1893/94 Season - September

Newcastle's first Football League game was at Plumstead home of Woolwich Arsenal who were also making their debut (they were the first London club to join).

The directors had to stump up the travelling expenses and as a result the team had to make the eight hour journey through the night because an overnight stay was out of the question. This was the norm in these cash strapped first seasons.

It was typical opening day weather; warm and sunny. Arsenal went ahead through Shaw [8] and proceeded to dominate the first half against a weary looking United. When they doubled their lead through Elliot immediately after the break the signs were ominous.

But, against all the odds, The Londoners began to tire whilst Newcastle still had "plenty of dash" and after a tight scrimmage Crate (or perhaps Graham - it was unclear ) scored United's first goal. Five minutes before the end Sorley got the equaliser with a header.

Ramsay and Sorley would never again play for the club as they were two of the players who refused to take the pay cut imposed by the cash strapped directors.

Trafalgar had taken over the old East End ground and the United committee agreed to boost their finances with a friendly. It was a bit of a disaster with a disappointing crowd turning up for an evening (6.30) kick off. By the time the second half started the pitch was in semi-darkness; so much so that The Newcastle Daily Chronicle reporter stated that he couldn't explain any more of the game because he couldn't see it.

The first of four friendlies played that season against local rivals and League Champions from 1892/93 Sunderland in an effort to boost United's coffers. The match was played in heavy rain but a decent crowd of 2,500 turned up. At half-time Sunderland led 3-0 through goals by Gillespie, Harvey and Hannah. After a two minute half-time break they were off again and Thompson pulled one back.

United also took on Middlesbrough (who were still in the Northern League) and drew 2-2 with goals from Crielly and Crate.

Ryder and Quinn replaced the pay rebels whilst Barr made his only ever senior appearance for the club.

Burton - with the wind behind them - started strongly and had the ball in the United net after only four minutes but it was disallowed. Possession wise it was an even contest but the Swifts scored twice through Dewey and Ekins.

In the second period United - now meteorologically favoured - took control but it was Dewey and Burton who scored again. Ten minutes before the end an unknown scorer pulled a goal back for United. The defeat left United into bottom place.

Third game, third custodian as new signing Lowery made his debut. Isaac Ryder also got a first (and last) game. The return against the Londoners kicked off at 2.30 on a fine day; unlike United they had travelled up the day before.

A disappointing crowd turned up to witness this historic home match; the few that made the effort witnessed a 6-0 thrashing of The Londoners.

Arsenal won the toss and elected to play downhill, but despite this advantage the homesters were dominant throughout; the visitors playing like the "veriest novices". Newcastle put in some "rattling good shots" and, despite being guilty of frittering away numerous chances, they still scored twice through Wallace [5] and Thompson.

When the Arsenal custodian attempted and failed to catch a "clinking drag shot" from Wallace with only his right hand - making it three - the visitors threw in the towel. Both Wallace and Thompson completed their hat-tricks as United ran riot .