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NUFC - 1986/87 Matches

27/07 - Fr: Blackburn 2 Newcastle 2 (1-1)

Blackburn - Douglas -

Thomas M (Kelly), McDonald , Bailey, McCreery, Clarke, Roeder, Davies, Gascoigne (Whitehurst), Cunningham, Beardsley, Stewart

Scorers: Gascoigne, McDonald - Quinn (2)

ISLE OF MISERY - Newcastle play their first game in the Isle of Man Trophy. Martin Thomas (after only three minutes) and Gascoigne both pick up injuries. Sub ‘keeper, Gary Kelly, saves a penalty and is made man-of-the-match.

29/07 - Fr: Portsmouth 2 Newcastle 2 (0-0)

Portsmouth - Castletown - 2,500

Kelly, McDonald , Tinnion, Anderson, Clarke, Roeder, Stewart, Davies, Whitehurst, Allon, Ferris.

Scorers: McDonald (p), Allon - O'Callaghan, Dillon (p)

ROUGH JUSTICE - Injuries are building up for United. All the goals come in the last sixteen minutes with Newcastle taking a two-goal lead before being pegged back. The last goal is a dubious penalty four minutes from time.

30/07- Fr: Isle of Man IX 1 Newcastle 5 (0-3)

Isle of Man IX - Castletown - 3,000

Scorers: Allon (2), Stewart, Beardsley, Ferris - Taggart

05/08- Fr: Linfield 2 Newcastle 3 (1-2)

Linfield - Windsor Park - 5,000

Thomas, McDonald , McCreery, Clarke, Anderson, Stewart, Davies, Whitehurst (Allon), Beardsley, Ferris.

Scorers: Whitehurst (2), Allon - Murray, McGaughey

ALLON GRABS WINNER - Both sides play the match as if it is a Cup Final Whitehurst puts United ahead twice only for the Irish side to reply on both occasions. Allon scores the winner fifteen minutes from the end.

07/08- Fr: Coleraine 0 Newcastle 0 (0-0)

Coleraine - - 2,000

Thomas, Anderson, Tinnion, McCreery, Clarke, McDonald, Davies, Wrightson, Allon (Cunningham), Beardsley, Ferris.

A STRUGGLE FOR UNITED - Due to all the injuries teenagers Kevin Scott and Jeff Wrightson have to travel over by boat to join the squad.

11/08- Fr: Carlisle 3 Newcastle 2 (1-1)

Carlisle - Brunton Park - 3,500

Thomas, Anderson, Bailey, McDonald, Clarke (Wrightson), Scott, Davies, Morton, Allon, Beardsley (Cunningham), Stewart.

Scorers: Allon (2) - McGarvey (2-1p), Saunders

SAUNDERS HAS THE LAST LAUGH - Allon looks very sharp upfront again as he continues to show great pre-season form, but United reject Wes Saunders heads the winner for the Cumbrians.

15/08- Ben: Durham City 0 Newcastle 8 (0-4)

Durham City - Ferens Park - 1,000

Scorers: Allon (2), Davies, McCreery, McDonald (p), Anderson, Whitehurst, Bogie

UNITED SLAM EIGHT GOALS - Although Durham City play in the Dryboroughs Northern League Second Division McFaul fields quite a strong side, particularly in the first-half. It is a benefit match for striker Paul Main who has had to retire due to injury.

18/08- Fr: Newcastle 1 Monterrey 1 (1-0)

Monterray - SJP - 8,417

Scorers: Campa (og) - Mota

NOW FOR LIVERPOOL - Monterray are the Mexican champions and provide competitive, though limited opposition. They are quick on the break, but offer little else in a game which is played mainly at exhibition pace.

23/08 - D1: Newcastle 0 Liverpool 2 (0-1)

Liverpool - SJP - 33,306

Thomas M, Anderson, Bailey, McCreery, Clarke, Roeder, Davies, Gascoigne (McDonald), Whitehurst, Beardsley, Wharton

Scorers: Rush (2)

Position: 18th

LIVERPOOL IN A RUSH - It couldn't have been a much tougher opener as United host double winners Liverpool who include Ian Rush whose proposed transfer to Juventus is temporarily delayed due to the rules of the Italian FA. He scores two typically clinical goals five minutes after the start and seven minutes from the end.

