JAPANESE JOYRIDE - in their penultimate game in the Japan Cup Chris Waddle scores the only goal after six minutes, United only need a point from their last game to win the trophy.
Yamaha - Nagoya Olympic Stadium?
Carr, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Clarke, Carney, Keegan, McDonald, Varadi, McDermott (Martin), Waddle
Scorers: Waddle
07m - Waddle (1-0)
Half-time: Yamaha 0 Newcastle 1
Full-time: Yamaha 0 Newcastle 1
UNITED BACK ON TROPHY TRAIL - A goalless draw against the Brazilians is enough to win the Japan Cup. The game is far from friendly with Botafogo adopting a very physical approach particularly towards Keegan who is felled sixteen times.
Botafogo -
Half-time: Botafogo 0 Newcastle 0
Full-time: Botafogo 0 Newcastle 0
RYAN SPARKS SIX-HIT UNITED - Hamburg provide moderate opposition in a game in which the full-backs hit the goal trail. Ryan scores the first, Anderson gets a hat-trick and Wharton (who comes on as a sub in midfield) is also on target.
Altona 93 - Adolf Jäger Stadium - 4,500
Carr (Thomas), Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Clarke, Carney (Haddock), Keegan, McDonald (Wharton), Varadi (Ferris), McDermott (Trewick), Waddle
Scorers: Anderson (3), Ryan, Keegan, Wharton - Bonyaux
07m - RYAN (1-0).
11m - BONYAUX (1-1).
15m - ANDERSON (2-1).
43m - KEEGAN (3-1).
Half-time: Hamburg Altona 1 Newcastle 3
50m - ANDERSON (4-1).
77m - WHARTON (5-1).
75m - ANDERSON (6-1).
Full-time: Hamburg Altona 1 Newcastle 6
VARADI GOAL STARTS RUSH - Keegan arrives in a helicopter which drops him in the centre-circle thirty minutes before kick off as he had been appearing in a live TV show in Hamburg. The Fifth Division side are not strong opposition.
SC Drochtersen - 3,000
Thomas (Carr), Anderson (Haddock), Ryan, McCreery (Trewick), Clarke, Carney (Ferris), Keegan, Mcdonald, Varadi, Wharton, Waddle.
Scorers: Anderson (3), Ryan, Keegan, Wharton - Bontaux
35m - VARADI (1-0).
WADDLE (2-0).
Half-time: Drochtersen 0 Newcastle 2
49m - TREWICK (3-0).
63m - WHARTON (4-0).
84m - FERRIS (5-0).
Full-time: Drochtersen 0 Newcastle 5
UNITED EFFORT PLEASES COX - A competitive game in which the Greeks frustrate United with their offside tactics.
AEK Athens - 15,000
Carr, Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Clarke, Carney, Keegan, Mcdonald (Wharton), Varadi, McDermott (Trewick), Waddle.
Half-time: AEK Athens 0 Newcastle 0
Full-time: AEK Athens 0 Newcastle 0
UNITED WIN IN A CANTER - United fans get their first look at the 7’ 6” high wire fencing and many of the fans directly behind it are not at all happy with some saying that they will be demanding their season ticket money back if they are not moved elsewhere. The unambitious Irishmen play five at the back and an offside game to try and limit the damage.
League Of Ireland - SJP - 7,739
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, Clarke (Haddock), Carney (Hedworth), Wharton (Trewick), Keegan, McCreery, Waddle (Ferris), McDermott, McDonald.
Scorers: Waddle (2), Keegan
12m - KEEGAN (1-0).
Half-time: Newcastle 1 League Of Ireland 0
50m - WADDLE (2-0).
56m - WADDLE (3-0).
Full-time: Newcastle 3 League Of Ireland 0
LIFT OFF FOR CLASSY UNITED - Eight thousand fans make the trip to Yorkshire. Even though the Magpies have to play nearly half the game with Chris Waddle in goal due to Carr suffering a suspected broken arm they are well worth their victory. Their football is controlled and precise and they could easily have won by more.
Leeds - Elland Road - 35,718
Carr (Wharton), Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Clarke, Carney, Keegan, McDonald, Mills, McDermott, Waddle
Scorers: Anderson
22m - ANDERSON (1-0)
Half-time: Leeds 0 Newcastle 1
Full-time: Leeds 0 Newcastle 1
Position: 6th
BOMBER BROWN SHOCKS UNITED - Alan Brown, who enjoyed a loan spell at United in 1981/82, scores the only goal after a hugely ineffective United performance. One of the crowd’s chants is “send him back” which is cruelly aimed at new arrival David Mills.
Shrewsbury (12) - SJP - 29,140
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Clarke, Carney, Keegan, McDonald (Wharton), Mills, McDermott, Waddle
Scorers: Brown
40m - BROWN (0-1).
Half-time: Newcastle 0 Shrewsbury 1
Full-time: Newcastle 0 Shrewsbury 1
Position: 11th
MILLS MAKES HIS MARK - David Mills makes the first and scores the third as the Magpies struggle through the first hour (they are also against a strong wind in the first half) before letting themselves off the leash for the last thirty minutes. Waddle is excellent, but Cox brings him back down to earth as usual. “He has another season to show whether he wants to be a very good player or just another professional footballer. He is capable of far more consistency than he has shown. I don’t know if the penny will ever drop with him”.
