Season 1978/79 Diary

August - October

August

19th August - Millwall A - [Lost 1-2] - 12,105

1-Mahoney, 2-Kelly, 3-Barker, 4-Cassiddy, 5-Bird, 6-Barton[1], 7-Walker, 8-Pearson, 9-Mitchell, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-Guy.

Pearson and Connolly made their debuts but United lost despite having taken the lead just before half time. There was also trouble on the terraces throughout the game with many fans ejected.

The one bright spot was the form of Hibbitt who had been made captain. Coach Morris blamed the 80 degrees heat.

23rd August - WHU H - [Lost 0-3] - 27,167

1-Mahoney, 2-Kelly, 3-Barker, 4-Cassiddy, 5-Bird, 6-Blackley, 7-Walker, 8-Suggettt, 9-Pearson, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-Mitchell.

A decent crowd turned up for the first home game against the promotion favourites from East London; it was to be a disastrous evening. Blackley returned from injury and there was a debut for Suggett whilst Alan Curbishley and Pop Robson were in the West Ham side.

The Hammers took the lead after only six minutes and from then on employed a highly successful counter attacking style that brought two further goals in the second half.

26th August - Luton H - [Won 1-0] - 24,112

1-Mahoney, 2-Kelly, 3-Barker, 4-Cassiddy, 5-Bird, 6-Blackley, 7-Suggett, 8-Pearson[1], 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-Walker.

Record signing Withe played his first game and gave a man of the match performance as United scraped home with a 22nd minute goal from Pearson. It was our first win since January 2nd and the crowd went ballistic at the end.

29th August - Watford A LC2 - [Lost 1-2] - 15,346

1-Mahoney, 2-Kelly, 3-Barker, 4-Cassiddy, 5-Bird, 6-Blackley, 7-Suggettt, 8-Pearson[1s], 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-McGhee[s8].

The League Cup took United to Vicarage Road to take on Graham Taylor's newly promoted Third Division side. United dominated the first half and deservedly took the lead through Pearson. But 21 year old sub Luther Blissett ran United ragged in the second period, scored twice and we were out.

Mahoney made a bad mistake for the second in what would turn out to be his last game for the club.

2nd September - Cambridge A - [Drew 0-0] - 8,174 - 20th

1-Hardwick, 2-Kelly, 3-Brownlie, 4-Cassiddy, 5-Bird, 6-Barton, 7-Suggett, 8-Pearson, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-Mitchell.

Another game, another debutant as Brownlie made his first start. Hardwick replaced the axed Mahoney in goal and United were indebted to the much maligned custodian for a brilliant display in a match which the newly promoted Abbey Roaders dominated.

United dropped into 20th place and Mcgarry warned his players of the need to up their effort to match other sides who were raising their games against them.

9th September - Blackburn H - [Won 3-1] - 23,571 - 10th

1-Hardwick, 2-Kelly, 3-Brownlie, 4-Cassiddy[s], 5-Barton, 6-Blackley, 7-Suggett, 8-Pearson[s], 9-Withe[2], 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-McGhee[s4 1].

For the first 50 minutes of the game United were awful. Struggling Blackburn (managed by Jim Iley and including Glen Keeley, Derek Fazackerley and John Bailey in their defence) outplayed them and led through Gregory's goal. But when a trademark diving header from Withe (53) pulled United level the game turned around.

United took control and McGarry's gamble to bring on McGhee as an extra attacker worked wonders as the Scot scored (78) before Withe added a third in the last minute. The players went off to a rare standing ovation.

16th September - Wrexham A - [Drew 0-0] - 14,091 - 12th

1-Hardwick, 2-Kelly, 3-Brownlie, 4-Cassiddy, 5-Barton, 6-Blackley, 7-Suggettt, 8-McGhee[s], 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-Mitchell[s8].

McGhee replaced the injured Pearson as United gave a composed and aggressive (some would say cynical) performance in a game made difficult by a swirling wind. United failed to take the limited opportunities that came their way, Withe in particular missing two glorious chances.

The most entertaining part of the game was an impromptu kickabout on the terraces amongst the United fans when the ball was kicked out of play.

23rd September - Orient H - [Drew 0-0] - 26,361 - 11th

1-Hardwick, 2-Kelly, 3-Brownlie, 4-Cassiddy, 5-Nattrass, 6-Blackley[s], 7-Suggettt, 8-McGhee, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-Mitchell[s6].