YT highlights

25/08 - D1: Tottenham 1 Newcastle 1 (1-0)

Tottenham (2nd) - White Hart Lane - 25,381

Thomas M, Anderson, Bailey, McCreery, Clarke, Roeder, Davies, McDonald, Whitehurst, Beardsley, Wharton

Scorers: Beardsley - Allen

Position: 15th

SHEER GENIUS - Torrential rain makes for a tricky surface at White Hart Lane and Newcastle do well to come away with a point after a gutsy performance. Martin Thomas and Beardsley, who scores a brilliant goal just before the end, are the star players.

30/08 - D1: Luton 0 Newcastle 0 (0-0)

Luton (6th) - Kenilworth Road - 9,254

Thomas M, Anderson, Bailey, McCreery, McDonald, Roeder, Bogie, Gascoigne, Whitehurst, Beardsley, Wharton

Position: 18th

SAFE KEEPING - Eighteen-year-old Ian Bogie makes his League debut. Not making the trip to the plastic Kenilworth Road are the Newcastle fans (although some find a way) as Luton have banned all away support. It ends goalless due largely to another excellent performance from Thomas who makes a string of magnificent saves and earns himself a standing ovation from the home fans. United only muster four shots all match and two of those come in the opening minutes. Peter Beardsley aggravates his achilles tendon injury .

03/09 - D1: Newcastle 0 QPR 2 (0-0)

QPR (9th) - SJP - 23,080

Thomas M, Anderson, Bailey, McCreery, McDonald, Roeder, Davies, Gascoigne, Whitehurst, Allon, Wharton (Stewart)

Scorers: Byrne, Bannister (p)

Position: 20th

SECOND BEST - Ten thousand fans that had turned up for the opening match fail to appear for the match against QPR who have made a decent start to the season. Joe Allon, once again a prolific scorer in the reserves, is drafted in for the injured Beardsley. United play very badly, creating very few chances of their own and gifting Rangers two second half goals. They are jeered off the pitch at the end and McFaul admits they are “lacking confidence”, but vows “we will get it right!”.

06/09 - D1: Newcastle 2 Sheff Wed 3 (0-2)

Sheff Wed (12th) - SJP - 22,010

Thomas M, Anderson, Bailey, McCreery, McDonald, Scott, Davies, Gascoigne, Whitehurst, Allon, Stewart

Scorers: Allon, Scott - Shutt (2), Sterland

Position: 21st

SHUTT OUT! - United's injury problems are starting to mount as captain Glenn Roeder is ruled out, with Kevin Scott making his debut as a replacement. The Magpies are comprehensively outplayed throughout most of a lively, absorbing and bad-tempered match. They concede twice just before the break and are still 2-0 down with only eleven minutes left. Then out-of-the-blue youngsters Allon and Scott score within three minutes, only for Shutt to grab his second thirteen seconds from time. United are now winless in the first five games for the first time in 34 years and have also lost all three home games.

13/09 - D1: Coventry 3 Newcastle 0 (1-0)

Coventry (10th) - Highfield Road - 11,370

Thomas M, McDonald, Bailey, McCreery, Clarke, Anderson, Davies, Gascoigne, Whitehurst, Cunningham, Stewart

Scorers: Kilcline, Bennett, Adams

Position: 22nd

GIFT WRAPPED - McFaul decides to turn to experience at Coventry, pairing Whitehurst and Cunningham upfront, in an attempt to get the club "out of the mire". Jeff Clarke also returns from injury. But United's disastrous run continues as they gift the Sky Blues three goals in a game in which the score could easily have been doubled. The fans chant “what a load of rubbish” and McFaul concedes that: “the way we conceded those goals today was a disaster". He admits that the squad needs strengthening, but warns that there is "no bottomless pit of money". Stewart gets away with punching McGrath, United slump to bottom place.

YT highlights

20/09 - D1: Newcastle 1 Wimbledon 0 (0-0)

Wimbledon (4th) - SJP - 21,545

Kelly, Anderson, Bailey, McCreery, Clarke, Roeder, McDonald, Gascoigne, Whitehurst, Thomas A, Stewart

Scorers: Gascoigne

Position: 20th

PAUL PEPS UP UNITED - Wimbledon were promoted last season and this is the first ever meeting between the two sides. Roeder is back from injury, but keeper Thomas is having muscle spasms in his back, not surprising really considering the start United have made. As a result, twenty-year-old Republic of Ireland youth international, Gary Kelly, makes his debut along with new signing Andy Thomas. Despite his small size Kelly shows up well to the inevitable direct and aerial onslaught and a perfectly judged chip from Gazza secures a vital first victory of the season

23/09 - FLC R2 L1: Bradford C 2 Newcastle 0 (0-0)

Bradford C (D2-14th) - Odsal Stadium - 6,384

Thomas M, Anderson, Bailey, McCreery, Scott, Roeder, McDonald, Gascoigne, Thomas A, Beardsley, Stewart (Whitehurst)

Scorers: Abbott (p), Goodman

OUTFOUGHT AND OUTCLASSED! - Beardsley is back for the trip to Second Division Bradford City who are playing at the Odsal Stadium because their ground is still being repaired after the terrible fire. The (rugby) pitch is very bumpy but that is no excuse for the worst performance so far. The Magpies could have lost by a lot more, but for another fine goalkeeping display by Thomas and some slices of luck. The announcement that Whitehurst is coming on for Stewart is roundly booed by the travelling supporters.

