NUFC 1997/98 - Match Details

In the Ireland Club Championship Trophy, United win an entertaining game with Tommason scoring twice including the winner ten minutes from time.

PSV Eindhoven - Lansdowne Road - 18,000

Given, Barton, Howey (Hughes), Albert, Watson, Batty (Crawford), Lee, Gillespie, Ketsbaia, Tomasson, Shearer.

21m - GILLESPIE

24m - TOMASSON

30m - BRUGGINK

Half-Time: Newcastle 2 Eindhoven 1

75m - STAM

80m - TOMASSON

Full-Time: Newcastle 3 Eindhoven 2

The Magpies lift the Ireland Club Championship Trophy in Dublin. Crawford and Beardsley are on target.

Derry City - Lansdowne Road - 14,500

Srnicek, Barton, Hughes, Albert (Howey), Watson, Hamilton (Gillespie), Lee, Crawford (Ketsbaia), Tomasson, Ferdinand, Beardsley

07m - CRAWFORD (1-0)

36m - BEARDSLEY (2-0)

Half-Time: Derry 0 Newcastle 2

Full-Time: Derry 0 Newcastle 2

19/07 - Fr: Birmingham 2 Newcastle 3 - Tomasson scores again, but United need a last-minute own-goal to win.

Birmingham City - St. Andrews - 13,799

Hislop, Barton, Hughes, Albert, Pearce, Hamilton, Ketsbaia (Pinas), Gillespie, Tomasson (Beardsley), Ferdinand, Shearer

04m - DEVLIN (0-1)

39m - TOMASSON (1-1)

Half-Time: Birmingham 1 Newcastle 1

54m - SHEARER (2-1)

79m - FURLONG (2-2)

90m - BENNETT own goal (3-2)

Full-Time: Birmingham 2 Newcastle 3

Tomasson puts United ahead on the Umbro International Trophy game, but Poyet equalises and the Londoners win 3-1 on penalties with Pearce, Asprilla and Tomasson all failing. Far more importantly, Alan Shearer suffers a knee ligament injury in the first few seconds .

Chelsea - Goodison Park - 15,264

Given, Barton, Pearce, Batty, Watson, Albert, Ketsbaia (Hamilton), Lee (Asprilla), Gillespie, Tomasson, Shearer (Beardsley)

44m - TOMASSON (1-0)

Half-Time: Chelsea 0 Newcastle 1

63m - POYET (1-1)

Full-Time: Chelsea 1 Newcastle 1

27/07 - Fr: United concede three times in the last fifteen minutes of the Umbro International.

Ajax - Goodison Park - 10,289

Srnicek, Barton, Hughes, Howey, Beresford, Lee (Watson), Batty (Crawford), Hamilton, Gillespie (Ketsbaia), Beardsley, Asprilla (Tommason)

Half-Time: Ajax 0 Newcastle 0

76m - MCCARTHY (0-1)

83m - OLISEH (0-1)

86m - MCCARTHY (0-3)

Full-Time: Ajax 3 Newcastle 0

Asprilla, Beardsley and Watson all score in the first-half in a comfortable victory.

Bradford City - 8,470

Hislop, Hughes, Beresford (Pistone), Albert (Elliott), Pearce, Watson, Hamilton, Batty (Crawford), Ketsbaia, Beardsley, Asprilla (Pinas)

07m - ASPRILLA (1-0)

27m - BEARDSLEY (2-0)

39m - WATSON (3-0)

Half-Time: Bradford City 0 Newcastle 3

Full-Time: Bradford City 0 Newcastle 3

The Magpies are 3-0 down with just over half an hour gone and two late Asprilla goals put a false complexion on the scoreline.

Juventus - Stadio Comunale La Fiorita - 22,511

Given (Srnicek), Barton, Pistone, Albert (Watson), Pearce, Beresford, Batty, Hamilton (Ketsbaia), Lee, Asprilla, Tomasson (Beardsley)

Scorers: Asprilla (2, 1p) - Ferrara, Inzaghi

01m - FERRARA (0-1).

03m - INZAGHI (0-2).

34m - INZAGHI (0-3).

Half-Time: Juventus 3 Newcastle 0

70m - ASPRILLA penalty

82m - ASPRILLA

Full-Time: Juventus 3 Newcastle 2

An entertaining 2-1 victory in which Asprilla scores both goals. In the first few minutes debutant Jon Dahl Tomasson blazes straight at goalkeeper Pressman from ten yards after being put through and later has two other efforts disallowed.

Sheffield Wednesday - SJP - 36,711

Given, Watson, Pistone, Albert, Pearce, Batty, Lee, Ketsbaia, Asprilla, Tomasson, Beresford

Scorers: Asprilla (2) - Carbone

02m - ASPRILLA (1-0.).

08m - CARBONE (1-1).

Half-Time: Newcastle 1 Sheffield Wednesday 1

71m - ASPRILLA (2-1).

Full-Time: Newcastle 2 Sheffield Wednesday 1

Position: 3rd

John Beresford, playing as a wing-back, is United's unlikely goalscoring hero as his two strikes helped United to a narrow victory over the impressive Croatians.

Croatia Zagreb - SJP - 34,465

Given, Watson, Pistone, Albert (Howey), Pearce, Batty, Lee, Ketsbaia, Asprilla, Tomasson (Gillespie), Beresford

Scorers: Beresford (2) - Cvitanovic

21m - BERESFORD (1-0).

Half-Time: Newcastle 1 Croatia Zagreb 0

51m - CVITANOVIC (1-1).