Oldham (9th) - SJP - 22,573
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Clarke, Carney, Keegan, McDonald, Mills, McDermott, Waddle
Scorers: McDermott, Waddle, Mills
28m - MCDERMOTT (1-0)
Half-time: Newcastle 1 Oldham 0
58m - WADDLE (2-0)
65m - MILLS (3-0)
Full-time: Newcastle 3 Oldham 0
Position: 3rd
BORO FIND A LAST GASP HERO - An estimated 6,500 travel to Teesside and see United equalise twice. But when teenager Gary Hamilton scores Boro’s third four minutes from time there is no way back in a game packed with thrills. All three goals come down United’s left with Ryan’s frequent forays up the pitch leaving gaps at the back. There is major trouble after the match when the police lock the United fans in. Bottles, bricks and other objects are thrown with much of it being thrown onto the street outside from the East End stand. Some of it causing windows to be smashed in nearby houses. Only 17 arrests are made.
YouTube highlightsMiddlesbrough (9th) - Ayresome Park - 19,648
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Clarke, Carney, Keegan, McDonald (Wharton), Mills, McDermott, Waddle
Scorers: Keegan, Mills - Currie (2), Hamilton
39m - CURRIE (0-1)
Half-time: Middlesbrough 1 Newcastle 0
48m - KEEGAN (1-1)
63m - CURRIE (1-2)
82m - MILLS (2-2)
86m - HAMILTON (2-3)
Full-time: Middlesbrough 3 Newcastle 2
Position: 7th
OLD FAITHFUL DOES THE TRICK - It is a frantic match of non-stop effort from both sides so there are inevitable mistakes too. United dominate the first forty-five without scoring and concede just before the break. It is more even in the second-half when McDermott threads a ball through for Keegan, who is struggling to find his touch so far this season, to score. The lack of scoring power in the side is once more very evident.
Grimsby (13th) - Blundell Park - 9,000
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Clarke, Carney, Keegan, Wharton, Mills, McDermott, Waddle
Scorers: Keegan - Speight
42m - SPEIGHT (0-1)
Half-time: Grimsby 1 Newcastle 0
50m - KEEGAN (1-1)
Full-time: Grimsby 1 Newcastle 1
Position: 9th
KEVIN’S ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE - After struggling in the previous games Keegan comes back to form and makes one goal and scores another. Gilbert is sent-off for a bad foul on Wharton fifteen minutes from time.
Crystal Palace (20th) - SJP - 22,869
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Clarke, Carney, Keegan, Wharton (Trewick), Mills, McDermott, Waddle
Scorers: Ryan, Waddle, Keegan - Evans
17m - RYAN (1-0)
Half-time: Newcastle 1 Crystal Palace 0
50m - WADDLE (2-0)
53m - KEEGAN (3-0)
54m - EVANS (3-1)
75m - Gilbert sent-off.
Full-time: Newcastle 3 Crystal Palace 1
Position: 7th
WADDLE EARNS LATE REPRIEVE - Although Barnsley have lost their last four games, United struggle to combat their drive and power and their tactics of getting in as many crosses for their tall frontman Tony Cunningham. The Jamaican puts them ahead, but six minutes from time Waddle, who had been blotted out all match, is left unmarked and equalises. Beardsley comes on as sub for the injured Clarke.
Barnsley (20th) - Oakwell - 14,085
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Clarke (Beardsley), Carney, Keegan, Wharton, Mills, McDermott, Waddle
Scorers: Waddle - Cunningham
Half-time: Barnsley 0 Newcastle 0
52m - CUNNINGHAM (0-1)
84m - WADDLE (1-1)
Full-time: Barnsley 1 Newcastle 1
Position: 7th
WADDLE A TON OF TROUBLE - Wes Saunders replaces the injured Clarke and Beardsley makes his full debut in a classic match played in rain-soaked conditions. Both sides have numerous chances but it is United who are more ruthless in front of goal. Two brilliant efforts from Waddle (making his 100th appearance) and a Keegan penalty put United 3-0 up at the interval. Wharton scores a fourth and chances galore follow before Pompey score two late goals . In typical Cox style, he hauls Waddle off five minutes from the end because "he didn't show me that he was hungry for a hat-trick."
Portsmouth (9th) - SJP - 25,488
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Saunders, Carney, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle (Mills), McDermott, Wharton
Scorers: Waddle (2), Wharton, Keegan (p) - Tait, Biley
Beardsley replaces David Mills who drops down to sub. Wes Saunders comes in for his first game for 18 months to partner Steve Carney at centre-back, his first game in that position.
13m - WADDLE (1-0)
25m - WADDLE (2-0)
40m - KEEGAN penalty (3-0)
Half-time: Newcastle 3 Portsmouth 0
54m - WHARTON (4-0)
79m - TAIT (4-1)
84m - BILEY (4-2)
Full-time: Newcastle 4 Portsmouth 2
Position: 4th
UNITED HIT LAST GASP EQUALISER - Third Division leaders Oxford have former United keeper Steve Hardwick in goal. United struggle to impose themselves in the first-half and go behind. And although they dominate after the break it takes until three minutes from time for McDermott to equalise. When Hardwick runs towards the Gallowgate End at the start of the second-half he applauds the crowd, but is greeted with hostility. And then he is left visibly shaken after being bombarded with coins during the game. Luckily for Newcastle he doesn’t say anything to the referee so the incident is not reported.