27/09 - D1: Norwich 2 Newcastle 0 (1-0)

Norwich (3rd) - Carrow Road - 15,735

Thomas M, Anderson (Gascoigne), Bailey, McCreery, Clarke, Roeder, Stephenson, Thomas A, Allon, Beardsley, McDonald

Scorers: Drinkell (2)

Position: 20th

NO JOY FOR UNLUCKY JOE - McFaul axes Stewart, Gascoigne and Whitehurst with youngsters Joe Allon and Paul Stephenson both being recalled for the trip to high flying Norwich. Although Drinkell scores after only four minutes United gradually take control largely due to the running and hard work of the two youngsters. But, against the run of play Drinkell grabs a second with twelve minutes left. McFaul declares: “that was our best performance of the season. We deserved more, our luck was rock bottom".

04/10 - D1: Southampton 4 Newcastle 1 (1-0)

Southampton (13th) - The Dell - 14,622

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery (Gascoigne), Clarke, Anderson, Stephenson, Thomas A, Allon, Beardsley, Whitehurst

Scorers: Thomas A - Clarke (3), Dennis

Position: 22nd

KILLER CLARKE - A new attacking formation of Allon and Whitehurst up front with Beardsley and Thomas behind looks promising at first and United take the lead. The Saints pull one back before half-time then score three times in eleven minutes in the last twenty minutes with Colin Clarke scoring a hat-trick. Just before the end seventeen-year-old sub Le Tissier dances through the defence before being foiled by Thomas. After the game supporters hurl abuse at the directors as they sit in the coach waiting to leave the ground. They are advised in unmistakably graphic language that it is time they bought someone.

08/10 - FLC R2 L1: Newcastle 1 Bradford C 0 (agg 1-2) (0-0)

Bradford C (D2-10th) - SJP - 15,893

Kelly, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery, Roeder, Anderson, Stephenson,, Gascoigne, Allon, Beardsley, Whitehurst (Stewart)

Scorers: Roeder

SHAME ON YOU - Although Roeder scores with fifteen minutes left, the Magpies go out on aggregate against the second division Bantams. Whitehurst is subbed after his tenth blank of the season and reacts to the fans' loud booing with sarcastic applause and a two-fingered gesture. After the game some 1,000 angry fans gather outside the main gates and although mounted police disperse them they reappear on the steps below the boardroom. Coins are thrown and chants include “Sack the Board”, “we want our money back” and “where’s the money gone?” They also demand the appearance of Billy Whitehurst before some choruses of “there’s only one Chrissy Waddle”.

YT highlights

11/10 - D1: Newcastle 3 Man City 1 (1-1)

Man City (19th) - SJP - 21,780

Kelly, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery, Roeder, Anderson, Stephenson, Gascoigne, Cunningham, Beardsley, Stewart

Scorers: McDonald (p), Gascoigne, Cunningham

Position: 21st

OH SO LUCKY UNITED - Tony Cunningham and Ian Stewart are recalled against a City side who have only one of their last 22 games. United come from behind to record only their second win of the season. McFaul is honest enough to admit that it was his "luckiest win as a manager", the visitors having hit the woodwork three times.

18/10 - D1: Newcastle 1 Arsenal 2 (0-0)

Arsenal (8th) - SJP - 22,368

Kelly, McDonald, Wharton, Thomas A, Roeder, Anderson, Stephenson, Gascoigne, Cunningham, Beardsley, Stewart

Scorers: Stewart - Anderson, Williams

Position: 21st

CLASS TELLS, UNITED - Although they take the lead, United slump to their fourth home defeat in six games as they are comprehensively outclassed on a greasy surface. The 2-1 scoreline does not reflect the visitors superiority and even ‘keeper Lukic almost gets on the score sheet when his long punt up field bounces over keeper Kelly's head before thankfully passing wide of the goal. Referee Peter Tyldesley annoys the home crowd with a number of his decisions and just before the end he waves away United’s protests when Stewart seems to be felled by Adams in the box. Inevitably, the official is loudly booed as he leaves the pitch. Wharton plays through the entire second-half with concussion.

