Harchester United were well and truly hammered by Newcastle United at St. James Park this afternoon and in a day that was bad all-round for the Dragons.

The news made last night that Steve Kramer was sending out defender Johnny Carlisle on loan seemed to disrupte the team and Carlisle himself as he was sent off after 25 minutes for punching young striker Andy Cooper.

Debutant Cooper then had to be replaced due to facial injuries and his replacement, Obafemi Martins, scored with his first touch from the spot.

In the 2nd half, Newcastle United dominated from start to finish. Michael Owen made it 2-0 to the Magpies with a headed goal in the 65th minute.

Damien Duff struck a curling shot from the edge of the box to make it 3-0 after 73 minutes and Martins completed the rout in injury time to make it 4-0.