Oxford (D3:1st) - SJP - 21,184
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Saunders, Carney, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Wharton (Mills)
Scorers: McDermott - Biggins
37m - BIGGINS (0-1)
Half-time: Newcastle 1 Oxford 1
87m - MCDERMOTT (1-1)
Full-time: Newcastle 1 Oxford 1
NEWCASTLE SEE JUSTICE DONE - The MoD cameras roll up to see what progress is being made and in true United fashion they struggle against a club looking for its first away win in a year. The Londoners, who were beaten 7-0 last week, take an ultra-defensive approach and then grab a shock lead. The frustration is getting to both players and fans in the pouring rain and the team Is booed off at half-time.The fans get another soaking, but eventually go home very happy after two Keegan goals in the last twenty minutes secure all three points.
YouTube highlightsCharlton (6th) - SJP - 25,488
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Saunders, Carney, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Wharton (Mills)
Scorers: Keegan (2) - Curtis
29m - CURTIS (0-1)
Half-time: Newcastle 0 Charlton 1
72m - KEEGAN (1-1)
81m - KEEGAN (2-1)
Full-time: Newcastle 2 Charlton 1
Position: 4th
SUNDAY BEST! - The fifty or so fans who had come down on coaches (which had returned) are given free seats by Swansea and the Welshman even put on a free coach to take them back to Tyneside. United play in a competitive match for the first time on a Sunday and win with another late goal from substitute David Mills. Beardsley excels once more and Cox states boldly that "by the time he is Kenny Dalglish's age I expect him to be as well-known”.
YouTube highlightsSwansea (22nd) - Vetch Field - 9,807
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Saunders, Carney, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle (Mills), McDermott, Wharton
Scorers: Wharton, Mills - Marustik
03m - WHARTON (1-0)
Half-time: Swansea 1 Newcastle 2
77m - MARUSTIK (1-1)
78m - MILLS (2-1)
Full-time: Swansea 1 Newcastle 2
Position: 4th
PETER THE GREAT - Beardsley’s speed in movement and thought is the main inspiration for a scintillating display of attacking football that even has the partisan Welsh supporters applauding. Beardsley scores his first goal and the Magpies move into second place. Cox is delighted: "This should set us up nicely for the next home game against Manchester City."
YouTube highlightsCardiff (17th) - Ninian Park - 9,926
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Saunders, Carney, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Wharton
Scorers: Beardsley, Keegan
09m - BEARDSLEY (1-0)
Half-time: Cardiff 0 Newcastle 1
59m - KEEGAN (2-0)
Full-time: Cardiff 0 Newcastle 2
Position: 2nd
OXFORD BLUES - An excellent first-half display from the Third Division leaders takes them through to the Third Round and continues the Magpies’ dire record in the competition. Right-winger George Lawrence gives Ryan a torrid time and is the main protagonist in what is an easy victory.
Oxford (D3:1st) - Manor Ground - 13,040
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Saunders, Carney, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Wharton (Mills)
Scorers: Keegan - Whatmore, Thomas
19m - WHATMORE (0-1)
32m - THOMAS (0-2)
Half-time: Oxford 2 Newcastle 0
81m - KEEGAN (2-0)
Full-time: Oxford 2 Newcastle 1
HAIL UNITED’S HEIR APPARENT- City had displaced the Magpies in 2nd place. Queues form outside the ground long before kick off and the gates are locked; the atmosphere inside the ground is electric. Newcastle take apart their promotion rivals and but for the agility of keeper Alex Williams, United could have reached double figures. It is a superb team performance though Beardsley grabs the headlines with a great hat- trick (the first United player to achieve such a feat on Tyneside since Alan Gowling in January 1976). Cox says: "Very few teams in the country could have stood up to us today. In fact we would have given most sides a pasting". City manager Billy McNeill agrees "Newcastle were outstanding and may never play better". A lot of the fans present will probably agree with his sentiments. On the down side a bottle is thrown at the Man City ‘keeper.
YouTube highlightsMan City (2nd) - SJP - 33,675
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Saunders, Carney, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Wharton
Scorers: Beardsley (3), Keegan, Waddle
08m - BEARDSLEY (1-0)
38m - KEEGAN (2-0)
Half-time: Newcastle 2 Man City 0
60m - BEARDSLEY (3-0)
78m - BEARDSLEY (4-0)
88m - WADDLE (5-0)
Full-time: Newcastle 5 Man City 0
Position: 2nd
CLOCK WATCHERS CLOCK OUT! - Another thrilling game against Malcolm Macdonald’s Fulham ends with a sixth win in a row. After the Cottagers go 2-1 up just after the hour, United swarm forward, urged on by an increasingly frantic and vociferous crowd. Chance after chance is spurned until three minutes before the end when David Mills grabs the equaliser. Then deep into stoppage time, amid scenes that can only be described as bedlam on the terraces, Kenny Wharton grabs a winner. Delirious fans celebrate with an impromptu fireworks display as they leave the ground.