Nattrass returned from injury to replace car crash victim Barton in a game against a side who had lost their previous four games without scoring a goal. A game for the scrap yard rather than the scrapbook United - though dominant throughout - couldn't breakdown a resolute defence and both 'keepers had an afternoon off. The crowd were relatively patient although Cassiddy was a target for extended abuse.

30th September - Notts County A - [Won 2-1] - 11,362 - 8th

1-Hardwick, 2-Kelly, 3-Brownlie, 4-Scott, 5-Bird[1], 6-Blackley[s], 7-Suggettt, 8-McGhee[s], 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly[1], 12-Mitchell[s6].

Jamie Scott replaced the axed Cassiddy and John Bird - who scored with a superb header (41) - returned after injury. Once again United let the lead slip as County took control, but John Connolly's first goal for the club (82) gave United their first away win for nine months.

7th October - Leicester H - [Won 1-0] - 25,731 - 6th

1-Hardwick, 2-Kelly[s], 3-Brownlie, 4-Mitchell, 5-Bird, 6-Blackley, 7-Suggettt, 8-Walker[1], 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-McGhee[s2].

Nigel Walker and Kenny Mitchell were brought in as United again struggled to make their superiority count. They created a host of chances but Foxes 'keeper Mark Wallington was in excellent form until he fumbled a half-hit Walker shot (his first senior goal) two minutes from time.

Consecutive victories had been recorded for the first time in ten months.

14th October - Sunderland A - [Drew 1-1] - 35,405 - 6th

1-Hardwick, 2-Kelly[s], 3-Brownlie, 4-Mitchell, 5-Bird, 6-Barton, 7-Suggettt, 8-Walker, 9-Withe[1], 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-McGhee[s2].

Barton replaced the Blackley for the Wear Tyne derby. As befits the occasion it was played at breakneck speed and packed with passion.

Peter Withe put United ahead after 13 minutes with his first goal for United away from SJP. The makems were incensed because the referee had barely finished lecturing Withe's marker Jeff Clarke when Nigel Walker sent a 30 yard free-kick onto the unmarked Withe's head.

It was a backs-to-the-wall performance with the Newcastle defence showing magnificent defiance to hold out against almost relentless attacking. Hardwick was inspired, but our resistance was finally breached fifteen minutes from time by sub Roy Greenwood.

Sunderland were further antagonished when the referee disallowed another "goal" after initially appearing to allow it.

21st October - Charlton A - [Lost 1-4] - 11,616 - 11th

1-Hardwick, 2-Kelly[s], 3-Brownlie, 4-Mitchell, 5-Bird, 6-Barton, 7-Pearson[s], 8-Walker[1], 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Robinson, 12-Suggettt[s7].

Pearson replaced the axed Suggett while 19 year old Stuart Robinson replaced the thigh strung Connolly. The Magpies recovered from a shaky start to take the lead with a brilliant goal from Walker who scored with a bicycle kick into the far corner of the net even though he was practically on the goal line.

Charlton levelled before half-time with a penalty and a draw looked on the cards until United conceded three in the last 15 minutes. The main villain of the peace was Bird who conceded the penalty and played a woefully short back pass to allow Robinson to intercept for Charlton's second.

28th October - Cardiff H - [Won 3-0] - 23,477 - 8th

1-Hardwick, 2-Kelly[s], 3-Brownlie, 4-Robinson[1s], 5-Bird, 6-Blackley, 7-Pearson[s], 8-Walker, 9-Withe[1], 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly[1], 12-McGhee[s4].

Newcastle took the lead after only nine minutes , but despite dominating the game against a poor Cardiff side they frustrated and infuriated the home crowd by wasting a hatful of chances.

The game was made safe when Robinson's mishit cross was fumbled into his own net by Healey. Connolly added a third with a cheeky back flick.

4th November - Bristol Rovers A [FLD2] - [Lost 0-2] - 10,583 - 11th

1-Hardwick, 2-Kelly, 3-Brownlie, 4-Pearson, 5-Bird, 6-Blackley, 7-Suggett, 8-Walker, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbit, 11-Connolly, 12-Mitchell.

The returning Pearson replaced Robinson but United could not dent Rovers' 100% home record as they failed to deal with their adventurous 4-2-4 formation.