25/10 - D1: Aston Villa 2 Newcastle 0 (2-0)

Aston Villa (20th) - Villa Park - 14,614

Thomas M, McDonald, Anderson, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson (Gascoigne), Thomas A, Cunningham, Beardsley, Stewart

Scorers: Hodge (2)

Position: 21st

THE HIT-MAN - The team bus is involved in an accident on the way to the ground. New signing Peter Jackson replaces Kenny Wharton and McCreery's return sees Gascoigne once again reverting to the sub's bench. The home side are one place above United and previous United target Steve Hodge is the difference between the teams. He scores twice in the first twenty-four minutes to put Villa in command and although Beardsley creates numerous chances there is nobody capable of finishing them off.

01/11 - D1: Newcastle 0 Oxford 0 (0-0)

Oxford (15th) - SJP - 19,622

Thomas M, McDonald, Anderson, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Gascoigne (Wharton), Thomas A, Cunningham, Beardsley, Stewart

Position: 22nd

IT’S RUBBISH UNITED - Newly promoted Oxford have conceded ten goals in their last two away games and turn up to shut up shop. And with Newcastle barren of ideas as an attacking force it is a drab stalemate which sees Newcastle drop back to the bottom of the table. Gascoigne in particular has a poor game and receives plenty of stick from the crowd before being substituted with fifteen minutes to go. Quarter of an hour later the rest of the players leave the field to a chorus of booing and chants of "what a load of rubbish". After the game, despite the torrential rain, a couple of hundred fans mass outside the main entrance to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the board. Chants this time include “we’re going down” and “Keegan was right”

08/11 - D1: Leicester 1 Newcastle 1 (0-1)

Leicester (18th) - Filbert Street - 9,836

Thomas M, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Thomas A, Goddard, Beardsley, Stewart (Cunningham)

Scorers: McDonald (p) - Smith

Position: 22nd

BARGAIN BUY - Following his arrival from West Ham, Paul Goddard makes his debut in place of Cunningham and is inspirational in a much improved performance. McDonald gives United the lead from a penalty, with Alan Smith replying after the break. After the game Goddard confidently claims: "we won't go down".

15/11 - D1: Newcastle 2 Watford 2 (0-0)

Watford (13th) - SJP - 23,645

Thomas M, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Thomas A (Cunningham), Goddard, Beardsley, Stephenson

Scorers: Anderson, McDonald (p) - Jackett (p), Blissett

Position: 22nd

PENALTY PLEASER - Despite being bottom of the table, St James’ Park hosts the biggest crowd of the day as four thousand extra fans turn up to see their new centre-forward's home debut. He doesn’t disappoint with an intelligent and hard-working display during which he links up well with Beardsley and almost scores on three occasions. All the goals come in the last twenty minutes as United come from behind twice, a McDonald penalty three minutes from time saving a point.

22/11 - D1: Chelsea 1 Newcastle 3 (1-1)

Chelsea (20th) - Stamford Bridge - 14,544

Thomas M, Anderson (Jackson D), Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Thomas A, Goddard, Beardsley, Stephenson

Scorers: Thomas A (2), Beardsley - Durie

Position: 22nd

JUST NO DOUBTING THOMAS - Chelsea have made almost as bad a start as United and there are less than 15,000 present at what is United’s 4000th competitive game. And with Thomas scoring twice, they witness Newcastle securing a first away victory, their second victory at Stamford Bridge in 32 years and their first victory in London since promotion.

YT highlights

30/11 - D1: Newcastle 4 West Ham 0

West Ham (7th) - SJP - 22,077

Thomas M, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Thomas A, Goddard (Jackson D), Beardsley, Stephenson

Scorers: Thomas (2), McDonald, Jackson D

Position: 18th

THESE KIDS ARE GREAT - West Ham have made a decent start to the season, are in fourth place and are unbeaten away from home. ITV try and pull out of broadcasting the match live due to United’s position, but the club refuse. And Newcastle confound their critics with a masterful performance and a resounding victory reminiscent of the best moments of last season. West Ham manager, John Lyall, is generous in his praise. "Newcastle deserve every credit, they outfought and outplayed us". The victory lifts United four places to 18th and brings real hope of a revival. England manager Bobby Robson is impressed with the youngsters and urges the crowd to be patient with them and “not drive them away”.