75m - BERESFORD (2-1).

Full-Time: Newcastle 2 Croatia Zagreb 1

Another Beresford goal gives United a narrow victory despite having to play with ten men for most of the second-half, David Batty having been sent off for two bookable offences. Faustino Asprilla watches the match from the stands as he arrives too late to be considered after being stranded in Colombia due to industrial action. Dalglish states that "there’s nothing underhand, nothing dishonest about what happened and there is no question that I am unhappy over Tino's late arrival."

Aston Villa (20th) - SJP - 36,783

Given, Watson, Pistone, Albert, Pearce, Batty, Gillespie, Lee, Rush (Tomasson), Ketsbaia (Barton), Beresford

Scorers: Beresford

13m - BERESFORD (1-0).

Half-Time: Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 0

53m - David Batty is sent off.

Full-Time: Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 0

Position:6th

The Magpies reach the Champions League proper for the first time with a 4-3 aggregate win over Croatia Zagreb. Asprilla scores from the penalty spot just before half-time to make it 3-1 on aggregate. The Croatians equalise just after the break then with only seconds remaining score again to take the tie into extra time.The Magpies stand firm in a hostile atmosphere and with less than a minute to go, super-sub Temuri Ketsbaia scores the (aggregate) winner prompting jubilant scenes amongst the players, coaching staff and 450 fans in a sell-out crowd.

Croatia Zagreb - tbc - 34,000

Given, Watson, Pistone, Albert, Pearce (Howey), Batty, Lee, Barton, Asprilla, Tomasson (Ketsbaia), Beresford (Gillespie).

Scorers: Asprilla (p), Ketsbaia - Simic, Cvitanovic

44m - ASPRILLA penalty (1-0).

Half-Time: Croatia Zagreb 0 Newcastle 1

59m - SIMIC (1-1).

90m - CVITANOVIC (1-2).

Full-Time: Croatia Zagreb 2 Newcastle 1

119m - KETSBAIA (2-2).

Extra-Time: Croatia Zagreb 2 Newcastle 2

13/09 - United slump to a dismal defeat against the bottom team. Dalglish is "not making excuses" but calls for internationals to be played at weekends rather than during midweek. United had twelve players away on international duty and Faustino Asprilla arrived back on Tyneside only an hour before the game.

Wimbledon (20th) - SJP - 36,526

Given, Watson, Pistone, Barton (Ketsbaia), Albert, Barnes, Gillespie (Asprilla), Lee, Rush, Tomasson, Beresford

Scorers: Barton - Cort, Perry, Ekoku

02m - CORT (0-1).

32m - BARTON (1-1).

Half-Time: Newcastle 1 Wimbledon 1

59m - PERRY (1-2).

76m - EKOKU (1-3).

Full-Time: Newcastle 1 Wimbledon 3

Position: 11th

Quite simply one of the greatest matches in the club's history. It is a brilliant team performance with hat-trick man Asprilla, speed-merchant Gillespie and Given leading the way. Roared on by a vociferous crowd United take the game to the Spanish giants from the off. Asprilla scores from the spot and then adds two more with soaring headers from Gillespie crosses. The Catalans pull one back with eighteen minutes remaining and take control. They score a second with two minutes left, but United hang on. After the match Tino smiles and says: "Three goals - not bad."

Barcelona - SJP - 35,274

Given, Watson, Beresford, Barton, Albert, Batty, Gillespie, Lee, Asprilla, Tomasson (Peacock), Barnes (Ketsbaia).

Scorers: Asprilla (3, 1p) - Enrique, Figo

22m - ASPRILLA penalty (1-0).

31m - ASPRILLA (2-0).

Half-Time: Newcastle 2 Barcelona 0

48m - ASPRILLA (3-0).

72m - ENRIQUE (3-1).

88m - FIGO (3-2).

Full-Time: Newcastle 3 Barcelona 2

Given is in outstanding form again, making a host of brilliant saves to deny a rampant Hammers side who dominate the match. A peach from Barnes, who receives a torrent of abuse from his previous suitors, secures a win.

West Ham (6th) - Boleyn Ground - 25,884

Given, Watson, Beresford, Peacock, Albert, Batty, Barton, Lee, Asprilla, Barnes (Howey), Gillespie

Scorers: Barnes

44m - BARNES (1-0).

Half-Time: West Ham 0 Newcastle 1

Full-Time: West Ham 0 Newcastle 1

Position: 8th

Newcastle struggle to break down the Toffees’ blanket defence and even after Bilic is controversially sent-off it looks as though the Magpies will have to settle for a point. Then with only two minutes left Ian Rush sets up Robert Lee who lashes the ball into the net.

Everton (14th) - SJP - 36,705

Given, Watson, Pistone, Peacock, Albert, Batty, Gillespie (Barton), Lee (Beresford), Asprilla, Tomasson (Rush), Barnes

Scorers: Lee

Half-Time: Newcastle 0 Everton 0

88m - LEE (1-0).

Full-Time: Newcastle 1 Everton 0

Position: 7th

A sluggish and defensive performance at Stamford Bridge brings no reward as Gustavo Poyet heads the only goal after 74 minutes. It is stated that Asprilla's absence was due to a stomach upset.

Chelsea (5th) - Stamford Bridge - 31,563

Given, Watson, Pistone, Peacock, Albert, Batty, Barton, Barnes (Gillespie), Rush, Tomasson (Ketsbaia), Beresford (Howey).

Scorers: Poyet

Half-Time: Chelsea 0 Newcastle 0

74m - POYET (0-1).

