Taylor revels in derby delight

Magpies defender taunts Black Cats

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 21st April 2008

Steven Taylor

Taylor: Local hero

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Steven Taylor has revealed his delight at helping Newcastle see off arch rivals Sunderland.

As one of only two Geordies in the Magpies' starting XI for Sunday's clash at St James' Park, the victory means more to Taylor than it does to most.

He admits that the result has helped to make up for the disappointment which followed the 1-1 draw between the two sides earlier in the season, and was delighted to see the Black Cats players looking so despondent at the end of the game.

Relaxed

"There was no better feeling on the final whistle than seeing the Sunderland players with faces like smacked backsides," the England U21 international told the Evening Chronicle.

"We were disappointed at the Stadium of Light, as we didn't get the result we wanted there, and this win was for the fans.

"The first goal took the sting out of it, and relaxed us a bit, and I think they were dead and buried after the second goal. We were able to keep the ball a bit more.

"I think it was better than the 3-2 win two seasons ago. I think it meant more to everybody because of the season we've had so far.

"The fans deserved that, and it was great to send them home happy."

Credit

Despite both sides having gone into the game on the back of recent revivals in fortunes there was still an electric atmosphere on Tyneside.

As a result, Taylor insists that manager Kevin Keegan had no need to give a team-talk prior to kick-off as the players were already well aware of what the occasion meant to the supporters.

"When we walked out, the first thing I noticed was the fans holding up the black and white cards. The lads looked around and thought 'wow'," he said.

"There was no way we wanted to disappoint the fans, and we were so happy to put on a good show for them. I thought everyone did themselves credit.

"I wish I had scored, that would have been the icing on the cake, but I'll take the three points. It was the biggest game of the season for us.

"The gaffer did give a little team-talk, but the players knew how much it meant."