YT highlights

03/12 - FMC: Everton 5 Newcastle 2 (4-0)

Everton (4th) - Goodison Park -

Scorers: Thomas A (2) - Sharpe (3), Sheedy, Heath

A SHARP LESSON - The Magpies are 2-0 down after six minutes and 4-0 behind after thirty-six, with Graham Sharp having completing a hat-trick. Andy Thomas grabs a brace for the third game in a row.

06/12 - D1: Charlton 1 Newcastle 1 (1-0)

Charlton (20th) - Selhurst Park - 7,333

Thomas M, Anderson (Nesbitt), Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Thomas A, Goddard, Beardsley, Jackson D

Scorers: Goddard - Roeder (og)

Position: 16th

SARGE EARNS HIS STRIPES - Charlton have lost five in a row and are just below Newcastle in the table. Less than 8,000 turn up at the Valley where a late goal from Goddard, at last breaking his duck, secures an ill-deserved point for the Magpies.

YT highlights

13/12 - D1: Newcastle 3 Nottm Forest 2 (1-1)

Nottm Forest (2nd) - SJP - 26,191

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson, Thomas A, Goddard, Beardsley, Jackson D (Nesbitt)

Scorers: Wharton, Thomas A, Beardsley - Starbuck, Carr

Position: 15th

MONEY WELL SPENT - Nottingham Forest are second, but although they control the game for long periods, it is United who grab all three points in an entertaining game. Andy Thomas, who scored his seventh goal in the last five games is proving to be a bit of a bargain. Beardsley scores the third, side-footing cooly home after running from the half-way line.

YT highlights

21/12 - D1: Sheff Wed 2 Newcastle 0 (2-0)

Sheff Wed (9th) - Hillsborough - 28,897

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, Nesbitt, Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson, Thomas A, Goddard, Beardsley, Jackson D

Scorers: Chapman, Bradshaw

Position: 17th

CHRISTMAS GIFTS, BUT NO YULE SPIRIT - As usual, there is a large travelling contingent at Hillsborough to see high-flying Wednesday make a blistering start which brings two goals within twenty minutes. United never recover and although there are no more goals they return home well beaten.

26/12 - D1: Newcastle 0 Everton 4 (0-1)

Everton (4th) - SJP - 35,079

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, Wrightson, Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson (Stewart), Thomas A, Goddard, Beardsley, Jackson D

Scorers: Steven (2), Power, Heath

Position: 20th

SORRY NEWCASTLE BACK IN TROUBLE - A Boxing Day bashing as the Toffees outclass United in no uncertain style. It is the joint worst ever Boxing Day defeat. Eighteen year old Jeff Wrightson is the latest youngster thrown in to help fill the huge gap left by little McCreery.

YT highlights - FH
YT highlights - SH

27/12 - D1: Watford 1 Newcastle 0 (1-0)

Watford (11th ) - Vicarage Road - 18,011

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, Wrightson, Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson, Thomas A, Goddard, Beardsley, Jackson D

Scorers: Barnes

Position: 21st

GIFT WRAPPED - McFaul sticks with the same eleven for the visit to Vicarage Road. John Barnes gives the Hornets the lead in their first meaningful attack and despite plenty of possession a subdued United attack cannot find an equaliser. The defeat makes it three losses in six days without a single goal scored and the Magpies slump back down to 21st.

01/01 - D1: Man Utd 4 Newcastle 1 (2-1)

Man Utd () - Old Trafford - 43,334

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson (Stewart), Thomas A, Goddard, Beardsley, Jackson D

Scorers: Jackson D - Jackson P (og), Whiteside, Stapleton, Olsen

Position: 21st

Peter Jackson heads past a bemused Thomas after only four minutes and Whiteside makes it 2-0 a couple of minutes later. Despite the disastrous start Newcastle reply well, Darren Jackson pulls one back and Goddard really should have equalised. After the break the home side are in control despite being down to ten men for the last thirty minutes after Kevin Moran swallows his tongue.

YT highlights

03/01 - D1: Newcastle 1 Coventry 2 (0-1)

Coventry (11th) - SJP - 22,366

Thomas M, Davies (Stewart), Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson (Stewart), Thomas A, Goddard, Jackson D, Wrightson

Scorers: McDonald - Bennett, Regis

Position: 22nd

MISERY - Beardsley is missing with a knee injury David Bennett opens the scoring after only 42 seconds and Newcastle never recover from this early set-back. They are out-thought, out-fought and without a doubt second best in every department. After being impatient in the first, the crowd tries to rally the players after the break, before giving up and resorting to chants of ”what a load of rubbish”. McFaul admits “the players are down and so am I”.

