NUFC 1926/27 - Match Details

GALLACHER MYSTIFIES THE VILLA DEFENCE - On a hot summer's day United open with a comprehensive victory in which Gallacher is untouchable. He notches four brilliant goals and dominates the match with fascinating footwork, dainty dribbling and shooting which is equalled in its accuracy by its power. The adoring public acclaim him to the skies. He is well supported by an excellent all-round team performance and only Spiers in the Villa goal prevents an even more emphatic victory.

18m - GALLACHER blasts in from an Urwin centre (1-0).

54m - Mooney puts GALLACHER in with a low through ball and he holds off Mort before scoring with a deadly accurate low drive (2-0).

GALLACHER completes his hat-trick with a shot into the top left corner from an impossibly acute angle (3-0).

The Scot saves the best goal until last. Mort is favourite to gather a long cross from the left, but GALLACHER flicks it away from him on the touchline before dribbling the ball towards the centre of goal. He calmly waits while the 'keeper and two backs take up position on the goal line before shooting past them (4-0).

NEWCASTLE TROUNCED ON THEIR OWN GROUND - United crash to their heaviest home defeat since the record defeat against Sunderland in 1908/09 and by the end they are utterly demoralised by the superior pace and more effective combination of the Lancastrians. Rough tactics mar the game somewhat and Gallacher, Hill and Finlay (twice) are all cautioned. Three of the goals are of the gift variety. The sides are evenly matched in the first forty-five, but in the second period Burnley decisively outmanoeuvre their rivals. Despite the scoreline the most influential Burnley player is defender Jack Hill whose robust dealings with Gallacher arouse a feverish temperament. And, after both are penalised for the illegitimate practice of physical force they are personally addressed by the referee who administers a significant caution. It has little effect and after a bad challenge on Gallacher by Hill, the Scot seems ready to walk off, but returns after a quick chat with the trainer on the touch- line.

03m - Chandler bungles an attempt to set an offside trap and BEEL takes advantage (0-1).

07m - Following a foul on Gallacher, HUDSPETH hits a crashing drive from the penalty (1-1).

39m - Wilson foolishly leaves his goal to approach Bruton who simply lays the ball off to BEEL to breast through for another "gift” (1-2).

61m - PAGE from a difficult angle (1-3).

74m - The United defence stands and watches as BEEL canters through (1-4).

88m - BRUTON after a great run (1-5).

GRAVE WITHOUT GALLACHER THE GREAT - Curry replaces the unwell Gibson and Loughlin deputises for the battered and bruised Gallacher. It is another poor performance in a disappointing game littered with errors. The scoreline flatters United with the Lancastrians the far more lively team. A late rally almost brings a point but it would have been ill-deserved. Photo in Athletic News.

40m - JACK heads into the netted haven (0-1).

Curry clean misses his kick allowing SMITH to score (0-2).

80m - SEYMOUR heads in from an Urwin cross (1-2).

The Magpies restore some lost pride with a battling draw. There is an explosive start to the match with Gallacher scoring after only three minutes and within the half-hour, Newcastle lead 2-0. Gallacher is cautioned by the referee, mainly because of the attitude he adopted to the hostility of a section of the crowd. It is 3-1 with fifteen minutes left, but Beel scores twice, with the second in the last minute.

GALLACHER BRILLIANCE - Newcastle get back to winning ways in an excellent game played at high pace despite the heat. The defence struggles again and are often in a state of disorder. As a result, custodian Wilson has to be at his best, even if some of his clearances are of the flukey order. The middle line do well and Gallacher, Seymour and McDonald are all excellent, but Clark's waywardness means the right flank is less effective. Officers and men of the Dutch war vessel Vulcanos are guests at the match.

14m - MCDONALD shoots at tremendous pace on the run following a Seymour cross (1-0).

18m - MCPHERSON equalises through the medium of a controversial penalty when Spencer is adjudged to have handled (1-1).

47m - SEYMOUR nets after Steward magnificently saves a shot from Gallacher (2-1).

52m - MCDONALD after Steward saves from Gallacher (3-1).

61m - GALLACHER (4-1).

71m - SPENCE beats three men in an excellent run (4-2).

