1893/94 Season - January

A cold and showery New Years Day brought "The Imps" to Toon and a decent crowd turned up anticipating another victory

For the fifth game in a row United conceded the first goal in an unexciting first half in which Graham had chosen to play uphill

Even with the advantage of the terrain United took a while to get into gear but then they went nap with Bartlett - playing only his second game - becoming the fourth player that season to grab a hat-trick. Newcastle were now 6th.

The following day the return match with an injury hit "Nops" took place. The "weather was not of a pleasant description" and consequently it was very slippery underfoot. This time Graham went for the downhill.

It proved to be a wise decision as United romped to a 4-1 half-time lead despite the fact that it took a Boro goal (7th time in a row!) to wake them up.

United grabbed three more in the second period before Ironopolis got a late consolation. They were now 5th

Wallace returned from injury for the visit of Ardwick.

Entertainment was provided during (?!) the match by the boys of the Workhouse Band as a thank you to the directors who let them attend matches for free.

It was not a great match : "the exposition of the code was not brilliant, and consequently was uninteresting". Incredibly United once again went behind before bouncing back to win.

All change at the back as Jeffrey returned from illness and debutant Laverick replaced the rested Rodgers for Victoria's one and only visit to SJP. Northwich were bottom of the table and would be demoted at the end of the season.

The weather was fine but it was slippery underfoot which mitigated against skilful play.

The Lancastrians had the wind prevailing in the first half but could not take advantage and it was scoreless at half-time. Crate's second hat-trick of the season made it eight wins and two draws in the last ten games.

The same side albeit with a rearranged front line took the field at Rotherham.

With the wind in their favour, United played excellently in the first period and deservedly went into the break ahead; Wallace scoring from a corner.

It was a different story in the Second Half as the Yorkshiremen took control and scored twice through McCormick and Fairburk to become the first team to beat United for two months.

In the 1st Round of the FA Cup United were drawn at home to First Division Sheffield United. The Blades had been promoted the previous year and had acquitted themselves well in the top league. The match generated huge interest and a big crowd was expected. To reduce congestion it was announced that the gates would open 90 minutes before kick-off at 1.00pm.

On the day the weather was "miserable in the extreme" and the very heavy ground made it difficult for both teams who nevertheless played a "grand game" . Having won the toss Graham decided to play downhill and with the wind in the first half. It was a good decision that allowed United to take a decisive two goal lead.

The enthusiasm of the spectators was intense as the Yorkshiremen fought back hard in the second half. But reduced to ten men due to the retirement of Drummond they couldn't find a way past Lowery who even saved a penalty kick from Needham which brought him "ringing cheers".

The victory was hailed with "cheers which could have been heard at a great distance".