Plymouth Argyle 0 Newcastle United 0

Jan 3 2010 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

AFTER an epic journey of Mayflower proportions, Newcastle blew a glorious chance to make progress against the Pilgrims.

Instead, United’s return voyage to the Premier League will have to take in an unwanted stop on Tyneside next Wednesday.

And the fans who followed them to English football’s most far-flung outpost could be forgiven for struggling to keep the faith ahead of that third-round replay.

For this, despite being a game that the Magpies never remotely looked like losing, was hardly worth the effort.

Having been delayed for four hours before their plane to Devon took off on Friday, Newcastle’s cup run barely got off the ground at Home Park.

But the astonishing 2400 fans who made the same trek yesterday morning at least saw a performance that was as gritty as it was dour.

And, in stretching their unbeaten run to a round dozen games, Newcastle gave notice of a future star in Tamas Kadar.

The 19-year-old – in at centre-back for the rested Steven Taylor – was near flawless in only his fourth first-team start as United’s rearguard gave solid protection to second-choice keeper Tim Krul.

Instead, it was Plymouth’s last line of defence, Romain Larrieu, who ensured that both sides must do it all again.

Superb saves at the end of each half, from Danny Guthrie and Nicky Butt, guaranteed the hosts a much-needed pay day.

What cannot be blamed for this stalemate is the much-anticipated – and controversial – reshuffle performed by United manager Chris Hughton before kick-off.

Yes, the United teamsheet showed seven changes from the side held by Derby on Monday night.

But those incomers, Kadar apart, did not include any of the rookies drafted in – and destroyed – in the Carling Cup tie at Peterborough in September.

That was only right, not just in light of United’s sorry capitulation at London Road, but also the incredible away following inside Home Park.

Instead of kids, Fabrice Pancrate made his first start on the right side of midfield, with Jonas Gutierrez replaced down the other flank by Guthrie.

A strike partnership that many fans have been interested to see – Shola Ameobi and Nile Ranger – was finally given a go.

And the sight of Krul between the posts was also warmly welcomed.