GRIM DERBY DUEL - A fast and thrilling game despite the fact that the game is played under a boiling sun and on a cement-like ground. The defence is more solid and the half-back line is the strongest department. Upfront the left-side is again the strongest especially as inside-right Clark injures his knee. When Storer equalises for Derby, ten minutes from time, United had only nine fit players, as Seymour is lying prostrate over the touchline suffering from the intense heat.

39m - CRILLY misheads the ball into his own net under pressure from Clark (1-0).

80m - STORER equalises, (1-1).

SHOCK FOR UNITED - The Magpies are still searching for that first away victory as, despite the fact that they are clearly superior at times, especially during the first half, they come up against a well drilled Welsh rearguard. A drive from Urwin puts United ahead, but Smith equalises straight from the kick-off. Boyd, who replaced the injured Clark, pleases on his debut.

65m - URWIN drives home from a Seymour centre (1-0).

66m - Direct from the kick-off, SMITH heads through (1-1).

BETTER FINISH GIVES UNITED VICTORY - United come out on top in the most spirited game so far this season involving two well matched sides playing better football than can scarcely be desired. The points stay on Tyneside because Newcastle possess that extra little bit of finish.

26m - Against the run of play GALLACHER runs onto a McDonald header and flashes a shot into the net (1-0).

59m - A gem of a goal by GALLACHER who drives the ball hard and true into the net, a fraction of a second before he is clashed to the ground (2-0).

SURPRISE FOR NEWCASTLE - Luck is against the Magpies, who have to settle for their fourth consecutive away draw despite storming into a two goal lead in the first six minutes. Arsenal’s equaliser comes from a penalty controversially awarded for handball against Maitland and Gallacher is unlucky to have a "goal" chalked off for offside.

01m - CLARK heads home after tricky wing-play from Seymour (1-0).

06m - SEYMOUR with a fine cross-shot (2-0).

57m - From a free-kick BUCHAN cleverly heads in (2-1)

63m - PARKER penalty-kick (2-2).

GALE TRICKS AT NEWCASTLE - The biting gale force wind is of a strength which almost sweeps the pedestrian off his feet and makes for very unfavourable playing conditions. United have the wind at their back in the first-half and dominate possession after taking an early lead. Hudspeth nearly scores a freak second with a wind assisted free-kick, taken from inside United's half. Liverpool fail to take advantage of the conditions in the second half and it is the Magpies who look more likely to score again, Riley denying them on a number of occasions. McKenzie is somewhat impetuous and comes in for a little admonishment from the referee.

03m - Seymour lobs the ball to GALLACHER and the ball goes into the net off his legs (1-0).

WEAK FORWARDS AGAINST NEWCASTLE - Much better conditions on Merseyside and the ground is more yielding than the hard-baked pitches of previous games. Everton are struggling without the injured Dixie Dean and Newcastle take advantage to record their first away victory of the season. The home side start with rare spirit, but don’t take their chances and come unstuck when the Magpies take the lead. Everton open brightly again on the resumption until United gradually wrestle control from them and their play became wild and disorganised. Gallacher receives some rough treatment and as so often happens the referee only notices it when the Scot retaliates.

35m - CLARK sweeps the ball in after a McDonald’s shot comes back off the bar (1-0).

70m - Urwin crosses for MCDONALD (2-0).

85m - GALLACHER breaks free of his shackles (3-0).

90m - TROUP with an oblique drive (3-1).

HAT-TRICK ON THE WING - Struggling Blackburn are taken apart by a Newcastle side whose first-half performance is reminiscent of their greatest days. They are four goals up at the interval and if it hadn't been for some miraculous keepmanship from Rovers' rookie keeper Cope (playing his second game after conceding five on his debut) and the fact that United eased off, the score could easily have run into double figures. Number 11 Seymour scored a "true" and spooky hat-trick with goals on 22, 33 and 44 minutes.

07m - MCKENZIE (1-0).

22m - SEYMOUR (2-0).

33m - SEYMOUR (3-0).

44m - SEYMOUR (4-0).

CLARK crashes in off the underside off the crossbar (5-0).

Maitland inexplicably dribbles the ball right back to his own goal before falling under a challenge from the Rovers' centre-forward who then taps into an open goal (5-1).

85m - United seem intent on trying to tee up Gallacher for the rest of the match, but it is MCDONALD who gets the last goal (6-1).

