1987-88 Season - March

A tough month sees United's progress stall; Mira gets injured but his replacement Michael O'Neill is ready to grab his chance.

Rumours of unhappy and unsettled United players was beginning to reach fever pitch with McDonald, Roeder, Mirandinha, Goddard, Craig and Gascoigne all being touted for moves in the press.

Saturday 01 Mar 1988 - Southampton [A] - D1 - Drew 1-1

A man of the match performance from Gary Kelly, a missed Southampton penalty and a last gasp O'Neill goal earned United a rather fortuitous point at The Dell.

Wednesday 05 Mar 1988 - Everton [A] - D1 - Lost 0-1

McFaul employed an innovative 3-4-3 formation which gave United an early ascendancy but Everton soon took the lead and control of the match. Both sides missed a host of chances and The Magpies contrived to hit the woodwork three times including an amazing miss by Gazza when presented with an open goal in the six-yard box.

Monday 10 Mar 1988 - Morton [A] - Fr - Won 1-0

A penalty from Gascoigne was all that separated the teams in this often tetchy friendly

Saturday 19 Mar 1988 - Arsenal [A] - D1 - Drew 1-1

Paul Goddard stepped out of the injured Mira's shadow to notch a brilliant equaliser and but for a woeful penalty miss by Gazza and another disappointing finish from O'Neill The Magpies could have won.

Saturday 26 Mar 1988 - Coventry [H] - D1 - Drew 2-2

Two second half goals from Irish youngster O'Neill brightened up a dreadful game played out in a swirling wind.