Progression in the cup was the bare minimum with those fans who travelled to the Globe Arena and many more back at home on Tyneside in open revolt over the club's summer transfer activity, or more accurately, the lack of it.
Pardew: "Shola has actually looked the best I have seen him in this pre-season. I think the Nigeria selection has actually given him a boost, I can see that in his eyes.
"He is looking forward to the international coming up and I think that's benefited us.
"Sometimes we moan about that; this time it's been a bit of a lift for him and his confidence and everything. He was terrific in the second half."