CHECK TO NEWCASTLE’S RUN OF SUCCESSES - United's nine match unbeaten run comes to an end against a Sunderland side who have led the table for most of the season. It is a pulsating game, chockful of incident. The Magpies enjoy the balance of play, but the forward line (lacking Gallacher who is on international duty) do not exploit their numerous chances and a certain dalliance is noticeable in their play. Credit is also due to the brilliance of new England custodian McInroy. Throughout there is no slackening in pace and play proceeds to the accompaniment of a continuous roar from the thoroughly rouse crowd.

34m - HALLIDAY, against the run of play, with a tremendous volley (0-1).

71m - DEATH in acres of space on the left races through (2-0).

MCKAY’S BRILLIANT DEBUT - Gallacher scores two goals on his return but it is new signing Bob McKay who grabs the headlines with a debut hat-trick against the table-footers. The United forward line is in captivating form, almost of exhibition type towards the end of the game. McKenzie received an early admonishment from the referee.

01m - Gallacher sets up MCKAY to score with a clean straight drive from close range (1-0).

05m - GALLACHER header (2-0).

15m - GLIDDEN with a terrific shot from twenty yards range (2-1).

MCKAY’s powerful shot spins Spronson round and into the net before the ball jumps out of his hands (3-1).

70m - MCKAY (4-1).

79m - GALLACHER (5-1).

86m - WILSON (5-2).

A gruelling game for the Mags who are hampered by injuries to a number of players during the game and have two "goals" controversially disallowed. The display lacks their usual polish as they sacrifice craft for fury. Torrential rain across the country resulted in a number of postponements and as a result the going is "very soft", despite the sunshine. Bury, with a rather strong breeze in their favour, dominate the first half and despite going behind lead at the break. Wilson has to make several fine saves to prevent more goals from Bury's frisky raiders. In the second period the driving rain returns and United go on the offensive. Bury have many narrow escapes, but add to their tally before Hudspeth scores from the penalty spot. The game is often in grave danger of being spoiled by the referee; so much so that, before the finish, it is almost out of control. He has occasion to speak to McKenzie and Spencer, but seems to spend quite a lot of time talking to both players and spectators. There is also mass confusion amongst both sets of players when the Bury custodian is penalised for carrying the ball too far resulting in a free-kick which is less than ten yards from goal. The Bury defenders do not realise that they can stand on the goal line and the custodian thinks Newcastle will simply shoot and therefore the goal will be disallowed if nobody else touches it, so he stands by one of the uprights. The Bury captain runs quickly over to his keeper to tell him to guard the goal and all this time the Newcastle players have been waiting impatiently. United’s effort is smuggled away although they claim the ball had crossed the line before it was cleared.

17m - GALLACHER heads a delightful goal from a finely placed Seymour centre (1-0).

tbc (1-1).

34m - tbc (1-2).

BALL with a fine individual effort (1-3).

HUDSPETH scores from the penalty spot after Bradshaw stopped the ball from going into the net in approved goalkeeper style.

NEWCASTLE ON METTLE AS BIRMINGHAM TROUNCED - The teams equal on points before the match but City are soundly beaten by a scoreline that does not exaggerate the general measure of United's superiority. The Magpies have now scored sixteen times in their last three home matches. They are dominant for nearly the whole game, playing football which must have captivated the most exacting critic.

15m - MCKAY after good interplay between Gallacher and Seymour (1-0).

35m - GALLACHER with a direct drive (2-0).

57m - MCDONALD (3-0).

BRIGGS with a delightful shot (3-1).

SEYMOUR (4-1).

HUDSPETH penalty (5-1).

ARTISTS WHO FELL INTO HACK WORK - Gallacher has failed to score on his three previous visits to London, but the sceptical media cannot fail to be impressed after a devastating display from Wee Hughie. Tottenham are unbeaten at home but there is little for the Cockerels to crow about after the game. It is very much a game of two halves. The first period is an exhibition of football which soared to the heights. The Londoners play well, but United are beyond all praise, combining perfect combination with individual and collective cleverness. Gallacher scores two brilliant goals before needing treatment for a bad foul that escapes the observation of the referee. After Gallacher completes his hat-trick the match degenerates with Tottenham employing “get there” tactics and United replying in kind. Eventually referee Lines called all the players together to issue a general caution.