YouTube highlightsFulham (17th) - SJP - 31,660
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Saunders (Mills), Carney, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Wharton
Scorers: Keegan, Mills, Wharton - Wilson (2)
12m - WILSON (0-1)
23m - KEEGAN (1-1)
Half-time: Newcastle 1 Fulham 1
61m - WILSON (1-2)
88m - MILLS (2-2)
90+m - WHARTON (3-2)
Full-time: Newcastle 3 Fulham 2
Position: 2nd
CHELSEA - FIT FOR A KING - Norway’s King Olaf is the principal guest at Stamford Bridge where Chelsea have won every home game bar one. An early injury to midfield lynch pin Mcreery seems to knock the Magpies out of their stride and they they are completely outplayed. Cox admits "they gave us a real kick in the pants".
Chelsea (4th) - Stamford Bridge - 30,638
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, McCreery (Mills), Saunders, Carney, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Wharton
Scorers: Speedie (2), Spackman, Rhodes-Brown
07m - SPACKMAN (0-1)
36m - RHODES-BROWN (0-2)
Half-time: Chelsea 2 Newcastle 0
46m - SPEEDIE (0-3)
67m - SPEEDIE (0-4)
Full-time: Chelsea 4 Newcastle 0
Position: 3rd
COX TAKES IT ON THE CHIN - Leaders Wednesday are unbeaten for 17 games. Twelve thousand fans travel down to Hillsborough swelling the crowd to an impressive 41,134. It is another thriller in which United play the better football, with Mcdermott especially in superb form. However a brace from former striker Varadi helps the Owls carry off the points. Cox admits: “we have a lot of hard work to do at the back”.
Sheffield Wed (1st) - Hillsborough - 41,134
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, McDonald, Saunders, Carney, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Wharton
Scorers: McDermott, Keegan (p) - Varadi (2), Cunningham, Bannister
Neil McDonald replaces the injured McCreery.
37m - VARADI (0-1)
43m - MCDERMOTT (1-1)
Half-time: Sheff Wed 1 Newcastle 1
51m - VARADI (1-2)
71m - CUNNINGHAM (1-3)
78m - KEEGAN penalty (2-3)
82m - BANNISTER (2-4)
Full-time: Sheff Wed 4 Newcastle 2
Position: 4th
REF ROCKS CAMBRIDGE- Even Though rock-bottom Cambridge have lost their last nine games, United struggle to overcome them and do just enough to win. The most vociferous crowd reaction is reserved for referee Trelford Mills at the beginning of the game, but he actually upsets Cambridge by awarding United a penalty when they did not believe an offence had been committed and not giving them a penalty when Carney handled in the area.
Cambridge (21st) - SJP - 25,065
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, McDonald, Saunders, Carney, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Wharton
Scorers: Beardsley, Keegan (p) - Daniels
43m - KEEGAN penalty (1-0)
Half-time: Newcastle 1 Cambridge 0
62m - BEARDSLEY (2-0)
81m - DANIELS (2-1)
Full-time: Newcastle 2 Cambridge 1
Position: 3rd
DAVISON AT THE DOUBLE - United are 2-0 up at half time against struggling Derby and coasting. Then in the 53rd minute McCreery suffers a recurrence of his ankle injury and Newcastle’s inexperienced defence concedes three goals in ten minutes, two of which are scored by South Shields born Bobby Davison. United have now conceded 11 goals in the last three away games and have dropped out of the promotion places.
Derby (19th) - Baseball Ground - 18,691
Thomas, Haddock, Ryan, McCreery (McDonald), Saunders, Carney, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Wharton
Scorers: Waddle, Keegan Davison (2), Gemmill (p)
29m - KEEGAN (1-0)
39m - WADDLE (2-0)
Half-time: Derby 0 Newcastle 2
60m - DAVISON (2-1)
66m - DAVISON (2-2)
71m - GEMMILL penalty (2-3)
Full-time: Derby 3 Newcastle 2
Position: 4th
Although it is only a friendly to mark the end of Rovers’ centenary year the Magpies defence takes another battering. It was organised as part of Martin Thomas’ transfer.
Bristol Rovers - Eastville - 4,107
Scorers: Waddle, Trewick, McDermott, Mills - Randall (3), Holloway, Barrett
WADDLE (1-0)
HOLLOWAY (1-1)
RANDALL (1-2)
RANDALL (1-3)
TREWICK (2-3)
Half-time: Bristol Rovers 3 Newcastle 2
MCDERMOTT (3-3)
MILLS (4-3)
BARRETT (4-4)
RANDALL (4-5)
Full-time: Bristol Rovers 3 Newcastle 2
WADDLE WINS GLORY GAME - It is 2-2 at half time against the hard-working Yorkshiremen managed by Mick Buxton, but Newcastle eventually win in a game that underlines the best and worst of the side. Brilliant going forward, very shaky at the back. One suffering more than most is left back John Ryan who, after another nightmare performance, is barracked by the crowd and substituted on the hour.