Full-Time: Chelsea 1 Newcastle 0

Position: 10th

United fight back from two goals down to secure a draw in front of 100,000 "boisterous" fans in the Ukraine. Kiev storm into a two-goal lead in the first half-hour and only Given's magnificence prevents them from going further ahead. But two goals in the last twelve minutes from Beresford stuns them into silence. Dalglish loses another striker as Asprilla manages to injure himself whilst taking a free-kick.

Dynamo Kiev - tbc - 100,000

Given, Watson, Beresford, Peacock, Albert, Batty, Gillespie, Lee (Ketsbaia), Asprilla (Tomasson), Barton, Barnes

Scorers: Beresford (2) - Rebrov, Shevchenko

04m - REBROV (0-1).

28m - SHEVCHENKO (0-2).

Half-Time: Dynamo Kiev 2 Newcastle 0

78m - BERESFORD (1-2).

85m - BERESFORD (2-2).

Full-Time: Dynamo Kiev 2 Newcastle 2

Returnees David Ginola, Les Ferdinand and Ruel Fox are afforded a "mixed" reception on their return to Tyneside. Although United dominate for most of the game, they have to wait until the last minute for Barton's winner. Spurs start the second half with nine men with Les and Ruel still in the toilets.

Tottenham (13th) - SJP - 36,709

Given, Watson, Beresford, Peacock, Howey, Batty, Barton, Barnes, Rush, Tomasson, Ketsbaia

Scorers: Barton

Half-Time: Newcastle 0 Tottenham 0

89m - BARTON (1-0).

Full-Time: Newcastle 1 Tottenham 0

Position: 6th

The Third Division strugglers make United battle all the way. Debutant Des Hamilton gives the Magpies the lead, but they are not sure of their passage until Ian Rush adds a second seven minutes from time. The Welsh international's goal means that he equals Geoff Hurst's League Cup goalscoring record of 49 goals.

Hull (D3:23rd) - SJP - 35,856

Hislop, Barton, Beresford (Watson), Peacock, Howey, Albert, Hamilton (Brayson), Barnes, Rush, Tomasson, Ketsbaia

Scorers: Hamilton, Rush

Half-Time: Newcastle 0 Hull 0

47m - HAMILTON (1-0).

83m - RUSH (2-0).

Full-Time: Newcastle 2 Hull 0

"I can't remember seeing one of my teams play as badly as that", says Kenny after a disastrous performance at Elland Road. Leeds dominate from the off and three first-half goals in a twelve-minute spell underlines their superiority. Within two minutes of the restart it is 4-0 before Keith Gillespie grabs a consolation. It is not the best unveiling for United's away kit which clashes with the official's outfits and when Steve Watson tries to find a linesman with a 30-yard pass referee David Elleray decides to change his top.

Leeds (9th) - Elland Road - 39,834

Given, Watson, Beresford, Peacock, Howey, Batty, Barton, Lee, Rush, Ketsbaia (Tomasson), Barnes (Gillespie)

Scorers: Gillespie - Ribeiro, Kewell, Beresford og, Wetherall

31m - RIBEIRO (0-1).

38m - KEWELL (0-2).

43m - BERESFORD own goal (0-3).

Half-Time: Leeds 3 Newcastle 0

47m - WETHERALL (0-4).

62m - GILLESPIE (1-4).

Full-Time: Leeds 4 Newcastle 1

Position: 10th

A much improved performance against the Dutch champions, but Wim Jonk's volley means the Magpies leave empty handed. Four points from three games and two home games to come means United still have a good chance of progressing. Despite pre-match media scaremongering the fans behave themselves with the only trouble of any note occurring before the kick-off when PSV fans clash with Ajax supporters who attempt to infiltrate the home supporters' kop.

PSV - tbc - 29,200

Given, Watson, Beresford (Ketsbaia), Peacock, Howey, Batty, Barton (Albert), Lee, Rush, Tomasson, Gillespie

Scorers: Jonk

38m - JONK (0-1).

Half-Time: PSV 1 Newcastle 0

Full-Time: PSV 1 Newcastle 0

Emergency striker Keith Gillespie blasts in spectacularly for his first at SJP for twenty-nine months, however United find it hard to break down the durable visitors who equalise through Chris Sutton.

Blackburn (2nd) - SJP - 36,716

Srnicek, Watson, Beresford, Peacock, Albert, Batty, Hamilton (Lee), Barnes, Tomasson, Ketsbaia, Gillespie (Howey).

Scorers: Gillespie - Sutton

27m - GILLESPIE (1-0).

Half-Time: Newcastle 1 Blackburn 0

57m - SUTTON (1-1).

Full-Time: Newcastle 1 Blackburn 1

Position: 10th

With Gillespie joining Asprilla and Shearer on the sidelines goalless Thomasson has to play upfront on his own and it takes a last minute goal from John Beresford to save United from defeat. The three Foxes goals were all headers where their player was left unmarked.

Leicester (4th) - SJP - 36,754

Given, Watson, Beresford, Peacock, Howey (Hamilton), Albert, Lee, Batty, Tomasson (Rush), Ketsbaia, Barnes

Scorers: Barnes (p), Tomasson, Beresford - Marshall (2), Elliott

04m - BARNES penalty (1-0).

12m - MARSHALL (1-1).

32m - MARSHALL (1-2).

45m - TOMMASON (2-2).

Half-Time: Newcastle 2 Leicester 2

54m - ELLIOT (2-3).

90m - BERESFORD (3-3).