20m - GALLACHER with a splendid goal (1-0).

40m - Tottenham are bewildered by United’s close passing, finished off by GALLACHER with a well-placed kick (2-0).

Half-time: Tottenham 0 Newcastle 2

58m - Seymour centres for GALLACHER (3-0).

59m - DIMMOCK penalty following a Spencer foul (3-1).

TO THE TOP ON MERIT - Newcastle record their seventh successive home victory and take over from Sunderland at the top of the table. Two goals are scant reward for another masterful display of excellent teamwork.

21m - GALLACHER accurately times a perfect centre from Seymour to interpose his head and turn the ball into the net at a point where the custodian cannot intercept it (1-0).

55m - SEYMOUR following a mazy Gallacher dribble (2-0).

LEADERS PULLED FROM THEIR PERCH - United's League leadership is short-lived as they fall to a disappointing defeat at Hillsborough where the robust dashing football of the homesters conquers the skill and craft of the vanquished visitors. After pulling back to 3-2,, United have chances to equalise, but McDonald misses a sitter and a Gallacher shot rattles the crossbar. The Magpies play in their change strip of white jerseys with black V collars. Photo in Athletic News.

12m - United open brightly, but Wednesday take the lead when Wilson comes for, but misses, a corner leaving TROTTER with an open goal (0-1).

26m - The Owls hit the bar, then McKay weaves a sinuous passage goalwards before setting up MCDONALD for an easy tap in (1-1).

33m - A fanciful clearance by Maitland simply sets up HILL (1-2).

60m - United adopt a more open style after the break, but it is Sheffield who continue to carve out the better chances and they go further ahead with another header from TROTTER (1-3). .

United storm back and MCKAY scores a brilliant goal on the half-turn (2-3).

United throw away a home point by missing two penalties in a game they dominate and should have won easily. The high wind makes conditions difficult, but Newcastle are guilty of slack passing and wasteful shooting. This, combined with an excellent performance from Foxes custodian Campbell means United's winning run at St James' comes to an end.

06m - With the wind behind them the Magpies are on top from the start and SEYMOUR scores with a deft flicked header from a pinpoint cross from Boyd (1-0).

20m - Leicester equalise through ADCOCK (1-1).

35m - The referee awards a penalty after Black handles the ball, although it appeared that it had already crossed the line for a goal. "Surefoot" Hudspeth's penalty is saved.

55m - Black fouls Gallacher in the area and he decides to try his luck, but his chest-high effort is easily gathered by Campbell.

Struggling Cardiff are no match for a rampant United who record their best ever win so far over the Bluebirds. Tom McDonald is the hero, scoring a first half hat-trick and filling in at centre-back when Spencer is injured after only a few minutes.

Despite playing into a strong wind United take the game to Cardiff and MCDONALD heads them in to the lead from a corner placed with meticulous precision by Urwin (1-0).

23m - MCDONALD drops back to play as the "pivot" but drives in from a free-kick just outside the area (2-0).

MCDONALD’s third is the best of the lot as he makes an irresistible run from the halfway line before beating Farquharson with a left-foot shot just inside the timber (3-0).

47m - GALLACHER superbly volleys in from another Urwin corner (4-0).

74m - GALLACHER reacts first when an effort from Seymour is blocked (5-0).

Although Leeds are struggling against relegation, the Elland Road attendance record is beaten by almost 7,000 for United's visit. Before the match interest is aroused in the shape of a Highlander who walks across the pitch and shakes hands with former Newcastle player Mitchell. After the Magpies take an early lead the Yorkshiremen reply with vigour, but are let down by poor finishing. Defences dominate as play fluctuates rapidly, then just before the interval the home side equalise. The great pace continues in the second period with Leeds attacking more often, but United looking the more likely scorers with their well-balanced raids. Seymour grabs the winner five minutes from time.

03m - There is a sensational opening when URWIN capitalises after the Leeds custodian fails to gather a Gallacher shot (1-0).

