I dont get out much these days, so when the offer came up from an Eagles supporting mate to go to the Magpies-Eagles game I jumped at the chance.

I stuck on my Ayr United scarf (black and white! Remember?), pulled out my false teeth, combed back my mullet and joined the black and white hordes. I sensed my mate was feeling a bit out of place, but this was of little concern to me. I was here to support my adopted Magpies, and with no Supercoach to confuse matters, there will be no discreet fist-pump for another mark in the goal square for big Cox or sly smile for a 36th handball disposal for Mattie Priddis!

"Magpies"! That got me thinking of the other Magpies - Newcastle United. Sleeping giants of English soccer - theyve been sleeping for longer than Rip Van Winkle, but theyre giants nonetheless.<!--more-->

Theyve surprised me this year! A draw against Arsenal, a win at bitter rivals Sunderland, as well as a straight-forward win against Fulham. Seven out of a possible nine points. Im impressed and decide that this week Ill be watching the Geordies.

I wont be supporting these Magpies though, as the realisation hits that theyre playing against QPR - who I tipped to avoid relegation on these very pages just last week - and their ex-teammate Joey Barton.

This makes for a delicious sub-plot and I vow there and then to check my online account to see what odds the bookies are offering for a red-card. Due to Joeys previous record of beating up his own teammates, the thought that he might kick seven shades of shite out of Taarabt for continuing penalty kick duties, crossed my mind.

It was also a chance to see Shaun Wright-Phillips (SWP) line up for his new club. This wee guy is an entertainer and the way that he plays the game is one reason why Ill be looking out for QPR each week.

Apart from an early Leon Best chance for Newcastle, it was QPR that were looking the goods. Taarabt, with his pin-point passing, and SWP with his pace and skill were causing Newcastle problems. It wasnt long into the game before QPR won their first free-kick from a dangerous position, and this fantasy-footballer was mortified to find Barton rather than Taarabt taking it. Same story with their first corner. In open play, however, Taarabt continued to fizz exquisite passes wide right to SWP and his final ball into the area could and should have led to a couple of goals for Bothroyd.

Half-time finished goal-less with new captain Barton having a quiet start. Into the second half and he was more involved and thankfully delegated corner kicks and free kicks back to Taarabt, who was still showing his class. The game drifted, as did SWP, and the chances of a goal seemed to fade. QPR had run out of steam after their excellent first-half showing while Newcastle didnt really show much at all. 0-0 full time.

Before the end the QPR fans sang Joey Bartons name and also gave SWP a standing ovation as he got substituted, they obviously liked what they saw of their new signings.... and so did I.