Full-Time: Newcastle 3 Leicester 3

Position: 9th

United need to win to maintain any hope of progress in the European Champions League, but shorn of seven internationals they are mastered by their far slicker Dutch visitors.

PSV - SJP - 35,214

Given, Watson, Beresford, Barton, Albert, Pistone, Hamilton, Barnes, Tomasson, Ketsbaia, Gillespie

Scorers: Nilis, De Bilde

33m - NILIS (0-1).

Half-Time: Newcastle 0 PSV 1

90+m - DE BILDE (0-2).

Full-Time: Newcastle 0 PSV 2

United go behind twice, but Lee scores with three minutes remaining to grab a point. Dion Dublin nets both goals for the Sky Blues and Shay Given will never forget his first after only four minutes. After collecting a cross the ‘keeper places the ball down to clear, but has not realised that the 6' 4" striker is behind him. Dublin nips in from behind and slots the ball into the unguarded net. Dalglish's complaint that "I didn't think a player was allowed to leave the field, come back and gain an advantage at the same time" hints at just a touch of desperation. Referee Durkin responds: "If you needed permission to come back on every time a player went off the field, through a sliding tackle or through his momentum, then there would be people all round the country waiting on the touchlines to come back on”.

Coventry (12th) - Highfield Road - 22,679

Given, Watson, Pistone, Peacock, Albert, Batty (Barton), Gillespie, Lee, Ketsbaia, Barnes, Beresford

Scorers: Barnes, Lee - Dublin (2).

04m - DUBLIN (0-1).

31m - BARNES (1-1).

Half-Time: Coventry 1 Newcastle 1

82m - DUBLIN (1-2).

87m - LEE (2-2).

Full-Time: Coventry 2 Newcastle 2

Position: 9th

A 71st minute goal from Jon Dahl Tomasson is enough to take Newcastle into the last eight of the Coca-Cola Cup. "There was never a shadow of a doubt about his ability to play or a shadow of a doubt about his ability to finish," says Kenny.

Derby (8th) - Pride Park - 27,364

Hislop, Watson, Beresford (Hamilton), Pistone, Albert, Batty, Lee, Barton (Peacock), Tomasson, Barnes, Gillespie

Scorers: Tomasson

Half-Time: Derby 0 Newcastle 0

72m - TOMASSON (1-0).

Full-Time: Derby 0 Newcastle 1

John Barnes nets a second-half brace as a battling performance sees United recover from going behind to a fifth-minute goal from Kevin Davies.

Southampton (13th) - SJP - 36,759

Hislop, Watson, Pistone, Peacock, Albert, Batty, Gillespie, Lee, Tomasson, Ketsbaia, Barnes

Scorers: Barnes (2) - Davies

05m - DAVIES (0-1).

Half-Time: Newcastle 0 Southampton 1

55m - BARNES (1-1).

75m - BARNES (2-1).

Full-Time: Newcastle 2 Southampton 1

Position: 9th

With Barcelona out and United's hopes hanging by the slenderest of mathematical threads the long awaited trip to the Nou Camp has lost much of its appeal. And in the rain in Spain a single Giovanni goal, ends United’s interest in the Competition. Many of the 8,000 United fans express disappointment that the majority of the players appeared to "snub" them with only Beresford, Batty and Watson making a clear display of thanking the crowd at the end.

Barcelona - Nou Camp - 25,000

Hislop, Watson, Pistone, Peacock (Pearce), Albert (Hughes), Batty, Hamilton, Barnes, Tomasson, Ketsbaia, Beresford

Scorers: Giovanni

17m - GIOVANNI (0-1).

Half-Time: Barcelona 1 Newcastle 0

Full-Time: Barcelona 1 Newcastle 0

Goals from Ketsbaia and Tomasson gain United a hard earned victory. John Barnes becomes the latest striking casualty with an ankle problem and Dalglish jokes he could be making an appearance himself if things get any worse.

C Palace (10th) - Selhurst Park - 26,085

Hislop, Watson, Pistone, Peacock, Pearce, Batty, Gillespie, Hamilton, Tomasson, Ketsbaia, Barnes (Lee).

Scorers: Tomasson, Ketsbaia - Shipperley

45m - TOMASSON (1-0).

Half-Time: C Palace 0 Newcastle 1

63m - KETSBAIA (2-0).

67m - SHIPPERLEY (2-1).

Full-Time: C Palace 1 Newcastle 2

Position: 7th

United are beaten by a Nathan Blake goal at struggling Bolton and Dalglish hits out at The Trotters for making his team play three times in six days. Sky and the Premier League had been willing to change it, but Bolton refused to budge. Trotters boss Colin Todd accuses Dalglish of "sour grapes".

Bolton (18th) - University of Bolton - 24,494

Hislop, Watson, Pistone, Peacock, Pearce, Batty, Hamilton (Barnes), Lee, Tomasson, Ketsbaia, Gillespie

Scorers: Blake

22m - BLAKE (0-1).

Half-Time: Bolton 1 Newcastle 0

Full-Time: Bolton 1 Newcastle 0

Position: 8th

Dalglish's gamble on recalling Asprilla fails as he is clearly lacking in match fitness. Arsenal are full value for their victory, Ian Wright grabbing the winner.

Arsenal (4th) - SJP - 36,751

Hislop, Watson, Pistone, Peacock, Pearce, Batty, Gillespie, Lee, Asprilla (Albert), Tomasson (Ketsbaia), Barnes

Scorers: Blake

36m - Wright (0-1).