Huddersfield (5th) - SJP - 25,747
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan (Mills), McCreery, Saunders, Carney, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Wharton
Scorers: McDermott, Waddle (2), Beardsley, Keegan - Wilson, Jones
02m - KEEGAN (1-0)
19m - WILSON (1-1)
42m - BEARDSLEY (2-1)
44m - JONES (2-2)
Half-time: Newcastle 2 Huddersfield 2
62m - WADDLE (3-2)
82m - MCDERMOTT (4-2)
89m - WADDLE (5-2)
Full-time: Newcastle 5 Huddersfield 2
Position: 3rd
A DODDLE! - Due to their dire financial position the Seagulls have just made every player available for transfer. It is a very scrappy game which only comes to life towards the end when Brighton throw caution to the wind. It is United’s first clean sheet in seven games.
YouTube highlightsBrighton (14th) - Goldstone Ground - 13,896
Wharton moves to left-back to take over from the dropped Ryan which gives Mills a route back into the first eleven.
Thomas, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Saunders, Carney, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Mills
Scorers: Waddle
Half-time: Brighton 0 Newcastle 0
51m - WADDLE (1-0)
Full-time: Brighton 0 Newcastle 1
Position: 3rd
WADDLE’S CRACKER - new signing Roeder replaces Steve Carney for the Boxing Day clash with promotion rivals Blackburn. The visiting side are all over United in the first half and create seven clear cut chances, luckily they only score from one of them. Waddle scores just before the hour mark but Blackburn defend resolutely to ensure they do not concede again.
Blackburn (7th) - SJP - 33,622
Thomas, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Saunders, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Mills (McDonald)
Scorers: Waddle - Barker
29m - BARKER (0-1)
Half-time: Newcastle 0 Blackburn 1
59m - WADDLE (1-1)
Full-time: Newcastle 1 Blackburn 1
Position: 3rd
UNITED BLOWN OFF COURSE - At a windswept Brunton Park Cox employs a sweeper system for the first time, with Roeder taking on that role. Waddle gives United the lead before former player Alan Shoulder scores from the spot. Although the Magpies are poor they appear to be heading for a draw until they concede two goals in the last three minutes. It was an all-ticket game and there had been fears of trouble, with the police worried that fans without tickets would travel. But the United fans earned praise from the police for their behaviour.
Carlisle (7th) - Brunton Park - 14,756
Thomas, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Saunders, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Carney
Scorers: Waddle - Shoulder (p), Coughlin, Craig
18m - WADDLE (1-0)
35m - SHOULDER penalty (1-1)
Half-time: Carlisle 1 Newcastle 1
88m - COUGHLAN (1-2)
89m - CRAIG (1-3)
Full-time: Carlisle 3 Newcastle 1
Position: 4th
KEEGAN DOUBLES UP - Keegan scores a brace with Henry pulling one back just before the end.
Oldham (16th) - Boundary Park - 8,518
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Saunders, Roeder, Keegan, McDonald, Waddle (Trewick), McDermott, Wharton
Scorers: Keegan (2) - Henry
15m - KEEGAN (1-0)
Half-time: Oldham 0 Newcastle 1
62m - KEEGAN (2-0)
89m - HENRY (2-1)
Full-time: Oldham 1 Newcastle 21
Position: 4th
WADDLE WAVES MAGIC WAND - In the programme Cox admits that the defence (which has been widely criticised in the press) has "been found wanting" on some occasions. But he sets out his stall. "But there is no way I will send out a team with the sole intention of playing for a clean sheet. I will not be associated with negative tactics". On cue and in appalling conditions, United don’t concede and scrape through with a single, albeit excellent, goal from Waddle.
Barnsley (11th) - SJP - 29,842
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Saunders, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Wharton
Scorers: Waddle
12m - WADDLE (1-0)
Half-time: Newcastle 1 Barnsley 0
Full-time: Newcastle 1 Barnsley 0
Position: 3rd
UNITED KOP THE LOT! - Despite the fact that the game is televised live, over 11,000 United fans make the trip to Merseyside. Keegan and Mcdermott return to Anfield to take on the champions of the previous two seasons who are again leading the pack. Newcastle are swept aside contemptuously conceding four goals for the third time that season. As always Cox can see a positive side to the result. "It did our younger players good in that it showed them at first hand just how to really compete.” Although the United fans give the team fantastic support they are also guilty of damaging over 500 seats, towelling machines and parts of the fencing. Rival fans clash after the game and four United fans are taken to hospital with slashed faces. Seventeen fans are ejected and fifteen arrested. However Merseyside police praise the general behaviour of the Newcastle supporters.
YouTube highlightsLiverpool (D1:1st) - Anfield - 33,566
Thomas, Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Saunders, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Wharton (McDonald)
Scorers: Rush (2), Robinson, Johnston
07m - ROBINSON (0-1)
29m - RUSH (0-2)
Half-time: Liverpool 2 Newcastle 0
63m - JOHNSTONE (0-3)
86m - RUSH (0-4)
Full-time: Liverpool 4 Newcastle 0
Position: 4th
UNITED LEFT DEFENCELESS - Kevin Carr and Jeff Clarke are recalled but the Magpies crash at lowly Palace after defensive mistakes gift the Londoners three first half goals.