21/01 - FAC R3: Newcastle 2 Northampton 1 (1-0)

Northampton (D4:1st) - SJP - 23,177

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson, Thomas A, Goddard (Stewart), Beardsley, Jackson D

Scorers: Goddard, Thomas A - Hill

WHAT A RELIEF - Although Goddard scores after three minutes Fourth Division leaders Northampton give United a tough match. Hill equalises half-way through the second with Andy Thomas restoring United’s lead a minute later. Chunks of the game are played at a frantic pace and Graham Carr’s side are more inventive and better all-round than nervy Newcastle. They thoroughly deserve the standing ovation they get at full-time.

YT highlights

24/01 - D1: Liverpool 2 Newcastle 0 (0-0)

Liverpool (3rd) - Anfield - 38,054

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, Anderson, Jackson P, Roeder, Jackson D, Thomas A, Goddard, Beardsley, Stewart

Scorers: Walsh, Rush

Position: 22nd

IN THE RED - Newcastle are under the cosh for most of the game as they miss the combative midfield skills of the injured McCreery. It is a sixth successive defeat in the League. Alleged Anfield target Beardsley is applauded by both sets of supporters at the end and some of the travelling Geordies are none too impressed with Beardsley's acknowledgement of the home fans.

31/01 - FAC R4: Newcastle 2 Preston 0 (0-0)

Preston (D4-2nd) - SJP - 30,495

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Thomas A, Anderson, Goddard, Cunningham, Stewart

Scorers: Roeder, Goddard

GODDARD’S GOALS LIKE GOLD TO NEWCASTLE !- Beardsley aggravated his knee injury against Liverpool so Tony Cunningam gets a rare chance to impress against Preston, who are second in Division 4. The players slither around on the icy pitch and McFaul opts for long ball tactics. It is tough going, but goals from Roeder and Goddard in the last half hour secure passage into the Fifth Round for only the second time in eleven years. The impressive Wharton is lucky that the officials do not see him throw a punch at an opponent just before half-time.

YT highlights

07/02 - D1: Newcastle 2 Luton 2 (2-1)

Luton (5th) - SJP - 22,437

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery (Jackson D) , Jackson P, Roeder, Thomas A, Cunningham, Goddard, Beardsley, Craig

Scorers: Jackson P, Goddard - Grimes, Breacker

Position: 22nd

OH KENNY! - Grimes gives the Hatters an early lead, but United bounce back to lead at the break. The score remains the same until fifteen minutes from time when the visitor’s equalise after a bad error by Wharton. Newcastle should have gone on to win but Goddard and Cunningham collide with each other when faced with an open goal and Roeder gets in the way of a goalbound shot from Thomas.

14/02 - D1: QPR 2 Newcastle 1 (0-0)

QPR (14th) - Loftus Road - 10,731

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, Scott, Jackson P, Roeder, Thomas A, Cunningham, Goddard, Beardsley, Craig

Scorers: Goddard, - Byrne, Fillery

Position: 22nd

PAUL STARTS THE ROT - Goddard scores against his old club just after the hour mark, but United concede twice in the last twenty minutes. McFaul comes under fire from the press who question both his tactics (including playing five at the back) and his future at the club whilst also suggesting that Beardsley might put more effort into away games.

21/02 - FAC R5: Tottenham 1 Newcastle 0 (1-0)

Tottenham (6th) - White Hart Lane - 38,033

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Jackson D, Thomas A, Goddard, Beardsley, Craig

Scorers: Allen (p)

KILLER CLIVE - Twelve thousand United fans witness a brave, battling display. Despite a huge gulf in class, the game is settled by a controversial penalty, Peter Jackson being adjudged to have pushed Richard Gough.

YT highlights

28/02 - D1: Wimbledon 3 Newcastle 1 (1-0)

Wimbledon (9th) - Plough Lane - 6,779

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, Scott, Jackson P, Clarke, Thomas A (Wrightson), Cunningham, Goddard, Beardsley, Craig

Scorers: Beardsley - Sayer (3)

Position: 22nd

SUCKER PUNCH - Newcastle womble closer to Division Two as a first senior hat-trick by Andy Sayer brings another demoralising defeat. Having only gained one point from the last nine games Newcastle are now five points behind 19th place and safety.

