NEWCASTLE: Harper, Simpson, Coloccini, Hall, Jose Enrique (Kadar 75), Routledge, Guthrie, Nolan, Gutierrez, Lovenkrands (Ranger 82), Carroll (Best 75). Subs Not Used: Krul, Ryan Taylor, Pancrate, Butt.
SCUNTHORPE: Murphy, Andrew Wright, Jones, Raynes, Williams, Thompson, McCann, O'Connor (Togwell 55), Josh Wright (Woolford 72), Forte, Hayes (McDermott 55). Subs Not Used: Lillis, Milne, Sparrow, Canavan.
Att: 39,301
Adkins admitted he "feared the worst at St James' Park" but the forthcoming home clashes with fellow basement boys Plymouth and Peterborough over the next week were always the priority.
Nigel Adkins: "That's a Premier League side you have just seen out there, end of story, so we don't need to get too disillusioned about the result because that is a Premier League side and a very, very good one.
"We play Plymouth at home on Saturday followed by Peterborough at home on the Tuesday, and we have got to look at the big picture.
"The big picture is making sure we stay in the division.
"Yes I did try and sign Andy Carroll on loan once. Not a bad judge am I?"