1893/94 Season - December

League runners up Sunderland were back again to commemorate the visit of The Duke of York; the kick-off being arranged so as not to clash with the Royal procession. There was some dissatisfaction that Sunderland demanded half the gate or a considerable guarantee. The game turned out to be "a poor exposition"

Hannah scored twice for the visitors in the first half; the first goal was very controversial as Lowery made no attempt to save as United thought he was offside. The referee upset the home fans further when the referee ruled that a Thompson shot had not crossed the line before Doig collected it.

Just before the end the referee awarded a penalty against the Wearsiders. "Some disputing took place" and "Sunderland declined to defend their goal" allowing Graham to score.

The Tynesiders made the long journey into "Auld Reekie" on the morning of the match so it was no great surprise that they were beaten although the margin of defeat was still a shock

United had the wind in their favour in the first period and as a result had more of the play but at half-time the score was 2-2.

The second period saw United under almost constant siege and they conceded a round half dozen.

The season was wrapped up with a entertaining goalless draw against 5th placed Grimsby. Both sides had plenty of shots but custodians Lowery and Whitehouse were in top form.

Despite the alternative attraction of an important rugby game in Jesmond the beautiful weather helped to attract an excellent gate. The ground seemed to be filled with "excursionists" and there was a large representation from Sunderland. The white shirted Makems entered the field just after three but the red shirted United team didn't turn up until almost half-past!

Playing with the incline Quinn put United ahead within thirty seconds of the game's commencement but The Wearsiders pulled level before the break.

Willis, Campbell and Crate scored for United without reply; the fourth goal bringing deafening applause with the home fans "delighted in the extreme". It was a momentous occasion; the first ever victory over Sunderland.

A benefit for an assistant foreman - Mr Steele - from Swan Hunter's who had been incapacitated by injury. It was played at the Wallsend Celtic ground and United won through goals from Law and somebody else.

This was a benefit match for the widow of the late George Matthews

A late cancellation gave Sunderland the chance to regain some of their shattered pride. It was another fine day and the Newcastle Road ground was filled with some 6,000 spectators to witness United's first ever game on Wearside.

Right from the start the revenge seeking homesters tore into United and at half-time deservedly led by two goals. Crate pulled one back in the second half but Scott added a third to give Sunderland the victory.