38m - JENNINGS (1-1)

85m - SEYMOUR (2-1)

The game is more vigorous than cultured, and there is just a fear that the encounter is going to get beyond the control of the referee. The official shows too much leniency at the beginning of the game and the players begin to take liberties. Eventually he takes Gallacher and Armand apart to administer what looks a very serious lecture. A little later Gallacher receives a caution before the official administers an all round caution to both teams, although he misses a couple of Newcastle players standing twenty yards away! There is no doubt United deserved the win. Playing against the wind in the first-half they missed a number of chances including a third successive penalty, when Hudspeth’s spot-kick is saved.

GALLACHER drives the ball in off the underside of the bar (1-0).

NOTTS TANGLED AT NEWCASTLE- Newcastle adopt a cool and methodical approach against the second leaguers and are in total control after Gallacher opens the scoring after 11 minutes. In the final 18 minutes of the half United score five more with custodian Streets struggling to cope. Both Gallacher (one a back-heel) and McDonald net hat-tricks.

United consolidate top position with a hard fought victory against The Valiants. Once again there is a contrast of styles between United's elaborate approach play and Villa’s more direct style. Both sides are excellent in the first period as the football soars to the almost classical, although United are often guilty of over-gilding the lilly. It is 1-1 at the break. United start the second period badly and are lucky to have an upright twice saving them. McDonald ends the penalty problems ten minutes from time and Wilson makes a great save when Villa are also awarded a spot-kick five minutes later.

15m - YORK (0-1).

16m - GALLACHER through the medium of a scrambling sort of goal when when he is almost on all fours. (1-1)

80m - MCDONALD penalty (2-1)

85m - Villa get a penalty which Wilson saves brilliantly before kicking the ball into touch.

The "North Mail" successfully introduces community singing to St. James’ and the Newcastle supporters turn out in huge numbers to see United record their fifth successive victory in the League. Play is difficult on a frost-bound pitch and the game is very disappointing. McKay puts United ahead after only three minutes but they fail to build on that as a result of sound Trotters defence and a lack of sparkle and poor finishing in attack. Gallacher, in particular, is well shackled.

03m - MCKAY

A match which will live long in the memory for the superb quality of the football, the thrills it provided and the spirit in which the strenuous encounter was fought. The amateur’s defence is wonderful and custodian Howard Baker has the match of his life. There is no question that United deserve the win, but they cut it very fine as they still trail with fifteen minutes left. And the Corinthians are unlucky to be reduced to ten men after McDonald had equalised.

County are in 18th place and do not bother to try and match United in the footballing stakes, preferring to adopt less creditable methods which have the home crowd barracking them vociferously. Their vigorous tactics fail to work with Newcastle taking the lead in the first minute and scoring twice more after the break. Only a terrific display of custodianship from Olney prevents a more comprehensive victory whilst Gallacher is almost back to his best despite the fact that he has to take a lot of buffets and twice needs to undergo repairs".

01m - GALLACHER follows in after McDonald foozles a Seymour cross (1-0).

MCDONALD scores from the spot after Gallacher is fouled (2-0).

82m - URWIN (3-0).

Newcastle's winning run comes to an end at Old Trafford against the thirteenth-placed Lancastrians. They only have themselves to blame as despite dominating the game against their injury-hit opponents they fritter away their chances. Gallacher did little except shoot badly and is guilty of missing two open goals. Seymour misses another sitter and Urwin crashes a shot against the bar.

05m - In the first half the homesters have the help of a stiff easterly wind and soon open the scoring. Wilson rushes out to try and intercept a pass but slips, leaving SPENCER with an open goal (0-1).

15m - MCDONALD converts a McKay centre (1-1).

Half-time: Man Utd 1 Newcastle 1

70m - HARRIS (1-2).

75m - HANSON (1-3).

Newcastle lose two games on the trot for the first time since the opening weeks but luckily Burnley and Sunderland also lose. so they retain top spot. The game is very similar to the match in Manchester. Despite conceding early and being ragged both in temper and play for a time, the Magpies soon equalise and dominate from then on. Unfortunately despite trying a number of formations upfront they cannot break through, although a post denies Gallacher and they have two decent penalty "shouts". The Blades then punish their profligacy by scoring the winner thirteen minutes from time. Once again United have lost to an inferior team and doubts are starting to be cast over United's ability to play against teams with less skill but extra "dash".

03m - (0-1).

11m - SEYMOUR converts a Gallacher cross (1-1).

