Plymouth - SJP - 52,642
Fairbrother, Craig, Graham, Harvey, Brennan, Woodburn, Walker, Bentley, Wayman, Shackleton, Pearson
Scorers: Shackleton (2), Wayman, Bentley, Pearson, Walker - Tadman
Position: 1st
United get off to a dream start, with their best first-match-score since beating Stoke 5-0 in 1902. They start well, but although Wayman puts them ahead they are guilty of numerous other misses. Debutant Fairbrother doesn't get a touch of the ball for the first twenty minutes. Plymouth score a controversial equaliser when Tadman seems to head the ball out of Fairbrother's hands. The Magpies then score five goals in the last half hour in which they bewilder and bewitch the visitor's tiring rearguard and all five forwards get on the scoresheet. Unbeknown to each other, the Lord Mayor's of both Newcastle and Plymouth attend the match.
Chesterfield (17th) - Recreation Ground - 15,000
Fairbrother, Craig, Graham, Harvey, Brennan, Woodburn, Milburn, Bentley, Wayman, Shackleton, Pearson
Scorers: Wayman
Position: 1st
Mllburn replaces the injured Walker. A narrow and rather lucky victory in a match where both sets of forwards struggle against determined defences, Brennan and Graham play particularly well.
Luton (11th) - Kenilworth Road - 26,000
Fairbrother, Craig, Graham, Harvey, Brennan, Woodburn, Milburn, Bentley, Wayman, Shackleton, Pearson
Scorers: Bentley - tbc tbc
Position: 6th
A return home for manager George Martin who is presented with a gold watch for his services to his former club. But there were to be no more gifts in a game in which the much vaunted forward line again misfires and receives heavy criticism for their lack of fight.
Chesterfield (20th) - SJP - 58,334
Fairbrother, Craig, Graham, Dodgin, Brennan, Woodburn, Milburn, Shackleton, Wayman, Bentley, Pearson
Scorers: Bentley, Milburn - Housam, Roberts, Linacre
Position: 11th
An injury to Harvey enables Dodgin to make his debut. United take an early two-goal lead and the second goal is very strange. Chesterfield 'keeper Middleton believes that the referee has whistled for an infringement and puts the ball down to take a free-kick. Realising his mistake, Milburn rushes up and strokes the ball into the empty net. But United then disastrously concede three against a side that has thus far failed to score. Manager Martin meets the directors for a crisis meeting immediately after the match and the decision is taken to radically overhaul the team for the next game.
Brentford (22nd) - SJP - 56,622
Fairbrother, Cowell, Corbett, Fraser, Brennan, Woodburn, Milburn, Bentley, Stobbart, Taylor, Pearson
Scorers: Woodburn
Position: 6th
The side is drastically changed, only partially as a result of injuries and Shackleton is one of the players sent to play with the reserves. United labour against the wooden-spoonists and the game looks like ending goalless until a disastrous mistake by the visitors allows Woodburn to score two minutes from time.
Birmingham (4th) - St. Andrews - 51,704
Fairbrother, Cowell, Graham, Harvey, Brennan, Woodburn, Walker, Bentley, Donaldson, Taylor, Hair
Position: 7th
It is all change again, with five alterations and another forward-line reorganisation. It is a game played at a cracking pace with the United team putting in a decent shift. They are unfortunate that Merrick is in such great form between the sticks and that a Donaldson effort, which appears to cross the line, is not allowed.
Leicester (10th) - Filbert Street - 35,472
Fairbrother, Cowell, Graham, Harvey, Brennan, Woodburn, Walker, Bentley, Donaldson, Shackleton, Hair
Scorers: Shackleton, Donaldson - Griffiths, Revie
Position: 7th
EXHAUSTING AT LEICESTER- Shackleton is back and United are 2-0 ahead after only eleven minutes. However, they once again throw away a two-goal lead. The pace throughout the game is terrific and both sets of players are exhausted at the end. Graham, Donaldson and Walker all pick up injuries.
Birmingham (3rd) - SJP - 51,704
Garbutt, Cowell, Corbett, Harvey, Brennan, Woodburn, Milburn, Bentley, Wayman, Shackleton, Hair
Scorers: Hair
Position: 3rd
Injury-victims Graham, Donaldson and Walker are replaced by Corbett, Milburn and Wayman. With Joe Harvey starting to become the leader on the pitch this is a stronger performance although United still do not look like promotion material. Brennan and Garbutt (in for the injured Fairbrother) are the stars, but upfront things are still disjointed. The decider comes ten minutes after the break when Green fails to cut out Milburn’s cross and Hair smashes the ball into the net
Leeds (4th) - SJP - 52,275
Garbutt; Cowell, Corbett; Harvey, Brennan, Woodburn; Milburn, Bentley, Stobbart, Shackleton, Hair
Scorers: Shackleton (2), Hair, Stobbart - tbc
Position: 3rd
The visitors start strongly, but United gradually wear them down and deservedly pick up both points. They are beginning to look more like a team, rather than a collection of talented individuals.