07/03 - D1: Newcastle 2 Aston Villa 1 (1-1)

Aston Villa (20th) - SJP - 21,224

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Anderson, Stephenson, Allon (Jackson D), Cunningham, Beardsley, Craig

Scorers: Cunningham, Beardsley - Daley

Position: 22nd

FAITH, HOPE AND PETER! - A relegation six-pointer on Tyneside as Villa are two places and four points above the Magpies. With Goddard unavailable, Cunningham and Allon form a new partnership up front with Beardsley operating on the left hand side. The Longbenton lad has faced quite a lot of criticism recently, but he is the outstanding player and scores a great goal, in a scrappy match. Opposition manager Billy McNeill generously says: “he is a class player with a touch of genius”. It is only Beardsley’s second goal at home this season and the first win in ten games.

21/03 - D1: Man City 0 Newcastle 0

Man City (20th) - Maine Road - 23,060

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson, Goddard (Jackson D), Cunningham, Beardsley, Anderson

Position: 22nd

WASTERS! - Both Roeder and Goddard are available again as United are involved in another relegation battle at Maine Road. Both Tony Cunningham and former United favourite Imre Varadi are guilty of missing some gilt-edged chances. Newcastle remain bottom, but now have games in hand over their rivals with four home games in a row coming next.

25/03 - D1: Newcastle 1 Tottenham 1 (0-1)

Tottenham (6th) - SJP - 30,782

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson, Gascoigne, Goddard (Cunningham), Beardsley, Anderson

Scorers: Goddard - Hoddle

Position: 22nd

GODDARD THE SAVIOUR - Fit-again Gascoigne returns to the side for the first time in four months against a Spurs side who have won five games in a row and are in tremendous form. Glen Hoddle gives them an early lead, but United hang in there and in a much improved and gutsy second half performance, Paul Goddard equalises fifteen minutes from time.

YT highlights FH YT highlights SH

28/03 - D1: Newcastle 2 Southampton 0 (1-0)

Southampton (16th) - SJP - 22,717

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson, Gascoigne, Goddard, Beardsley, Anderson

Scorers: Goddard, Gascoigne

Position: 21st

GASCOIGNE MAGIC - Although Southampton have pulled away from the relegation zone, they have lost eight away games in a row. McFaul has the rare luxury of naming an unchanged team and United run out worthy winners. Talking point of the match comes when Gazza, who is in irrepressible form, shoots into the side netting when a simple pass to Goddard would have left him with an open goal. Goddard rushes up to Gascoigne and gives him a hefty push in the chest and at one stage it looks as though he is going to hit him. Newcastle are off the bottom for the first time in three months.

YT highlights

04/04 - D1: Newcastle 2 Leicester 0 (2-0)

Leicester (18th) - SJP - 23,360

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson, Gascoigne, Goddard, Beardsley, Anderson

Scorers: Goddard, Wharton

Position: 20th

THE GREAT ESCAPE - Goddard and Wharton make it 2-0 within six minutes and although they cannot build on the great start. United triumph over another relegation rival.

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08/04 - D1: Newcastle 4 Norwich 1 (1-1)

Norwich (7th) - SJP - 24,534

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery (Jackson D), Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson, Gascoigne, Goddard, Beardsley, Anderson

Scorers: Goddard, Gascoigne, McDonald (p), Jackson D - Drinkell

Position: 18th

PURE MAGIC - Drinkell opens the scoring for the Canaries early on, but Goddard equalises just before the break and three goals in the last thirty-minutes secure an excellent victory. It is the best performance since the home game against West Ham as United ooze flair and finesse, power and purpose in an exhilarating performance that moves them out of the relegation positions for the first time this year. The Canaries’ Geordie centre-back Steve Bruce has a night to forget: he gets booked, concedes a penalty and deflects in Gascoigne’s goal.

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11/04 - D1: Oxford 1 Newcastle 1 (0-1)

Oxford (17th) - Manor Ground - 10,526

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, Jackson D, Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson (Thomas A), Gascoigne, Goddard, Beardsley, Anderson

Scorers: Goddard - Dreyer

Position: 18th

Oxford are just above United in the table. Goddard is on target once more but Ashington-born John Dreyer ensures the points are shared eleven minutes from time. It is a fair result on a day that both sides struggled to deal with the blustery conditions.

14/04 - D1: Arsenal 0 Newcastle 1 (0-1)

Arsenal (5th) - Highbury - 17,353

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, Jackson D, Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson, Gascoigne, Goddard (Thomas A), Beardsley, Anderson

Scorers: Goddard

Position: 17th

GOAL-DEN GODDARD - Paul Goddard scores his sixth goal in as many games as he combines superbly with Beardsley in attack, but it is the outstanding Gascoigne who is the star of the show.