Half-time: Sheff Utd 1 Newcastle 1

77m - (1-2).

For the fourth time Newcastle end their FA Cup career at Southampton. Rowley opens the scoring with McDonald replying five minutes later, from a penalty kick given for a mild case of hands. From that point onwards United make constant raids on the harassed home defence who stand up magnificently. Seven minutes from time, following a quick raid down the left-wing, Rowley settles the issue with a header.

The pressure is mounting as United have lost top spot and have to take on sixth-placed Liverpool without Gallacher who is on international duty. The Magpies respond with a gutsy performance and an overdue return to form. Playing into a stiff breeze in the first-half they take the lead within three minutes only for the home side to equalise before the break. Equality is a fair reflection of the match with Liverpool matching United's football craft with dash in abundance. Both sides enjoy spells of pressure in the second half, but United get the only goal. Liverpool come close on a number of occasions and during one attack there is a Rugby scrum on United's goal line, with half a dozen players concerned. Luckily the referee blows for a free kick to the oppressed side. Huddersfield are surprisingly held to a goalless draw at home by Everton which allows United to regain top spot on goal difference, Sunderland are two points behind.

03m - SEYMOUR heads in an Urwin cross (1-0).

28m - REID dashes in to literally head the ball from Wilson’s hands into the net (1-1).

Urwin crosses and SEYMOUR finishes (2-1).

Everton are struggling in 20th place and are made to suffer more in a remarkable crowd-rocking game. The first forty-five minutes sees both teams playing excellent football and only a penalty separates the sides. In the second period the Newcastle forward line produces a superlative exhibition of football which would have shaken any team. They totally dominate with Gallacher back to top form and only a brilliant display by Everton custodian Taylor preventing United reaching double figures. Newcastle move two points clear at the top.

27m - GALLACHER scores a remarkable goal, hooking in from Seymour’s corner (1-0).

30m - MCDONALD penalty (2-0).

32m - FORSHAW (2-1).

54m - GALLACHER (3-1).

55m - MCKAY (4-1).

(4-2).

A full-blooded 30 yard shot by McKenzie wriggles out of Taylor's hands (5-2).

GALLACHER with a fine drive (6-2).

SEYMOUR when Taylor fists the ball to him from a corner by Urwin (7-2).

87m - An unmarked DOMINY nets (7-3)..

United are full of confidence as they travel to Ewood Park to take on 8th placed Blackburn whom they thrashed 6-1 on Tyneside in October. It is a game that in the territorial sense could be regarded as quite even, but there is not a weakness in the Novocastrian side and their extra skill gives them the edge. In an exciting first half, in which both sides make numerous chances, a pearl from Gallacher separates the teams. In the second half the game remains even although United make the better chances and Gallacher scores a second. With fifteen minutes left Puddefoot pulls one back and in a storming finish the homesters claim unsuccessfully for a penalty. As a result the referee has a round of hooting as he leaves the field.

35m - GALLACHER is put through on goal but is forced to the touchline by two defenders. He beats them and when a third comes to meet him clever ball control takes him out as well. And although he seems to be in an impossible position, he flashes the ball between Crawford and the near upright (1-0).

GALLACHER heads home from Urwin's cross (2-0).

75m - PUDDEFOOT (2-1).

The St. James’ attendance record is smashed by 5,000 as Newcastle take on third placed (and five points behind) Sunderland in the "Jubilee" Tyne-Wear derby. It is one of the most vital matches between the old rivals ever. It is a hard, fast match, yet free of the unsavoury incidents often associated with a local 'Derby'. United are good value for their narrow victory as they play the better football: methodical, clever and all-together; whilst Sunderland depend on dash and energy. Newcastle are on top in the first half but a shaky performance by Wilson between the sticks gives Sunderland hope. He also has the misfortune to be bundled into the net by Marshall, the referee disallowing the effort. In contrast McInroy is having an excellent game for Sunderland, but even he cannot prevent Gallacher scoring in off the post after a typical flowing United move. The terrific pace continues after the break as the game sways from end to end. There are several stoppages for injuries, all the result of legitimate vigour, rather than anything dirty. Both sides have decent penalty appeals turned down as there is more fervour than football. There are no more goals but the massive crowd departs home satiated with thrills. Second place Huddersfield only drew so United extend their lead to three points (45 to 42), with Burnley (39), West Ham, Sunderland and Leicester following (38).