Half-Time: Newcastle 0 Arsenal 1

Full-Time: Newcastle 0 Arsenal 1

Position: 9th

A superb Batty performance and first-half goals from Barnes and Pearce secure victory in the final Champions' League fixture against Group C winners Dynamo Kiev.

Dynamo Kiev - SJP - 33,694

Hislop, Watson, Pistone (Hughes), Peacock, Albert, Pearce, Lee, Batty, Asprilla (Ketsbaia), Barnes, Gillespie

Scorers: Barnes, Pearce

10m - BARNES (1-0).

21m - PEARCE (2-0).

Half-Time: Newcastle 2 Dynamo Kiev 0

Full-Time: Newcastle 2 Dynamo Kiev 0

Two strikes from Keith Gillespie are enough to earn a point at Oakwell as former player John Hendrie grabs a super strike fifteen minutes from time to deny United a win at bottom of the table Barnsley.

Barnsley (20th) - Oakwell - 18,687

Hislop, Watson, Pistone, Peacock, Albert, Pearce, Gillespie, Lee, Asprilla (Tomasson), Batty, Barnes

Scorers: Gillespie (2) - Redfearn, Hendrie

09m - REDFEARN (0-1).

44m - GILLESPIE (1-1).

Half-Time: Barnsley 1 Newcastle 1

49m - GILLESPIE (2-1).

75m - HENDRIE (2-2).

Full-Time: Barnsley 2 Newcastle 2

Position: 9th

A freezing night of gale force winds and swirling sleet is bad enough, but United's performance is worse and the team is jeered off at the end. An incensed Dalglish orders the players out in the pouring rain for a post match training session after an "unacceptable" performance. "We've a lot of hard work ahead. It was a poor performance - there was nothing else to be happy about - and those that blame the weather better realise it was the same for both teams. We'll not hide behind anything like this."

Derby (7th) - SJP - 36,289

Hislop, Watson, Pistone, Albert, Pearce, Batty, Gillespie, Barnes, Asprilla (Rush), Tomasson, Ketsbaia

Half-Time: Newcastle 0 Derby 0

Full-Time: Newcastle 0 Derby 0

Position: 9th

A much better performance, but a header from Andy Cole and a couple of world class saves from Schmeichel is enough to secure a victory for table toppers Man Utd. Dalglish accuses David Beckham of feigning injury to get Alessandro Pistone booked.

Man Utd (1st) - SJP - 36,767

Hislop, Watson, Pistone, Peacock, Albert (Barton), Pearce, Gillespie, Batty, Asprilla, Barnes, Beresford (Ketsbaia).

Scorers: Cole

Half-Time: Newcastle 0 Man Utd 0

66m - COLE (0-1).

Full-Time: Newcastle 0 Man Utd 1

Position: 9th

A penalty after only four minutes is enough to give the Rams all three points. United’s cause is not helped by Batty’s second dismissal of the season, just after the hour mark.

Derby (7th) - Pride Park - 30,232

Hislop, Watson, Pistone, Howey (Barnes), Pearce, Batty, Gillespie, Hamilton, Rush (Asprilla), Tomasson (Ketsbaia), Beresford

Scorers: Eranio (p).

04m - ERANIO penalty (0-1).

Half-Time: Derby 1 Newcastle 0

64m - BATTY sent off.

Full-Time: Derby 1 Newcastle 0

Position: 10th

United are now only six points above the drop zone but Dalglish is upbeat. "We've had a bad run, but we'll be all right if we carry on playing like we did against Liverpool, It was a tremendous performance by my players. We're not getting much enjoyment in front of goal but it will come, the sooner the better I hope."

Liverpool (4th) - SJP - 36,702

Hislop, Watson, Pistone, Barton(Hamilton), Pearce, Batty, Gillespie, Lee, Asprilla, Barnes, Beresford

Scorers: Watson - McManaman (2).

16m - WATSON (1-0).

31m - MCMANAMAN (1-1).

43m - MCMANAMAN (1-2).

Half-Time: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 2

Full-Time: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 2

Position: 11th

Torrential rain and wind lashes Goodison Park, but even making excuses for the elements this is a desperately poor game settled by a scrambled effort from Ian Rush. The Welshman replaced Asprilla - who suffered a reaction to his groin injury.

Everton (19th) - Goodison Park - 20,885

Hislop, Watson, Pistone, Peacock, Pearce, Hamilton, Gillespie, Lee, Asprilla(Rush), Barnes (Hughes), Beresford

Scorers: Rush

Half-Time: Everton 0 Newcastle 0

67m - RUSH (1-2).

Full-Time: Everton 0 Newcastle 1

With Asprilla injured now too Ian Rush leads the line against his former club and despite a spirited performance by the team there is no real pace or invention in the side. In extra-time Owen and Fowler break away to end United's cup run.

Liverpool (4th) - SJP - 33,207

Hislop, Watson, Beresford, Peacock, Albert, Batty, Gillespie (Ketsbaia), Lee, Rush, Barnes, Hughes

Scorers: Owen, Fowler

Half-Time: Newcastle 0 Liverpool 0

Full-Time: Newcastle 0 Liverpool 0

94m - OWEN (0-1).

104m - FOWLER (0-2).

Extra-Time: Newcastle 0 Liverpool 2

At the end of a trying week a shocking performance makes it eight Premier games without a victory. Di Canio gives the home side the lead after only 51 seconds and although Tomasson equalises United create little else and a disastrous mistake by Hamilton presents Newsome with the winner.