Crystal Palace (19th) - Selhurst Park - 9,464
Carr, Anderson, Ryan, McCreery, Clarke, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Wharton
Scorers: Beardsley - McCulloch, Mabbutt, Gilbert
16m - MCCULLOCH (0-1)
41m - MABBUTT (0-2)
44m - GILBERT (0-3)
Half-time: Crystal Palace 3 Newcastle 0
70m - BEARDSLEY (3-1)
Full-time: Crystal Palace 3 Newcastle 1
Position: 4th
Keegan scores twice and makes the other two for Beardsley to inspire the team to an excellent victory in front of the MoD cameras. Beardsley's first is a truly memorable effort. After the game Keegan says he has “decided nothing” about what he is going to do next season.
YouTube highlightsPortsmouth (11th) - Fratton Park - 18,686
Carr, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Clarke, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Ryan (Carney)
Scorers: Beardsley (2), Keegan (2) - Webb
03m - KEEGAN (1-0)
45m - BEARDSLEY (2-0)
Half-time: Portsmouth 0 Newcastle 2
61m - WEBB (2-1)
67m - BEARDSLEY (3-1)
73m - KEEGAN (4-1)
Full-time: Portsmouth 1 Newcastle 4
Position: 4th
UNITED FALTER IN PROMOTION STAKES - United play their first home game for six weeks, but they fail to score in a League game for only the third time and Grimsby climb above Newcastle leaving them in 5th. Keegan is lucky not to get sent-off after verbally abusing the referee after he disallowed a Wharton goal because Keegan had taken a free kick before he had blown his whistle.
Grimsby (5th) - SJP - 28,633
Carr, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Clarke, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, McDonald
Scorers: Drinkell
17m - DRINKELL (0-1)
Half-time: Newcastle 0 Grimsby 1
Full-time: Newcastle 0 Grimsby 1
Position: 5th
KEVIN ON CUE - An all ticket game with United allocated 6,000 tickets. United storm into a two goal lead, but then concede a sloppy goal early in the second half which results in a nervous last forty minutes in an intimidating atmosphere.
YouTube highlightsMan City (3rd) - Maine Road - 41,767
Carr, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Clarke, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Trewick
Scorers: Beardsley, Keegan - Kinsey
The game marks the first appearance in 18 months for forgotten man John Trewick who has just returned from a loan spell at Oxford.
19m - BEARDSLEY (1-0)
21m - KEEGAN (2-0)
Half-time: Man City 0 Newcastle 2
47m - KINSEY (2-1)
Full-time: Man City 1 Newcastle 2
Position: 4th
UNITED COAST TO VICTORY - United’s approach play is brilliant against the dreadful Welsh side and they could have easily doubled or even trebled their goal tally.
YouTube highlightsCardiff (15th) - SJP - 27,964
Carr, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Clarke, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Trewick
Scorers: Keegan (2-1p), Waddle, - Vaughan
10m - WADDLE (1-0)
44m - KEEGAN (2-0)
Half-time: Newcastle 2 Cardiff 0
56m - KEEGAN penalty (3-0)
58m - VAUGHAN (3-1)
Full-time: Newcastle 3 Cardiff 1
Position: 4th
KEEGAN HEADS FOR GLORY - United are back on MoD for the game at a beach-like Craven Cottage. Beardsley's overhead kick puts the Magpies in front with only a couple of minutes gone, but in typical fashion they concede directly from the restart and the Londoners go ahead after dominating the first-half. After the break McDermott and McCreery gain control of midfield and Keegan heads in the equaliser. Newcastle move back into a promotion spot for the first time since the turn of the year.
YouTube highlightsFulham (16th) - Craven Cottage - 12,290
Thomas, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Clarke, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Trewick
Scorers: Beardsley, Keegan - Scott, Davies
03m - BEARDSLEY (1-0)
04m - SCOTT (1-1)
25m - DAVEY (1-2)
Half-time: Fulham 2 Newcastle 1
67m - KEEGAN (2-2)
Full-time: Fulham 2 Newcastle 2
Position: 3rd
DRAW WAS FAIR RESULT - The attendance tops 35,000 for the first time for the visit of the table leaders. The atmosphere is fantastic although the game itself is tense. United never really get going until Speedie gives Chelsea the lead. Mcdermott equalises and United almost win it at the death; Waddle shooting into the side netting from a good position. Following the violence in 1981/82 extra police were drafted in and there are 77 arrests (half and half) in total, mainly for public order offences and drunkenness. The local police enlisted the help of a policeman from London who had knowledge of the local trouble-makers.
YouTube highlightsChelsea (2nd) - SJP - 35,544
Carr, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Clarke, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Trewick
Scorers: McDermott - Speedie
Half-time: Newcastle 0 Chelsea 0
53m - SPEEDIE penalty (0-1)
69m - MCDERMOTT (1-1)
Full-time: Newcastle 1 Chelsea 1
Position: 3rd
OLD MASTERS ARE TOP OF THE CLASS - In the run up to the game Middlesbrough manager Malcolm Allison has said that Newcastle “are not good enough” to get promoted and Cox stuck the press cuttings upon the dressing room wall to motivate his players. It is a thrilling game in which the vociferous and intimidating crowd is in full throttle. The visitors take the lead with barely two minutes on the clock, but Beardsley responds ten minutes later. Both teams make and miss numerous chances with Sugrue missing a glorious opportunity just before McDermott and Keegan show their class. Fans in the paddock taunt Allison with chants of “Where’s your wife?”