11th November - Millwall H [FLD2] - [Won 1-0] - 23,471 - 10th

1-Hardwick, 2-Kelly, 3-Brownlie, 4-Pearson[1s], 5-Bird, 6-Blackley, 7-Suggett, 8-Walker, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbit, 11-Connolly, 12-McGhee[s4].

Newcastle laboured to a single goal victory against bottom of the table Millwall, but at least Pearson scored an excellent goal before he left the field injured (torn knee ligaments that would keep him out for the rest of the season) . Peter Withe also took one of the worst ever penalties seen at SJP when he blasted the ball high over the bar.

Hostilities resumed between the fans and a number of the younger Millwall fans were led away by police and at the end the cockneys were kept in the ground until the Toon fans had dispersed.

18th November - Luton A [FLD2] - [Lost 0-2] - 10,434 - 10th

1-Hardwick, 2-Kelly[s], 3-Brownlie, 4-Mitchell, 5-Barton, 6-Blackley, 7-Suggett, 8-Walker, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbit, 11-Connolly, 12-McGhee[s2].

Mitchell replaced the injured Pearson in midfield and Barton came in for Bird. It was a bad day all round as United were well beaten by Luton and also lost Peter Kelly for the rest of the season(another long-term knee ligament victim).

McGarry kept his team in the dressing room for thirty minutes after the match. The supporters had a much longer journey home.

22nd November - Cambridge H [FLD2] - [Won 1-0] - 19,591 - 7th

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Barker, 4-Nattrass, 5-Bird [1], 6-Blackley, 7-Suggett[s], 8-Walker, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbit, 11-Nicholson, 12-McGhee[s7].

Brownlie went to right-back and Barker came in on the left flank and there was a welcome return for Irving Nattrass who took Mitchell's place in midfield. Seventeen year old Gary Nicholson made his debut as a replacement for the injured Connolly.

It was a depressing match played in a swirling wind in which United couldn't turn their undoubted superiority into goals. The only goal came from Bird four minutes before half-time as the crowd at SJP slipped below 20,000 for the first time that season.

25th November - Oldham H - [FLD2] - [Drew 1-1] - 20,864

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Barker, 4-Nattrass[s], 5-Bird, 6-Blackley, 7-McGhee [1], 8-Walker, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbit, 11-Nicholson, 12-Mitchell[s4].

Another bore draw which only came to life in the last quarter. Sugget was dropped in favour of McGhee and although he had a poor game he scored an excellent goal after a brilliant dribble that took him past three players. Unfortunately United allowed The Latics to score a controversial equaliser a few minutes later.

Once again Nattrass had to leave the field injured and McGarry voted the crowd as the man of the match because "we didn't score the goal, the crowd did".

2nd December C.Palace A [FLD2] - [Lost 0-1] - 19,761 - 11th

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Mitchell, 4-Martin, 5-Bird, 6-Blackley, 7-Sugget, 8-Walker[s], 9-Withe, 10-Hibbit, 11-Connolly, 12-Nicholson[s8].

Connolly returned from injury, Mitchell replaced Barker at left-back and Mick Martin made his debut following his transfer from West Brom. Sugget returned for McGhee. Future United players Burridge and Sansom were in The Eagles side.

United performed well for the first and last few minutes but were desperately ineffective in between and would have lost by more goals but for the excellence of Hardwick and the waywardness of Palace's finishing.

9th December - Stoke H [FLD2] - [Won 2-0] - 23,459 - 9th

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Mitchell, 4-Martin, 5-Bird, 6-Blackley, 7-Cassiddy, 8-Shoulder, 9-Withe[1], 10-Hibbit, 11-Connolly[1], 12-Robinson.

Tommy Cassiddy was recalled and Alan Shoulder went from pit to pandemonium as he made his debut.

It was another uninspiring match with Alan Durban's Stoke pulling everyone back behind the ball. The breakthrough eventually came halfway through the second period when Withe slotted home after former United 'keeper Roger Jones could only parry a Shoulder pile driver. Connolly added a second a few minutes later.

16th December - Fulham A [FLD2] - [Won 3-1] - 8,575 - 6th

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Mitchell, 4-Martin, 5-Bird, 6-Blackley[s], 7-Shoulder[1], 8-Cassiddy, 9-Withe[1], 10-Hibbit, 11-Connolly[1], 12-Barton [s6].