Fulham (14th) - Craven Cottage - 41,500
Garbutt; Cowell, Corbett; Harvey, Brennan, Woodburn; Milburn, Bentley, Stobbart, Shackleton, Hair
Scorers: tbc
Position: 5th
The same eleven is retained for the first time, but the Magpies concede a goal after only ten minutes and never recover. United’s performance is too bad to be true and they would have lost by more if not for Garbutt's brilliance and the profligacy of the Fulham forwards. It is time to cut out the fancy work and go for the ball for the full ninety minutes.
Coventry (14th) - SJP - 55,569
Garbutt, Fraser, Graham, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Milburn, Bentley, Wayman, Shackleton, Hair
Position: 6th
Martin shuffles his pack again with a significant revamp of the defence. It’s a much better performance and only the heroics of Sky Blues 'keeper Wood keeps the score blank.
West Ham (5th) - SJP - 55,767
Garbutt, Fraser, Graham, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Walker, Milburn, Donaldson, Shackleton, Pearson
Scorers: Milburn
Position: 5th
The forward line is revamped yet again with Donaldson, Pearson and Walker replacing Wayman, Hair and Bentley. However this latest experiment is not a success. It is a laboured performance with Milburn (who is moved from the wing to centre-forward during the course of the game) netting the only goal.
Bury (11th) - Gigg Lane - 23,827
Fairbrother, Fraser, Graham, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Walker, Shackleton, Milburn, Stobbart, Pearson
Scorers: Milburn (3), Shackleton, tbc og
Position: 4th
Stobbart is recalled and Milburn is moved to the centre. Fairbrother returns following Garbutt’s shoulder injury. Within minutes of the start Bury are reduced to ten men when goalkeeper Bradshaw breaks his leg. Despite a brave performance from the Lancastrians Pearson and Shackleton have the space to display their vast repertoire of skills and Milburn grabs a hat-trick.
Southampton (8th) - SJP - 57,184
Fairbrother, Fraser, Graham, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Walker, Shackleton, Milburn, Stobbart, Pearson
Scorers: Walker (2), Milburn, Stobbart, Pearson
Position: 3rd
The defence is compact and the forwards are bold especially during an exhilarating second-half performance. In particular Pearson and Shackleton demonstrate some amazing ball play.
Doncaster (18th) - Belle Vue - 28,340
Fairbrother, Fraser, Graham, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Sibley, Shackleton, Milburn, Stobbart, Pearson
Scorers: Milburn (2), Harvey
Position: 2nd
Milburn makes it six in three games since moving to centre-forward; but it is a man of the match performance from wantaway winger, Pearson, that is the catalyst for victory. Finally the forward line seems to be combining effectively. Martin declares that "I have no players I want to get rid of and I am bound to say I have not seen any available who are better than we have".
Nottingham F. (18th) - SJP - 60,244
Fairbrother, Fraser, Graham, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Stobbart, Shackleton, Milburn, Bentley, Pearson.
Scorers:
Bentley returns from his break - replacing Sibley - but he struggles and the change disrupts the balance of the United forward line. United lack snap and Shackleton misses a penalty as United's four game winning run comes to a surprise end. They have plenty of shots, but are scuppered by a mixture of good goalkeeping and poor finishing.
Bradford PA (8th) - Park Avenue - 24,654
Fairbrother, Fraser, Graham, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Sibley, Shackleton, Milburn, Stobbart, Pearson
Scorers: Stobbart, Sibley, tbc og
Position: 3rd
Len Shackleton trained all week with his former teammates. United bounce back with a first rate performance which matches artistry with application. All the goals come in the first period with the players keeping their heads against some very provocative play by the Yorkshiremen. It seems they have learned that they need to work to get and retain possession. Pearson is man of the match for the third game in a row but it is an excellent team performance and it appears that the players are less nervous when playing away from home.
