The Kenny Ball Incident

Payback Time

On November 7th 1987 Newcastle slumped to 18th place after they were thrashed 4-0 at Kenilworth Road. The Hatters took full advantage of their superiority to "showboat" a bit, much to the annoyance of the Newcastle players.

By the time the return match was played at St James Park on April 2nd, a Gascoigne and Goddard inspired United had reached mid-table respectability. Eighteen year old striker Michael O'Neill had just broken into the team after signing from Coleraine in October and this was to be the high point of his short career at United

A hat-trick by O'Neill and another goal by Paul Goddard ensured that the Toon gained adequate retribution for their Hatters horror. The fourth goal was scored with minutes remaining on the clock and some of the United players decided it was "pay-back time"

It all started when Darren McDonaugh (later to be signed by Keegan) clattered into the back of Paul Gascoigne and a free kick was awarded.

Gazza backflicks

From the dead ball Gazza casually flicked the ball back to Neil McDonald who in turn passed to Roeder who passed to Anderson who laid it back to Roeder. The crowd started cheering every pass.

Roeder Back Heels

Roeder with a quick movement which engenders memories of his famous "shuffle" backheels the ball to Wharton ("and now Newcastle are toying with Luton...")

Kenny Sits

Wharton sits on the ball ("and perhaps that's a bit unnecessary"). In real life such a small and insignificant moment, in the middle of a first division match it was a few seconds of pure magic. Wharton sat on the ball running a hand through his hair as if contemplating the wider meaning of life.

Kenny Stands

Suddenly he stands up again, almost certainly a result of the impending arrival of a seriously pissed off Luton player.

Gazza Messes Up

Wharton flicks the ball back to Roeder who leaves it to Gazza. Gazza attempts to flick the ball up but (proving he is a mere mortal) makes a mess of it and lays it back to Gary Kelly in goal.

Kelly Juggles

Kelly puts Gazza to shame, nonchalantly flicking the ball up and indulging in a bit of "keepy-uppy" before laying the ball to Anderson. For a moment Anderson appears to contemplate showing off his skills, but soon realises that discretion is the better part of valour and lays the ball off to Tinnion

Tinny Crouches

Tinnion (a player with perhaps even less skill than Anderson) teases the Luton players with a slight lowering of his bottom towards the ball before rising up again on his heels. He lays the ball back to Kelly. Kelly returns the ball to Anderson who again lays it back to Kelly.

Gazza Showboats

Re-enter Gazza eager to make up for his previous failure. This time he gets it right and spends a few seconds juggling the ball until..

Harford halts it

The Luton players have been conspicuous by their absence but that gentle giant Mick Harford has clearly had enough and he charges into Gascoigne who releases the ball just in time to Kelly. Harford and Gazza share a quick word and a "cuddle". Kelly picks the ball up and boots it unceremoniously up field immediately conceding possession. "I think there'll be 1 or 2 seasoned professionals in the Luton side who won't like that very much".

Foster flounces in

The final whistle blows and the teams head towards the corner of the Leazes from whence they used to depart, but Steve Foster is walking in the opposite direction, towards Wor Kenny. Kenny realising the impending danger gestures frantically to the officials in the hope that someone will stop the hair-banded mophead. Luckily for Kenny the two players are surrounded by players and officials from both sides just as Foster was getting into striking distance