With Mick Martin and Terry Hibbitt controlling midfield this was United's best performance for weeks. Shoulder hooked home a tremendous effort to score his first goal and although The Trotters equalised through former Toonster Chris Guthrie they went in at half-time ahead after a Connolly header.

The Magpies continued to dominate in the second period and had two goals controversially disallowed before they scored again through Withe.

23rd December - Burnley H [FLD2] - [Won 3-1] - 24,618 - 6th

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Mitchell, 4-Martin, 5-Bird, 6-Blackley, 7-Shoulder[1], 8-Cassiddy[1], 9-Withe[1], 10-Hibbit, 11-Connolly, 12-Barker [s6].

United recorded three wins in a row for the first time in a year and moved to within n points of a promotion place. Optimism was high as they seemed to have at last turned the corner.

United started slowly and their opening goal from Shoulder (25) was against the run of play. Following this Newcastle took control and added further goals from Withe (30) and Cassiddy (48).

The Magpies relaxed and former Mag Peter Noble scored a consolation five minutes from time.

26th December - Sheff Utd A [FLD2] - [Lost 0-1] - 23,200 - 6th

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Mitchell, 4-Martin, 5-Barton, 6-Blackley, 7-Shoulder, 8-Cassiddy, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbit, 11-Connolly, 12-Barker.

The mini-revival was ended by a single goal defeat at Brammal Lane against relegation threatened Sheffield United.

Barton replaced the injured Bird as Newcastle created and wasted a number of chances. Then The Blades scored six minutes from time with a hotly disputed "offside" goal which led to vehement, but fruitless protests from a number of players.

30th December - Brighton A [FLD2] - [Lost 0-2] - 25,812 - 9th

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Mitchell, 4-Martin, 5-Barton, 6-Suggett, 7-Shoulder, 8-Cassiddy, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbit, 11-Connolly, 12-Mulgrove [s6].

Blackley was injured and Mick Martin had to drop into the centre of defence as United ran out of centre-backs. Mulgrove also made his debut as a substitute for Sugget. Future United coach Mark Lawrenson was in the Brighton side.

The South Coasters were in complete command from start to finish and totally outplayed injury hit United with geordie Malcolm Poskett in particular causing them all sorts of problems. He scored both goals and could easily have had more.

16th January - Torquay H [FAC3] - [Won 3-1] - 21,691

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Mitchell, 4-Martin, 5-Natrrass[1], 6-Blackley, 7-Nicholson[s], 8-Cassiddy, 9-Withe[1], 10-Hibbitt, 11-Robinson[1], 12-Barton [s7]

Despite the boost of a 3 minute lead (Nicholson slotting home after geordie 'keeper Turner dropped a harmless cross at his feet) United conceded an equaliser eight minutes later. For almost an hour after the crowd was reduced to jeers as Newcastle were embarrassingly outplayed by their Fourth Division opponents.

Despite numerous close shaves they somehow survived and eventually went through when Nattrass converted a 66th minute penalty and Withe headed in three minutes later.

27th January - Wolves H [FAC4] - [Drew 1-1] - 29,561

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Mitchell, 4-Martin, 5-Barton, 6-Blackley, 7-Guy, 8-Nattrass, 9-Withe[1], 10-Hibbitt, 11-Robinson, 12-McGhee

The Hibbitt brothers were opposing captains and it was Kenny who had the last laugh when he volleyed home five minutes from time to earn McGarry's old club a replay.

It was a keenly contested game played on a treacherous frost bound pitch. As a result chances were at a minimum. Peter Withe had headed United ahead in the 71st minute and celebrated by hanging off the crossbar.

3rd February - Orient A [FLD2] - [Lost 0-2] - 7,251 - 11th

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Mitchell, 4-Martin, 5-Barton, 6-Blackley, 7-Shoulder, 8-Nattrass, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Robinson[s], 12-Guy[s11]

Cup-tied Alan Shoulder was back for United's first League game for five weeks. In the first half United were the better side but failed to create much in front of goal.

Ironically named Orient teenager John Chiedozie was troubling United with his pace and it was a brilliant run from him that set up Mayo to put the home side in front ten minutes into the second half. The "O's" doubled their advantage when Kitchen scored from the penalty spot.

