Harper calls for calm

Harper: Staying calm after defeat

Goalkeeper Steve Harper is refusing to panic after Newcastle relinquished their unbeaten home record against Blackpool.

"We know we will win games that we are not expected to and in this league, you can lose games that you are expected to win."
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The Magpies ran out to face fellow their Premier League newcomers at St James' Park on Saturday having not lost on home turf since their 1-0 defeat to Fulham in May last year.

But Ian Holloway's men brought that run of 26 league and cup games to an abrupt halt as they secured a 2-0 triumph.

The Tangerines finished five places and 32 points behind Championship winners Newcastle last season, and the defeat prompted some of the stunned home supporters to voice their displeasure on the final whistle.

But after not letting himself get carried away by Toon's shock 6-0 rout of Aston Villa three weeks ago, shot-stopper Harper is now keeping calm in the wake of their unexpected defeat.

Rollercoaster

"Over the years, there has been too much of a rollercoaster," said Harper.

"After Aston Villa, we were probably going to finish in the top eight. Now people will be mentioning the 'R' word.

"But we won't be doing that. We know we will win games that we are not expected to and in this league, you can lose games that you are expected to win.

"We have got a tough game (at Everton) next week and we will battle on."