YouTube highlightsMiddlesbrough (16th) - SJP - 30,421
Carr, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Carney, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Trewick
Scorers: McDermott, Beardsley, Keegan - Bell
03m - BELL (0-1)
12m - BEARDSLEY (1-1)
Half-time: Newcastle 1 Middlesbrough 1
75m - MCDERMOTT (2-1)
77m - KEEGAN (3-1)
Full-time: Newcastle 3 Middlesbrough 1
Position: 4th
PRECIOUS POINTS DROPPED - The home side have little to offer other than endeavour and graft, but United fail to get going in a bad-tempered first-half. The Shrews take the lead six minutes after the break only for United to score twice in the following four minutes to lead. However they do not kill the game off and Cross scores his second.
Shrewsbury (14th) - Gay Meadow - 8,313
Carr, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Carney, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Trewick
Scorers: Keegan, Johnson og Cross (2)
Half-time: Shrewsbury 0 Newcastle 0
51m - CROSS (0-1)
52m - JOHNSON own-goal (1-1)
55m - KEEGAN (2-1)
78m - CROSS (2-2)
Full-time: Shrewsbury 2 Newcastle 2
Position: 3rd
FANS LAP UP THE CREAM - A poor away record has left Leeds languishing in mid table. United dominate the match with their free flowing attacking football keeping the Tykes penned in their own half, but in the end only an own-goal by youngster Dennis Irwin separates the teams. The result opens up a four point gap over Carlisle and Man City who are 4th and 5th respectively.
Leeds (10th) - SJP - 30,877
Carr, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Carney, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Trewick
Scorers: Irwin og
25m - IRWIN own-goal (0-1)
Half-time: Newcastle 1 Leeds 0
Full-time: Newcastle 1 Leeds 0
Position: 3rd
WHARTON SINKS SWANS AGAIN - Although United beat the basement club they struggle to get their passing game going on the heavy pitch and have to wait until fourteen minutes from time to take the lead. With 8 games left United have opened up 6-point gap over fourth -placed Carlisle.
Swansea (21st) - SJP - 27,329
Carr, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Carney, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Trewick
Scorers: Beardsley, Wharton
Half-time: Newcastle 0 Swansea 0
76m - WHARTON (1-0)
88m - BEARDSLEY (1-1)
Full-time: Newcastle 2 Swansea 0
Position: 3rd
JUMPING FOR JOY - Charlton have won 12 and lost only 1 of their 17 home games and they are the better team, but two late goals secure a vital 3-1 victory. Totally out-of-character Cox runs fifty-yards to jump on McDermott’s back after he puts United ahead two minutes from time and then he does a little dance with a local policeman when Beardsley scores a third a minute later. It is the first win in London this season and the result means that the post war record of eight away wins has been equalled. Twelve fans are arrested.
Charlton (8th) - The Valley - 15,289
Carr, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Carney, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Trewick
Scorers: McDermott, Waddle, Beardsley - Dowman
22m - DOWMAN (0-1)
31m - WADDLE (1-1)
Half-time: Charlton 1 Newcastle 1
88m - MCDERMOTT (2-1)
89m - BEARDSLEY (3-1)
Full-time: Charlton 1 Newcastle 3
Position: 3rd
SHELTON’S GOAL IS OUT OF PLACE - Although leaders Sheff Wed attract the biggest League gate of the day, their negative offside tactics infuriate the crowd and United's front runners fail to escape the attentions of the well-drilled and packed defence. Then on the 77th minute comes the sucker punch as a Shelton bicycle kick all but assures promotion for Wilkinson's men. It is a game where tensions run very high. United players surround Mick Lyons after he clashes with Kevin Carr, Keegan gets involved in a scuffle with a United fan who runs on to the pitch and Kenny Wharton is booked after the match for comments he made to the referee. As the Wednesday players leave the field they are subjected to howls of abuse from the home crowd and pelted with missiles. Several are hit by coins. There are now six games left and United have a lead of four points over fourth and fifth placed Manchester City and Grimsby.
YouTube highlightsSheff Wed (1st) I - SJP - 36,288
Carr, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Carney, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Trewick
Scorers: Shelton
Half-time: Newcastle 0 Sheff Wed 0
77m - SHELTON (0-1)
Full-time: Newcastle 0 Sheff Wed 1
Position: 3rd
TREWICK GOAL RESCUES UNITED - On Good Friday about 10,000 fans make the trip to Lancashire. John Trewick scores sixteen minutes from time to equalise after Derek Fazackerley had put the home side ahead from the penalty spot. It is a tense, poor game as John Donoghue described in the Express: (the first half was) "about as anaemic as Newcastle's slate grey away strip and the big noises on the pitch couldn't hold a candle to those on the terraces". Man City also draw so the Magpies retain their advantage. After the game a number of the coaches head for Blackpool.