Sheff Wed (16th) - Hillsborough - 29,446

Hislop, Watson, Beresford, Barton (Ketsbaia), Peacock, Hughes, Hamilton (Rush), Lee, Tomasson, Barnes, Gillespie

Scorers: Tomasson - Di Canio, Newsome

01m - DI CANIO (0-1).

20m - TOMASSON (1-1).

Half-Time: Sheff Wed 1 Newcastle 1

51m - NEWSOME (1-2).

Full-Time: Sheff Wed 2 Newcastle 1

Position: 11th

The return of Shearer, coming on for the last 18 minutes, provides the lift for United to record a Premiership victory for the first time since mid-November. With the score 1-1. But it is the other substitute, Ketsbaia, who grabs the winner before embarking on the craziest hoarding kicking, boot removing, shirt dispensing celebration you are ever likely to see. "I was happy" he states later.

Bolton (18th) - SJP - 36,767

Hislop, Watson, Pistone, Barton, Peacock, Pearce, Gillespie, Lee, Tomasson (Ketsbaia), Barnes (Shearer), Beresford

Scorers: Barnes, Ketsbaia - Blake

06m - BARNES (1-0).

Half-Time: Newcastle 1 Bolton 0

71m - BLAKE (1-1).

90m - KETSBAIA (2-1).

Full-Time: Newcastle 2 Bolton 1

Position: 10th

A spirited performance, but that man Owen provides the killer goal again. Tomasson is unlucky to have a "goal" dubiously chalked off.

Liverpool (4th) - Anfield - 42,791

Hislop, Watson, Pistone, Barton, Hughes, Pearce, Gillespie, Lee, Tomasson, Barnes (Shearer), Beresford (Ketsbaia).

Scorers: Owen

17m - OWEN (0-1).

Half-Time: Liverpool 1 Newcastle 0

Full-Time: Liverpool 1 Newcastle 0

Position: 10th

Although United are boosted by the return of Shearer to the starting line-up, on a typically poor non-League pitch the nation waits and hopes for another Hereford. Shearer heads in after only 152 seconds but with the wind in their favour the non-League outfit battle back and equalise just before half-time. And though United dominate after the break they cannot add to the score. Although Dalglish is happy to survive, he does himself no favours by implying that the weather, the pitch and the bouncy ball all contributed to the failure to win. Not surprisingly the press have another field day at "humiliated" United's expense.

Stevenage - Broadhall Way - 8,040

Hislop, Watson, Pistone, Howey, Pearce, Batty, Gillespie, Lee, Shearer, Barnes (Ketsbaia), Beresford (Albert)

Scorers: Shearer - Grazioli

03m - SHEARER (1-0).

41m - GRAZIOLI (1-1).

Half-Time: Stevenage 1 Newcastle 1

Full-Time: Stevenage 1 Newcastle 1

With new signing Andreas Andersson doing well on his debut United deservedly win 1-0 through Batty's sweetly struck goal just before the hour. It is the Magpies' first Premiership away win for two months.

A Villa(15th) - Villa Park - 38,266

Hislop, Watson, Pistone, Howey, Pearce, Batty, Gillespie, Lee, Shearer, Andersson (Tomasson), Beresford

Scorers: Batty

Half-Time: A Villa 0 Newcastle 0

58m - BATTY (1-0).

Full-Time: A Villa 0 Newcastle 1

Position: 10th

The Stevenage team get a torrid reception for their visit to Tyneside and two more goals from Alan Shearer are enough to squeeze United home. After the game Shearer accuses the Southerners of saying some "naughty things". Dalglish goes further, suggesting that their lack of respect "brought the game into disrepute" and hoping they would get knocked out of the FA Trophy. Stevenage's manager calls Dalglish a "sad, sad man”.

Stevenage - SJP - 36,705

Hislop, Watson (Barton), Pistone, Howey, Albert, Pearce, Lee, Batty, Shearer, Tomasson, Gillespie

Scorers: Shearer (2) - Crawshaw

16m - SHEARER (1-0).

Half-Time: Newcastle 1 Stevenage 0

65m - SHEARER (2-0).

74m - CRAWSHAW (2-1).

Full-Time: Newcastle 2 Stevenage 1

Shaka Hislop loses his place to Given as a result of his refusal to sign a new contract. Gary Speed and Andy Griffin make their debuts, but a thirty-yarder from Stan Lazaridis beats Shay Given for the Hammers to take home all three points.

WHU (8th) - SJP - 36,736

Given, Griffin (Tomasson), Pistone, Peacock, Pearce, Batty, Gillespie, Lee, Shearer, Andersson, Speed

Scorers: Lazaridis

Half-Time: Newcastle 0 WHU 0

66m - LAZARIDIS (0-1).

Full-Time: Newcastle 0 WHU 1

Position: 10th

It is a very nervy United who see off plucky First Division side Tranmere. And although Shearer heads United in front in the first period the visitors dominate the second half .

Tranmere (D1:18th) - SJP - 36,675

Given, Barton, Pistone, Howey, Pearce, Batty, Gillespie, Lee, Shearer, Tomasson (Ketsbaia), Speed (Barnes)

Scorers: Shearer

21m - Shearer (1-0).

Half-Time: Newcastle 1 Tranmere 0

Full-Time: Newcastle 1 Tranmere 0

In a thriller at St James' United have much the better chances, but Nigel Martyn is in inspired form and it looks like another home defeat when Leeds score eight minutes from time. But a gaffe from the Leeds goalie allows supersub Ketsbaia to net a minute after coming on. Leeds manager George Graham accuses Shearer of "almost assaulting" Jimmy Flloyd Hasselbaink at every Leeds corner.