17th February - Leicester A [FLD2] - [Lost 1-2] - 15,106 - 12th

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Mitchell, 4-Martin, 5-Bird, 6-Blackley, 7-Shoulder, 8-Nattrass, 9-Withe, 10-Scott, 11-Robinson, 12-Walker

Bird returned after injury and Jamie Scott came in for Hibbitt. It was another poor performance against a Leicester side containing five teenagers. Indeed Leicester's two goalscorers were only 16 and 17.

Newcastle's had showed little ambition in the first half, seeking to establish physical rather than skilful superiority and Nattrass' goal just after the hour was too little too late. McGarry blamed the result on the lack of outside training during the previous fortnight.

22nd February - Wolves A [FAC4] - [Lost 0-1] - 15,106

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Mitchell[s], 4-Martin, 5-Bird, 6-Blackley, 7-Shoulder, 8-Nattrass, 9-Withe, 10-Scott, 11-Walker, 12-Pearson[s3]

The replay with Wolves was finally played at the tenth time of asking, but it was not worth the wait. Two poor sides played out a passionless game that died on it's feet. The Wolves winner came in the 37th minute but the most dramatic moment came in the second half.

Withe was bodychecked in the area and referee John Homewood gave a penalty, but after consulting a linesman he changed his mind and restarted the game with a drop ball. McGarry reported the referee describing the decision "as the joke of the century". Even home boss Barnwell admitted he was "baffled".

24th February - Sunderland H [FLD2] - [Lost 1-4] - 34,733 - 15th

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Nattrass, 4-Martin, 5-Bird, 6-Blackley[s], 7-Shoulder, 8-Walker, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-Mitchell[s6]

Gary Rowell scored his first League hat-trick as Sunderland recorded their best derby victory since the mid sixties. The scoreline flattered The Wearsiders but it represented the last straw for many a Gallowgate Ender.

Rowell opened the scoring in the first few minutes and scored again before half-time .

United regrouped at the start of the second and Connolly headed in brilliantly to halve the deficit. But then Mitchell (who had replaced the injured Blackley) inexplicably tripped Henderson in the box to allow Rowell to complete his hat-trick from the spot. Rowell then set up Entwhistle for the fourth.

3rd March - Charlton H [FLD2] - [Won 5-3] - 14,998 - 11th

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Mitchell[1s], 4-Martin[1], 5-Barton, 6-Nattrass, 7-Shoulder[2/1p], 8-Walker, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly[1], 12-Parkinson[s3]

The impact of five successive defeats capped by the derby debacle was graphically illustrated by the dramatic drop in the attendance. The loyalists who came back were rewarded with the a much better performance and the most exciting - if error strewn - match of the season.

Shoulder opened the scoring [3] from the penalty spot, Gritt equalised after a gaffe by Mitchell [11], Martin [17] and Mitchell [27] made it 3-1 and then Shipperley [41] pulled one back.

Mistakes and goals continued in the second period as both teams struggled with the swirling wind and their own ineptitude. Shoulder [46] and Connolly [57] put United firmly in control, Charlton got a third two minutes from time.

10th March - Cardiff A [FLD2] - [Lost 1-2] - 11,368 - 15th

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Mitchell, 4-Martin, 5-Barton, 6-Nattrass, 7-Shoulder, 8-Walker[s], 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly[1], 12-Suggett[s8]

Several hours torrential rain had made the pitch into a bog and this suited Cardiff's aerial bombardment to a tee. Hardwick was looking extremely vulnerable in the air and the Welshmen took a 2-0 lead; the second the result of another Mitchell blunder.

A late recovery brought a goal from Connolly and a few near misses but it was now six defeats in a row away from home and ten defeats in 11 matches on their travels. It also meant that Newcastle had still never won at Ninian Park.

24th March - WHU A [FLD2] - [Lost 0-5] - 24,651 - 16th

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Mitchell, 4-Martin, 5-Bird, 6-Nattrass, 7-Shoulder, 8-Walker, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-Wharton[s8]

United suffered a complete thrashing in a game where they showed a complete lack of fight and could have conceded many more. They held out until the 20th minute but then conceded four in a disastrous 17 minute spell; including a Withe og..