Cardiff (7th) - SJP - 56,904
Fairbrother, Fraser, Graham, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Sibley, Shackleton, Milburn, Stobbart, Pearson
Scorers: Milburn (2), Shackleton, Stobbart
Cardlff come to Tyneside to play football, but they are taught a lesson in the finer arts of the game with United in scintillating form and Pearson and Shackleton In party mode. Shack is at his brilliant best and delights the crowd by, amongst other things, sitting on the ball and attempting to play a 1-2 with the corner flag. Cardiff director sums it up well. "What a team you have got. We don't feel sore about this beating. None of our boys have played better, but what could we do against that". Many say it is United's best performance since their Division 1 days. Milburn starts the fun with the first goal after only six seconds.
Sheff Wed (6th) - Hillsborough - 41,355
Fairbrother, Fraser, Graham, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Sibley, Shackleton, Milburn, Stobbart, Pearson
Scorers: Froggat
Position: 4th
Back down to earth as the same eleven fail to reproduce their best against a workmanlike Wednesday side. United lack cohesion upfront and the only goal comes when they fail to mark their man at a corner.
Tottenham (3rd) - SJP - 57,950
Fairbrother, Fraser, Graham, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Sibley, Shackleton, Milburn, Stobbart, Pearson
Scorers: Milburn
Position: 2nd
Martin keeps faith with the same eleven and is rewarded with a single goal victory over a classy Spurs side. United play skillfully enough, but it is their fighting spirit that gets them through as an injury to Graham means they has to play half the game with ten men. Milburn is all over the pitch and scores his best goal of the season so far.
Millwall (20th) - Selhurst Park - 33,362
Fairbrother, Fraser, Craig, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Sibley, Shackleton, Milburn, Stobbart, Pearson
Scorers: Pearson - tbc, Dodgin og
Position: 3rd
Benny Craig returns to the side to replace the injured Graham. The game is played at Selhurst Park due to crowd trouble at a previous Millwall game. In the first half United are well on top and deservedly take the lead through Pearson. But they start to showboat rather than compete and the Londoners come back to win.
Plymouth (22nd) - Hillsborough - 25,000
Fairbrother, Fraser; Craig, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Sibley, Shackleton, Milburn, Stobbart, Pearson
Scorers:
Position: 3rd
United hit a new low with a pathetic performance at table-footers Plymouth in a game that they could have been beaten even more heavily. The team as a whole is poor but the main problems are in attack where there are just five individuals scurrying around.
West Brom (2nd) - Hawthorns - 48,322
Fairbrother, Fraser, Craig, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Sibley, Stobbart, Milburn, Shackleton, Pearson
Scorers: tbc og
Position: 3rd
The same eleven (although Stobbart and Shackleton are switched) are given another chance at second-placed West Brom and United produce a much more hard working and tight knit performance. The marking is meatier and the inside-forwards forage harder and the Magpies record their fifth away win of the season.
West Brom (2nd) - SJP - 61,301
Fairbrother, Fraser, Craig, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Sibley, Stobbart, Milburn, Shackleton, Pearson
Scorers: Milburn (2), Dodgin
Position: 2nd
A huge crowd descends on St. James’ despite torrential rain with many thousands locked out. The Magpies hit top form and their ball moving policy and rousing team effort secures a comfortable victory. It could easily have been even more, although they are helped by the fact that the Throstles’ 'keeper is injured half way through the first half.
Luton (12th) - SJP - 64,931
Fairbrother, Fraser, Craig, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Sibley, Stobbart, Milburn, Shackleton, Pearson
Scorers: Milburn (3), Stobbart - O'Brien
Position: 2nd
LUTON LUCKY TO MISS ROUT AT ST. JAMES’ - An even bigger crowd witnesses United thrash Luton 4-1 with Milburn grabbing a hat-trick having took the defence round and around as dizzily as on a Town Moor fair ride. The team is afire with confidence and Shackleton resorts to downright comedy, trying trick shots when he has an open goal.
Charlton (D1:9th) - The Valley - 53,428
Fairbrother, Fraser, Craig, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Sibley, Stobbart, Milburn, Shackleton, Pearson
Scorers: Pearson - Johnson, Rowell
Despite dominating the game United are beaten by a great performance from goalkeeper Bertram and two soft goals. After fifteen minutes a Charlton free-kick is hit along the ground and - as Fairbrother waits - Johnson nips in and lifts the ball over his shoulder. Ten minutes after the break United’s keeper is at fault again as he misjudges Rowell's 40-yard free-kick which goes in off a post. Pearson is Newcastle’s scorer, but he is yards wide with a penalty just after Charlton's second. Sibley suffers a bad injury during the game.