Leeds (9th) - SJP - 36,511

Given, Hughes (Ketsbaia), Pistone, Howey, Pearce, Batty, Gillespie (Albert), Lee, Shearer, Andersson, Speed

Scorers: Ketsbaia - Wallace

Half-Time: Newcastle 0 Leeds 0

82m - WALLACE (0-1).

87m - KETSBAIA (1-1).

Full-Time: Newcastle 1 Leeds 1

Position: 13th

A drab encounter in which the home fans give Gary Speed a very trying time on his early return to Merseyside.

Everton (16th) - Goodison Park - 37,972

Given, Barton, Pearce, Howey, Albert, Batty, Gillespie (Ketsbaia), Lee, Shearer, Andersson, Speed

Half-Time: Everton 0 Newcastle 0

Full-Time: Everton 0 Newcastle 0

Position: 12th

Newcastle reach the semi-final of the FA Cup after a thrilling and frenetic victory over Barnsley. The Magpies get off to a great start against the struggling Tykes and lead 2-0 after 26 minutes. The Yorkshiremen reduce the arrears just before the hour, but the controversial sending-off of Adie Moses soon after nullifies their threat and Batty adds a third deep into injury time. Barnsley manager Danny Wilson is furious claiming that Shearer had been cosseted by Scunthorpe referee Neale Barry and adding: "I don't know how Shearer gets away with some of the things he does. He gets his hands around people and he gets hold of people".

Barnsley (18th) - SJP - 36,695

Given, Barton, Pearce, Howey, Albert, Batty, Lee, Ketsbaia, Shearer, Andersson, Speed

Scorers: Ketsbaia, Speed, Batty - Liddell

16m - KETSBAIA (1-0).

26m - SPEED (2-0).

Half-Time: Newcastle 2 Barnsley 0

57m - LIDDELL (2-1).

75m - Adie Moses is sent off.

90+m - BATTY (3-1).

Full-Time: Newcastle 3 Barnsley 1

A dreadful bore draw with the only positive being an assured debut for Dabizas after he comes on as a 29th minute substitute.

Coventry (11th) - SJP - 36,767

Given, Pistone, Pearce (Dabizas), Howey, Albert (Barton), Batty, Lee, Ketsbaia, Shearer, Andersson, Speed

Half-Time: Newcastle 0 Coventry 0

Full-Time: Newcastle 0 Coventry 0

Position: 15th

More problems as United lose at home to bottom placed Crystal Palace with Dalglish admitting that the club, now only four points ahead of the drop zone, are in a relegation battle. Kenny refuses to blame the off-field distractions and the fans reaction is one of passionate support for the team.

C Palace (20th) - SJP - 36,565

Given, Barton, Pistone, Howey (Peacock), Dabizas, Batty, Gillespie, Ketsbaia (Tomasson), Shearer, Andersson (Barnes), Speed

Scorers: Shearer - Lombardo, Jansen

14m - LOMBARDO (0-1).

23m - JANSEN (0-2).

Half-Time: Newcastle 0 C Palace 2

77m - SHEARER (1-2).

Full-Time: Newcastle 1 C Palace 2

Position: 15th

United suffer their usual reverse at The Dell after, as usual, conceding a late goal. Despite going ahead their momentum goes when captain Rob Lee hobbles off and two goalmouth scrambles secure victory for The Saints.

Southampton (11th) - The Dell - 15,251

Given, Hughes, Pistone, Dabizas, Peacock, Pearce, Gillespie (Ketsbaia), Lee (Hamilton), Shearer, Tomasson, Barnes

Scorers: Lee - Pearce og, Le Tissier (p).

Half-Time: Southampton 0 Newcastle 0

46m - LEE (1-0).

69m - PEARCE own-goal (1-1).

87m - LE TISSIER penalty (1-2).

Full-Time: Southampton 2 Newcastle 1

Position: 15th

Dalglish makes six changes for the match and the result is a dour goalless draw between two sides battling to stay up. The Dons win 3-0 on shots on target. Luckily fellow strugglers Bolton and Barnsley both lose and United are five points clear of the drop zone.

Wimbledon (14th) - Selhurst Park - 15,478

Given, Griffin (Gillespie), Pearce, Dabizas, Peacock (Barton), Albert, Watson, Hamilton, Shearer, Ketsbaia, Speed

Half-Time: Wimbledon 0 Newcastle 0

Full-Time: Wimbledon 0 Newcastle 0

Position: 15th

Stand-in skipper Shearer is the FA Cup talisman again as he scores the only goal from all of an inch or two to secure a Wembley visit for United. John Hall upsets some fans by dedicating the victory to Shepherd and his son.

Sheffield United (D1:6th)- Old Trafford - 53,452

Given, Barton, Pearce, Dabizas, Peacock, Batty, Gillespie, Barnes, Shearer, Andersson (Ketsbaia), Speed

Scorers: Shearer

Half-Time: Newcastle 0 Sheffield United 0

60m - SHEARER (1-0).

Full-Time: Newcastle 1 Sheffield United 0

Dalglish upsets the media at the post match press conference answering questions with glibness, petulance and even a few insults about one reporter's waistline. It did not hide the fact that the comprehensive defeat left United in 16th and only 2 points off the relegation places.

Arsenal (2nd) - Highbury - 30,102

Given, Griffin, Pearce, Dabizas, Albert, Batty, Barton, Hamilton(Ketsbaia), Shearer, Barnes(Andersson), Speed

Scorers: Barton - Anelka (2), Vieira

41m - ANELKA (0-1).