Blackburn (7th) - Ewood Park - 19,196
Carr, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Carney, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Trewick (Haddock)
Scorers: Trewick - Fazackerley (p)
Half-time: Blackburn 0 Newcastle 0
48m - FAZACKERLEY penalty (0-1)
74m - TREWICK (1-1)
Full-time: Blackburn 1 Newcastle 1
Position: 3rd
DIVISION ONE - HERE WE COME - Easter Monday brings Carlisle to Tyneside who are sixth largely due to the soundness of their defence. They are managed by Bob Stokoe and include ex-United stars Alan Shoulder and Tommy Craig. The match is a sunshine spectacular with the turning point and the most memorable incident being the goal Keegan scores directly following a Carr’s double penalty save. Man City lose at home to Huddersfield to open up a seven point gap with only four games remaining.
YouTube highlightsCarlisle (6th) - SJP - 33,458
Carr, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Carney, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, McDonald
Scorers: Beardsley (2), Keegan (2), Waddle - Coughlin
12m - KEEGAN (1-0)
39m - WADDLE (2-0)
Half-time: Newcastle 2 Carlisle 0
54m - KEEGAN (3-0)
73m - BEARDSLEY (4-0)
77m - BEARDSLEY (5-0)
80m - COUGHLIN (5-1)
Full-time: Newcastle 5 Carlisle 1
Position: 3rd
UNITED GET ABBEY HABIT - United’s away record is their best for fourteen years and Cambridge have just equalled the League record of 31 games without a win. United fans descend on the take over three quarters of the tiny Abbey Stadium. But typically United lose, making it six games on the bounce that they have lost here and the winner comes from Wallsend-born Kevin Smith. United are more skilful, but also display nerves and are undone by the home side’s workrate and honest endeavour. Luckily Man City lose at Derby and there is still a six point gap between the Magpies and Grimsby with only three games left.
Cambridge (22nd) - Abbey Stadium - 7,720
Carr, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Carney, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, McDonald (Haddock)
Scorers: Smith (p)
38m - SMITH penalty (0-1)
Half-time: Cambridge 1 Newcastle 0
Full-time: Cambridge 1 Newcastle 0
Position: 3rd
The crowd of 35,850 create a carnival atmosphere as the team turn on a dazzling display of football. With only two games left they hold a six point lead over Grimsby and although It is still mathematically possible for them to be caught, in reality they are up. Fifteen minutes before the end of the match a vast army of police lines along all four sides of the ground to prevent the crowd encroaching on the pitch, but the fans refuse to leave until the players go on a lap of honour.
YouTube highlightsDerby (20th) - SJP - 35,866
Carr, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Carney, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Trewick
Scorers: Beardsley (2), Waddle, Keegan
17m - KEEGAN (1-0)
22m - BEARDSLEY (2-0)
Half-time: Newcastle 2 Derby 0
50m - WADDLE (3-0)
80m - BEARDSLEY (4-0)
Full-time: Newcastle 4 Derby 0
Position: 3rd
THERE ARE NO DOUBTS NOW - An estimated 12,00 (roughly half the crowd) travel down to continue the promotion celebrations. Mcdermott captains the side in the absence of Keegan who is still recovering from a blow to the head received while scoring against Derby. In an open game the Terriers shock United by opening up a two goal lead, but United fight back to equalise by half-time. No more goals followed and United are officially promoted.
Huddersfield (12th) - Leeds Road - 25,101
Carr, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Carney, Roeder, Beardsley, Mills, Waddle, McDermott, Trewick
Scorers: Mills, Beardsley - Cooper, Carney (og)
22m - COOPER (0-1)
22m - CARNEY own-goal (0-2)
41m - BEARDSLEY (1-2)
45m - MILLS (2-2)
Half-time: Huddersfield 2 Newcastle 2
Full-time: Huddersfield 2 Newcastle 2
Position: 3rd
JUST PERFECT, KEV - The match is a celebration of Kevin Keegan’s last competitive game and - ever the man for the big occasion - he opens the scoring prompting firecrackers to be set off in the Gallowgate. However the competitive Seagulls equalise just before the break, Waddle heads the Magpies back in front and just before the end Beardsley scores with a wonderful chip to end the game in style.
YouTube highlightsBrighton (8th) - SJP - 36,286
Carr, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Carney, Roeder, Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle, McDermott, Trewick
Scorers: Waddle, Beardsley, Keegan - Ryan
22m - KEEGAN (1-0)
41m - RYAN (1-1)
Half-time: Newcastle 1 Brighton 1
50m - WADDLE (2-1)
85m - BEARDSLEY (3-1)
Full-time: Newcastle 3 Brighton 1
Position: 3rd
A benefit match for former central-defender David Barton who has had to retire because of a serious knee ligament injury.
Darlington - Feethams - 5,000
Scorers: Keegan (p), Clarke, Wharton
Half-time: Darlington 0 Newcastle 0
62m - KEEGAN penalty (1-0)
66m - CLARKE (2-0)
WHARTON (3-0)
Full-time: Darlington 0 Newcastle 3
Liverpool - SJP - 36,722
Scorers: Keegan (p), McDermott - Robinson, Souness
10m - ROBINSON (0-1)
25m - KEEGAN penalty (1-1)
40m - SOUNESS (1-2)
Half-time: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 2
62m - MCDERMOTT (2-2)
Full-time: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 2