1987-88 Season - December
A mixed month which included an excellent victory over Man United and another thrashing at the hands of champions-elect Liverpool.
Wednesday 2 Dec 1987 - Bradford [A] - Simod - Lost 1-2
Kenny Wharton is sent-off as United crash out of the Simod Cup at Valley Parade.
Saturday 05 Dec 1987 - Oxford [A] - Won 3-1
With Gazza suspended, Bogie took over the Number 8 shirt and produced an excellent performance which set up a well merited victory for the Tynesiders.
A Neil McDonald penalty gave United a half-time lead but a highly controversial spot-kick for the Oxons cancelled it out. The decision to award it was dubious enough and then when Kelly saved Dean Saunders first effort the referee ordered the kick to be retaken. O'Neill (his first for the club) and Mira ensured that United's superiority got its just reward.
Saturday 12 Dec 1987 - Portsmouth [H] - Drew 1-1
Mira saved United from a fifth home defeat when he scored an equaliser 12 minutes from time. The match was marred by the first half sending-off of Peter Jackson and Kevin Dillon for fighting. Jackson was the third United player to be sent off in the last 3 weeks.
Future United player Dillon claimed a case of mistaken identity arguing that the punch was delivered by future makem Kevin Ball.
Saturday 19 Dec 1987 - WHU [A] - Lost 1-2
Both sides served up a feast of football in a thrilling match at Upton Park. Mira deservedly grabbed an equaliser but a swift reply from Paul Ince ensured United suffered a fruitless journey to The Smoke.
With Martin Thomas still out injured McFaul searches far and wide for a 'keeper. He loses out to Spurs in the race to sign Gosforth born former Blyth Spartans custodian Peter Guthrie and a move for the experienced Paul Cooper also draws a blank.
Saturday 26 Dec 1987 - Man Utd [H] - Won 1-0
A great Boxing Day victory for United as the Championship chasing Mancunians are beaten by Glenn Roeder's first goal of the season.
Monday 28 Dec 1987 - Liverpool [A] - Lost 0-4
A resounding defeat against the League leaders at Anfield in front of a full house but the result was harsh on the Tynesiders. The second goal came from a very dubious penalty and Gazza had a "goal" harshly chalked off for offside.
On an unsavoury note John Barnes was hit on the head by a missile thrown from the United end as he prepared to take a corner.
Manager McFaul was forced to deny allegations that he had a bust-up with Gascoigne in the dressing room after the match.
United finished the month in 14th