Thankfully Brooking - the Hammers' main inspiration - hobbled off and despite adding a fifth in the 50th minute The Hammers eased off and saved us from further humiliation.

28th March - Wrexham H [FLD2] - [void] - approx 8,000 - 16th

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Mitchell, 4-Martin, 5-Bird, 6-Nattrass, 7-Shoulder, 8-Walker, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-Wharton

The first half was a "freezing farce" and both sides failed miserably to play football on a icy, windy, rainy night. Wrexham opened the scoring [15] and Tommy Cassiddy replied but the game was abandoned at half time with a number of players suffering from exposure.

31st March - Oldham A [FLD2] - [W 3-1] - 6,329 - 14th

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Blackley, 4-Martin, 5-Bird, 6-Nattrass, 7-Shoulder, 8-Cassiddy, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-Wharton[s8]

The rot was finally stopped with a victory against The Latics who hadn't won at home since November. Nattrass put us ahead after only 80 seconds but Hardwick allowed a Heaton shot to squirm under his body to ensure half-time parity

In the second half Shoulder put away a 64th minute penalty and Withe hit a stunning last minute volley to secure only a third away victory of the season.

4th April - Preston H [FLD2] - [W 4-3] - 12,216 - 13th

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Blackley, 4-Martin, 5-Barton[1], 6-Mitchell, 7-Shoulder[1], 8-Cassiddy, 9-Withe[1], 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly[1], 12-Wharton

A rare goal fest as Newcastle ended Preston's five month unbeaten record. Toon target Mick Robinson put Preston two ahead but United had restored parity by half time through Withe (31) and Barton (43).

In the second half united took control and added further goals through Shoulder and Connolly (77) before United reject Alex Bruce pulled one back.

7th April - C Palace H [FLD2] - [W 1-0] - 18,862 - 13th

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Blackley, 4-Martin, 5-Barton, 6-Nattrass, 7-Shoulder[1], 8-Cassiddy, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-Mitchell

Newcastle appeared to have done local rivals Sunderland a favour when they beat Division 2 leaders Palace at SJP. The match - described as "unadulterated rubbish" by Len Shackleton - was ruined by Terry Venables' defensive tactics.

The scores were kept level due mainly to the acrobatics of John Burridge, but they got their comeuppance when Shoulder scored eight minutes from time.

10th April - Burnley A [FLD2] - [L 0-1] - 7,851 - 13th

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Blackley, 4-Martin, 5-Barton, 6-Nattrass, 7-Shoulder, 8-Cassiddy, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-Mitchell

Ex Kopite Brian Hall scored the only goal in a game United should have won easily. Time and time again they ripped The Turfmen apart but they just couldn't finish; Withe coming closest with a cracking 25 yard volley that hit the bar.

14th April - Sheff Utd H [FLD2] - [L 1-3] - 19,801 - 11th

1-Hardwick, 2-Brownlie, 3-Blackley, 4-Martin, 5-Mitchell, 6-Nattrass, 7-Shoulder, 8-Cassiddy, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-Suggett

The Blades were without an away win for eight months but United handed them one on a plate. Brownlie headed gently past Hardwick for the first and then the calamitous custodian fumbled a weak shot to present them with a second.

United dominated after that but failed miserably upfront until Shoulder pulled one back. But as the onslaught continued Sheffield broke away - after a slip by Mitchell - to score a third in the last minute.

16th April - Preston A [FLD2] - [Drew 0-0] - 12,966 - 12th

1-Carr, 2-Brownlie, 3-Blackley, 4-Martin[s], 5-Mitchell, 6-Nattrass, 7-Shoulder, 8-Cassiddy, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-Walker[s4]

A drab end of season match between two sides going nowhere and there was more action on the terraces than there was on the pitch.

Kevin Carr replaced the axed Hardwick and justified his inclusion with two excellent saves.

18th April - Notts C H [FLD2] - [Lost 1-2] - 12,101 - 11th

1-Carr, 2-Brownlie, 3-Blackley, 4-Walker, 5-Mitchell, 6-Nattrass, 7-Shoulder, 8-Cassiddy, 9-Withe[1], 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly[s], 12-Suggett[s11]

A low quality contest in which the United players showed a distinct lack of interest until the last quarter. Mistakes by Cassiddy and Mitchell allowed County to go two ahead; United's solitary reply coming eight minutes from time.