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18/04 - D1: Newcastle 2 Man Utd 1 (1-1)

Man Utd (11th) - SJP - 32,706

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, Jackson D, Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson, Gascoigne, Goddard, Beardsley (Thomas A), Anderson

Scorers: Roeder, Goddard - Strachan

Position: 16th

LOCKED OUT AND ECSTATIC - The gates are locked twenty minutes before kick-off leaving an estimated 6,000 fans locked outside including some who had tickets. Police with dogs and on horseback disperse the crowd although some gather on Strawberry Lane to add their support from outside. Roeder opens the scoring with his first of the season, but Strachan equalises and the game seems to be heading for a draw. There is an expectation amongst the fans outside that the gates will re-open fifteen minutes from time, but the club decides against it. One steward, who is letting some people out, is persuaded to let a couple of fans in, which leads to others trying to storm the gates. The police move in quickly, but just as things look like turning ugly Paul Goddard scores in the 79th minute and the fans start celebrating and chanting. The Londoner thus equals Len White’s post-war record of scoring in seven successive matches in what is an action-packed and often tetchy game. Newcastle are now nine points above the relegation positions.

20/04 - D1: Everton 3 Newcastle 0 (0-0)

Everton (1st) - Goodison Park - 43,576

Thomas M, McDonald (so), Wharton, Jackson D, Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson (Stewart), Gascoigne, Goddard, Thomas A, Tinnion

Scorers: Clarke (3)

Position: 17th

DEFEATED AND DISMISSED - Despite a brave battle, Newcastle’s unbeaten run finally comes to an end at the tenth time of asking. The League Leaders pin United back for the majority of the game and Wayne Clarke scores a second-half hat-trick. Neil McDonald is sent off in the last minute for foul and abusive language after contesting Clarke’s third.

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25/04 - D1: Newcastle 1 Chelsea 0 (0-0)

Chelsea (13th) - SJP - 21,962

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Jackson D, Gascoigne, Goddard, Cunningham, Anderson

Scorers: Goddard

Position: 17th

STAYING UP - United make a great start and although they start to lose a bit of confidence their determination sees them through and eventually secure the winning goal nineteen minutes from time when Goddard plays a 1-2 with Gascoigne then calmly slots the ball past Freestone. Newcastle are virtually safe. With only three games left, neither Manchester City or Aston Villa can now catch the Magpies who are also eight points ahead of Charlton (20th), who still have to travel to Tyneside.

02/05 - D1: West Ham 1 Newcastle 1 (0-1)

West Ham (14th) - Upton Park - 17,844

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Jackson D (Craig), Gascoigne, Goddard, Cunningham, Anderson (so)

Scorers: McDonald (p) - Ward

Position: 17th

SPOT ON! - Neil McDonald gives United an early lead with his fifth successful penalty of the season thus maintaining his 100% record. Martin Thomas (making his 300th appearance) brilliantly saves Cottee's spot kick, but six minutes from time Mark Ward equalises. A couple of minutes later Anderson is sent-off for swearing at a linesman, but United hang on for the precious point that guarantees safety. Charlton lose at home to Luton.

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04/05 - D1: Newcastle 0 Charlton 3 (0-2)

Charlton (20th) - SJP - 26,950

Thomas M, Anderson, Wharton, Craig (Thomas A), Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson, Gascoigne, Jackson D, Cunningham, Tinnion

Scorers: Miller, Crooks, Leaburn

Position: 17th

WHAT A DISGRACE! - With Goddard and McCreery injured and McDonald suspended, McFaul is forced to shuffle his pack against relegation-threatened Charlton. Mcfaul does not make excuses. “I thought we were a disgrace and the players know it. We’ve disappointed a crowd of almost 27,000. We have let them down and that disappoints both the players and myself”. The Londoners dominate the game particularly in an embarrassing first-half.

09/05 - D1: Nottm F 2 Newcastle 1 (2-0)

Nottm F (8th) - City Ground - 17,844

Thomas M, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Jackson D (Davies), Gascoigne, Cunningham, Thomas A, Tinnion

Scorers: Gascoigne - Foster, Pearce (p)

Position: 17th

NO LUCK - A strikeforce of Cunningham and Andy Thomas does not bode well, but with new U21 call-up Gazza in ebullient mood, United put up a decent performance. The match is marred by trouble after the game when both sets of supporters swarm onto the pitch and some fighting breaks out. Mounted police are brought on and Forest manager Brian Clough wades in to drag some of the home supporters away from the trouble. McFaul takes a more lenient view: “I don’t think the fans were violent, it was more a case of high spirits”.

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