They have travelled this way before, but recognising the terrain is of limited worth when your brakes are failing and a precipice lurks ahead. This season has become a grisly experience for Newcastle United and, with poor form entrenched and disenchantment growing, the journey’s conclusion is now the topic that consumes all others at St James’ Park.
Saturday felt like a Tyneside moment. Newcastle led, but chances were spurned and impetus forsaken. Reading found an equaliser and then a second goal. As the afternoon expired, the team with the country’s worst away record were celebrating victory and Alan Pardew, whose