21st April - Fulham H [FLD2] - [Drew 0-0] - 11,924 - 12th

1-Carr, 2-Brownlie[s], 3-Bird, 4-Martin, 5-Barton, 6-Nattrass, 7-Shoulder, 8-Suggett, 9-Mitchell, 10-Walker, 11-Nicholson, 12-Wharton[s2]

Injuries to Blackley, Cassiddy, Hibbitt and Connolly and a one match suspension for Withe led to a patched up United side. Brownlie picked up an injury during the game to allow Wharton to make his home debut.

McGarry described the match as "dire stuff" as United never mastered the strong winds or bumpy pitch. Indeed they only managed two shots on target during the whole game.

Fulham were not much better although Carr had to pull off a couple of excellent saves. Fulham defender Locke was controversially sent off for punching Bird even though he missed.

25th April - Blackburn A [FLD2] - [Won 3-1] - 4,902 - 12th

1-Carr, 2-Nattrass, 3-Mitchell, 4-Martin, 5-Barton, 6-Bird, 7-Shoulder, 8-Suggett, 9-Withe[3], 10-Hibbitt, 11-Nicholson, 12-Wharton

Withe's first hat-trick for the club sent Rovers crashing into the Third Division in front of a pitiful crowd.

Blackburn dominated the first half but were thwarted on a number of occasions by Carr who was in great form. Then Withe gave United the lead (40) in their first meaningful attack.

Duncan McKenzie equalised (his first goal for Rovers) but Withe restored the lead just after half-time before completing his hat-trick with a spectacular overhead kick (69).

28th April - Stoke A [FLD2] - [Drew 0-0] - 23,217 - 11th

1-Carr, 2-Nattrass, 3-Mitchell, 4-Martin, 5-Barton, 6-Bird, 7-Shoulder, 8-Suggett, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Nicholson, 12-Manners

United's final away trip to The Potteries resulted in the sixth goalless draw of a deeply depressing season. Second place Stoke were in the promotion shake-up and United simply put up the shutters.

Twice Stoke appealed for handball in the penalty area but the referee gave nothing.

2nd May - B Rovers H [FLD2] - [Won 3-0] - 9,627 - 9th

1-Carr, 2-Nattrass, 3-Mitchell[s], 4-Manners, 5-Barton, 6-Bird[1], 7-Shoulder[1], 8-Suggett, 9-Withe[1], 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-Nicholson[s3]

The first of three home games in the last week of the season and the crowd dropped below the 10,000 mark. Peter Manners made his debut.

Rovers who had just ensured their place in Division 2 started strongly and could have been three up before Withe's 15th goal of the season (14) and Shoulder's 9th (31).

A half-time snow storm was followed a few minutes later by Bird making it three.

5th May - Brighton H [FLD2] - [Lost 1-3] - 28,434 - 9th

1-Carr, 2-Nattrass, 3-Mitchell[s], 4-Manners, 5-Barton, 6-Bird, 7-Shoulder[1], 8-Martin, 9-Withe, 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-Nicholson[s3]

The 300% increase in the attendance from the last match is easily explained. Brighton needed a win to secure promotion and brought thousands of fans with them, but just as significantly one of their rivals for a promotion place were Sunderland.

McGarry had angrily refuted suggestions that Newcastle would not try but on paper the 3-0 scoreline at half-time suggested otherwise. The truth was somewhat different, Newcastle were much the better team but hit the crossbar twice, had a goal controversially disallowed and Barton got in the way of a goalbound Mitchell shot.

The Seagulls scored from all their chances; the second one a result of Carr letting a soft shot under his body. United did get some reward when Shoulder grabbed a consolation in the second half.

8th May - Wrexham H [FLD2] - [Won 2-0] - 7,134 - 8th

1-Carr, 2-Nattrass, 3-Mitchell[s], 4-Martin, 5-Barton, 6-Bird[1], 7-Shoulder[1], 8-Pearson, 9-Withe[1], 10-Hibbitt, 11-Connolly, 12-Manners

Pearson returned for his first game since November and promptly scored (52) in this academic fixture played in front of United's lowest crowd of the century. Even McGarry didn't bother turning up, he was off looking for players.

Alan Shoulder had put United ahead (6). After the match the players stayed on the pitch to applaud the loyal fans who had stayed to the bitter end.