32m - GALLACHER’s shot goes in off the inside of an upright (1-0).

West Brom are bottom of the table and the shock defeat, coupled with a win for Huddersfield, re-opens the title race. It is a remarkably good game considering that the pitch is muddy and the wind is of the high variety. Blackburn referee Haworth, blamed for the home draw with Leicester, disallows two United goals and awards the Throstles a highly debatable penalty.

04m - (0-1).

19m - MCDONALD heads in off the underside of the bar from an Urwin cross (1-1).

24m - GALLACHER (2-1).

45m - Hesitancy in the United defence allows Albion to equalise (2-2).

60m - Custodian Wilson vacates his goal to try and stop an attack but he misses with his challenge allowing CARTER to shoot into the net despite Hudspeth's attempts to cover for his errant custodian.

75m - Wilson collides with Carter and they both go down, the referee waives play on and the ball is cleared. Throstles players and fans protest and the referee is persuaded to change his mind by a linesman who had a much worse view of the incident. The penalty is converted.

The Magpies bounce back against struggling Bury, but they almost slip-up after a palpable slackening of their play at the start of the second half. United now have 47 points but all their nearest rivals (Huddersfield, West Ham and Sunderland) win away to maintain the pressure. Clark deputises for Hughie who is off playing for Scotland. The Novocastrians dominate the first half and are full value for their two goal lead, indeed if it hadn't been for a superb performance by 'keeper Richardson, back on his native heath, the margin would have been even more comprehensive.

14m - McDonald prances to the bye-line before setting up MCKAY, who drives in (1-0).

22m - a penalty by MCDONALD from the 12-yard splash (2-0).

Half-time: Bury 0 Newcastle 2

53m - United restart far too casually and allowed Bury to pull one back (2-1); it should have been worse but Amos blasts high with the goal at his mercy.

Suitably chastised Newcastle scored their third when Bury right-back Wynne is guilty of an unpardonable error of judgement, misplacing a back-pass to CLARK who finishes with aplomb (3-1).

Arsenal are 17th and put out a weakened side as they have a date at Wembley coming up. United brilliantly outmanoeuvre the southerners from the start and are soon two goals to the good. They ease off allowing Buchan to pull one back before the break. Soon after the restart Gallacher needs treatment after a bad foul although there is no justification for his retaliatory action. United go on to score four more without reply.

GALLACHER (1-0).

GALLACHER (2-0).

Poor defending allows BUCHAN to score just before the break (2-1).

Half-time: Newcastle 2 Arsenal 1

Gallacher needs treatment after a bad foul and as a result he and McKay swop positions.

MCDONALD scores a capital goal following a thrilling dribble (3-1).

GALLACHER converts a Seymour cross (4-1).

MCKAY with two goals which exhibit meritorious footwork and marksmanship worthy of his illustrious captain (6-1).

United fail to score in a game for only the second time this season as they are bustled out of all semblance of their normal game by Birmingham's spoiling tactics and “get there” game. The Magpies are lucky to go in at the break on even terms, but within ten minutes of the restart they have shipped two goals. United respond to the set-back, but cannot get the better of Birmingham's rugged half-back line. A frustrated Gallacher openly shows his resentment at the vigorous tactics employed against him, and gets the crowd on his back. Thankfully Huddersfield also slip up and the table now reads: 1-Newcastle (49), 2-Sunderland (46), 3-Huddersfield (46). Sunderland have played two more games; United and Huddersfield still have to play each other home and away.

The ground is "full" an hour before the kick-off for the first of the vital double header with the Terriers. Ambulance cases are frequent in occurrence, but only in a few cases is a stretcher requisitioned. The ground is hard and the ball is lively; something which suits the Yorkshiremen who keep the ball in the air with a regularity that strongly indicates the existence of an agreement among the team on this line of policy. But it is still a good game and United win as a result of their superiority in the front-line and greater mobility at half-back. It is goalless at half-time with defences on top although spectators gasp when Gallacher muffs the ball and yells in frenzy when no less than three penalty appeals fall on Mr Watson's deaf ears. Halfway through the first-half United are reduced to ten men when Gibson has to retire following a severe wrench of the knee. The game is decided early in the second period when Gallacher heads in with a neck-twisting effort which has its genesis in a deft header from Seymour. With Sunderland not playing, United open up a five point gap.