Half-Time: Arsenal 1 Newcastle 0

64m - ANELKA (0-2).

72m - VIERA (0-3).

79m - BARTON (1-3).

Full-Time: Arsenal 3 Newcastle 1

Position: 16th

A must win game against one of the teams below United. And a Shearer goal five minutes from time gives United a first League win for over two months in a tough, tense encounter, Andersson's first goal for the club having previously been equalised. Shearer’s marker, De Zeeuw, accuses Shearer of being a "cheat" for pushing him before he scored. "He seems to be untouchable..... he gets away with murder".

Barnsley (19th) - SJP - 36,534

Given, Barton, Pearce, Dabizas, Albert, Batty, Gillespie (Ketsbaia), Lee, Shearer, Andersson (Watson), Speed

Scorers: Andersson, Shearer - Fjortoft

40m - ANDERSSON (1-0).

Half-Time: Newcastle 1 Barnsley 0

50m - FJORTOFT (1-1).

86m - SHEARER (2-1).

Full-Time: Newcastle 2 Barnsley 1

Position: 15th

A much improved performance from the Magpies gains a valuable point against the Championship chasers. It could well have been three when Rob Lee broke through at the death, Solskjaer earning himself a red card after he tripped the United captain up as he homed in on goal.

18/04 - Pr: Man. United 1 Newcastle 1

Man. United (1st) - Old Trafford - 55,194

Given, Barton, Pistone, Dabizas, Albert, Pearce, Lee, Batty, Shearer, Andersson (Ketsbaia), Speed

Scorers: Andersson - Beckham

11m - ANDERSSON (1-0).

38m - BECKAM (1-1).

Half-Time: Man Utd 1 Newcastle 1

Full-Time: Man Utd 1 Newcastle 1

Position: 15th

Tottenham are also in danger and goals from Klinsmann and Les Ferdinand condemn United to a defeat which keeps them in the relegation scrap. Ginola accuses Shearer of trying to kick him throughout the game.

Tottenham (17th) - White Hart Lane - 35,847

Given, Watson, Pistone, Dabizas, Albert (Gillespie, Ketsbaia), Pearce, Barton, Batty, Shearer, Andersson, Speed

Scorers: Klinsmann, Ferdinand

40m - KLINSMANN (0-1).

Half-Time: Tottenham 1 Newcastle 0

73m - FERDINAND (0-2).

Full-Time: Tottenham 2 Newcastle 0

Position: 15th

The match is a non-event, but the single point is - bar some ridiculous results - enough to ensure Premiership safety. Shearer is once again the target as Leicester manager Martin O'Neill rages about a challenge on Neil Lennon. "I don't care whether it is Alan Shearer or the Pope - you don't do things like that. Alan Shearer should have been sent off. What he did is not in the game. I saw Neil Lennon kicked in the face - deliberately. I haven't got a clue why Alan did it, but he should have been sent off the field. It's as simple as that.

Leicester (9th) - Filbert Street - 21,699

Given, Barton, Pistone, Dabizas, Howey, Pearce, Lee, Batty, Shearer, Ketsbaia, Speed

Half-Time: Leicester 0 Newcastle 0

Full-Time: Leicester 0 Newcastle 0

Position: 15th

Dabizas scores his first for the club in a relatively comfortable victory over the Londoners in a match which is tetchy rather than flowing. It is only the second time United have scored more than twice in the League all season.

Chelsea (3rd) - SJP - 36,710

Given, Barton, Pistone, Dabizas, Howey (Watson), Pearce, Lee (Hamilton), Batty, Shearer, Andersson (Barnes), Speed

Scorers: Dabizas, Lee, Speed - Di Matteo

39m - DABIZAS (1-0).

42m - LEE (2-0).

Half-Time: Newcastle 2 Chelsea 0

59m - SPEED (3-0).

77m - DI MATTEO (3-1).

Full-Time: Newcastle 3 Chelsea 1

Position: 13th

Just before the end Chris Sutton blasts in the winner from the only shot on target during the whole game. David Batty is sent off for the third time this season.

Blackburn (6th) - Ewood Park - 29,300

Given, Griffin, Pistone, Dabizas, Albert, Watson, Batty, Barnes (Andersson), Shearer, Ketsbaia (Hamilton), Speed

Scorers: Sutton

Half-Time: Blackburn 0 Newcastle 0

David Batty is sent off.

88m - SUTTON (0-1).

Full-Time: Blackburn 1 Newcastle 0

Position: 13th

United's Entertainers tag is finally dead and buried after Dalglish's negative tactics fail miserably to thwart Arsene Wenger's enterprising team from clinching the double. The first-half is all Arsenal as Shearer looks a disconsolate, isolated figure. Growingly increasingly frustrated, he is booked for a late challenge on Adams for which he later apologises. The Geordie faithful plead with the team to "attack, attack, attack" and there is some response. Shearer hits a post, Dabizas hits the bar. Anelka looks well offside when grabbing the second, but nobody can doubt the Londoners superiority or doubt that they deserve their victory. Tony Adams (bar one slip-up) snuffs out the one-man attack of Shearer and United have no answer to the pace of Overmars and Anelka with Pistone (playing out of position at right-back) in particular enduring a nightmare afternoon. Wenger is full of praise for the Toon Army. "They stayed behind after the final whistle to support our players when I could have understood that they had wanted to leave. They just showed the quality of the English people."