.  If I hadn't I would have had to wait until 11.16pm for the next one.

No chance to do any comments this evening -- will try and catch up tomorrow.

Steps today - 10,069