GALLACHER heads in with a neck-twisting effort which has its genesis in a deft header from Seymour (1-0).

United record their tenth home victory in a row and their 17th in 19 home games. It is a strenuous game which United dominate but almost find their match in the Spurs defence who fight an unwavering battle against heavy odds. Indeed with the inside forwards well shackled it is left to the wide-men to score the goals. Although Spurs "long ball" methods enable them to have parity at the break, Newcastle dominate the second half as Spurs concentrate on defence and employ all sorts of leisurely measures to help the flight of precious minutes. The plan backfires when Seymour scores. Sunderland lose and Huddersfield draw, giving United a six point lead with only four games remaining.

07m - DIMMOCK (0-1).

SEYMOUR replies almost immediately with a sizzling cross drive (1-1).

URWIN reacts first when a Clark shot rebounds off a post

(2-2).

SEYMOUR at last manages to find a passage through the phalanx of the 'Spurs' rearguard, and runs the ball in to shoot a fine goal (3-2).

Leeds Road houses it's biggest attendance for six years. The ground is hard, the ball is lively and the match does not provide the finer points of the game in profusion, possibly because of the excitement in the air. The home side are more forceful and aggressive in the first half and dominate possession, but after the break it is United who have the homesters on the defensive for most of the game. The game is heading for stalemate until Brown sensationally scores from the very last kick of the game. The incensed United players believe that there had been a handball in the build-up and crowd around referee Mr Watson, excitedly protesting. The official calmly walks to the pavilion, with the United players arguing most of the way. Four points now separate the two sides with only three games left to play and United's vastly superior goal average means that one more victory will virtually assure glory, but they have a tricky trip to fifth place West Ham coming up.

90m - BROWN (0-1).

Although United return from London with only a point, Huddersfield's failure to beat Man Utd at home means United are all but Champions. It isn’t a good game as a result of another baked-hard pitch, a strong wind blowing swirls of dust around and the fact that it is palpable that they are a little overwrought with the significance of the game. Seymour puts Newcastle in front, only for them to give away the softest goal that has been scored against them this season when Maitland and Wilson both leave each other to deal with an aimless ball forward giving Ruffell an open goal. In the second forty-five Newcastle are happy to settle for what they have, although they are most aggrieved when the referee fails to act when Gallacher is sent crashing to the ground in the area.

20m - SEYMOUR with a shot across goal when Clark's deep cross bypasses friend and foe before arriving at his feet (1-0).

34m - An aimless long ball should cause no trouble, but Maitland and Wilson leave it to each other allowing RUFFELL to walk it into an empty net (1-1).

Newcastle make mathematically sure of the Championship in their tenth and final game of the month. It is no surprise that they beat "The Wednesday" as they have failed to win any away games all season. Despite the fact the Owls have nothing to play for it is a hard struggle as they are desperate to record that first victory and are none to particular in the methods they adopt. Gallacher’s opener is soon cancelled out and despite incessant pressure, Wednesday custodian Brown (so handy with his fists and in the almost forgotten art of punching the ball) keeps United out. The game continues in a similar vein in the second period and it isn’t until fifteen minutes before the end that Gallacher scores the winner. At the final whistle the champions troop off the field to the strains of 'The Conquering Heroes' with the Lord Major to meet them and congratulate each player in person.

29m - GALLACHER bangs the ball into the back of the net (1-0).

Sheffield hit straight back after another defensive lapse. Wilkinson crosses from the left, Wilson goes for the ball but misses it and Strange heads home (1-1).

75m - GALLACHER puts the issue beyond doubt with another goal of the unstoppable brand, running in to head home an Urwin cross (2-1).

It is broiling weather and the ground is as hard as a board; despite the conditions both teams play enthusiastically. Although United take an early lead Leicester reply almost immediately and United are rarely in the game after that. Wilson and wasteful Foxes finishing prevents a heavier defeat.

LOW scores from a corner (1-0).

09m - LOCHHEAD’s shot goes in off an upright (1-1).

penalty (1-2).