Brentford (21st) - Griffin Park - 32,000
Garbutt, Fraser, Craig, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, McCall, Stobbart, Milburn, Shackleton, Pearson
Scorers: Brennan og or Gibbons
Position: 2nd
RUDDERLESS NEWCASTLE BEATEN POINTLESS - Fairbrother pays the price for the FA Cup defeat and McCall makes his debut. United's are rudderless and plan-less at lowly Brentford in a performance that is less than mediocrity as they fail to adapt to the wet and blustery conditions. The Magpies are behind after only seven minutes when Garbutt has Gibbons’ shot covered only for it to deflect in off Brennan It is an unfortunate day all round for Frank, who has suffered a loss of form, as he also has to leave the field for ten minutes for emergency repairs to a boot. Trainer Smith has to nail on the loose sole and strap up the toe cap.
Leeds (18th) - Elland Road - 35,000
Garbutt, Fraser, Craig, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, McCall, Shackleton, Milburn, Stobbart, Pearson
Scorers: Milburn - Wakefield (2), Cochrane
Position: 2nd
Martin keeps faith with the same eleven although Shack and Stobbart switch sides. Milburn puts Newcastle ahead after only three minutes, but it is to no avail as they are hustled out of their game and eventually outplayed. One reporter suggests that “individual effort which has for a long stretch camouflaged a lack of team-plan and team-play is rapidly collapsing". Petrol check by police.
Leicester (14th) - SJP - 51,675
Garbutt, Fraser, Craig, Houghton, Brennan, Woodburn, Sibley, Harvey, Donaldson, Milburn, McCall
Scorers: Sibley, McCall
Position: 2nd
Martin makes four changes with Houghton (making his debut), Sibley, Donaldson and Woodburn all drafted in and Joe Harvey asked to play at inside right. The line-up is heavily criticised in some quarters with flair being sacrificed for work. It is a dour performance full of good honest stuff. Without great distinction, but also without over-individualism or lopsidedness.
Aston Villa (D1:6th) - Villa Park - 35,000
Scorers: McCall, tbc - Edwards
Eric Garbutt and Ernie Taylor are the stars in the victory over First Division Villa at Villa Park.
Liverpool - SJP- 44,830
Scorers: Liddell, Baron, Fagan
A record friendly crowd witnesses a humbling 3-0 friendly defeat by First Division strugglers Liverpool. Liverpool's manager Kay describes the attendance as "astonishing". Stubbins misses a penalty for the visitors and Milburn becomes the latest United player to fail from the spot.
Coventry (11th) - Highfield Road - 22,047
Garbutt, Fraser, Craig, Harvey, Brennan, Houghton, Sibley, Thompson, Milburn, Taylor, McCalI
Scorers: McCall (p)- Cochrane
Position: 3rd
Tommy Thompson (making his debut) and Ernie Taylor (after his impressive friendly displays) replace Woodbum and Donaldson. The Magpies battle well and come away with a deserved draw despite having to play with ten men for the last half hour due to an injury to Fraser.
West Ham (7th) - Boleyn Ground - 30,000
Garbutt, Cowell, Craig, Harvey, Brennan, Houghton, Sibley, Thompson, Milburn, Taylor, McCall
Scorers: Thompson, Milburn
Position: 3rd
Bobby Cowell replaces the injured Fraser and United win with second-half goals from Milburn and Thompson. The main talking point is caused when the Hammers have a "goal" controversially chalked off when the referee blows for half-time just before the ball enters the net. It is United's first away victory since the end of December.
Bury (9th) - SJP- 56,444
Garbutt, Cowell, Craig, Harvey, Brennan, Houghton, Slbley, Thompson, Milburn, Taylor, McCall
Scorers: Milburn
Position: 3rd
United scrape home in a very tight encounter against a well organised and defensively strong Bury side. It is the visitors who take nearly all the first half honours and Garbutt has to be in his best form. And a Constantine effort is disallowed because one of the Bury men shouted "right" as the ball came across. United gradually take control in the second period, but still have to survive some near misses before Milburn nets the winner fourteen minutes from time.
Southampton (4th) - The Dell - 28,000
Garbutt, Cowell, Craig, Harvey, Brennan, Houghton, Sibley, Milburn, Lowrie, Taylor, McCall
Scorers: Sibley, Milburn - Wayman (2), Scott, Grant
Position: 3rd
Record signing George Lowrie made his debut and has the ball in the net after only twenty seconds; unfortunately the effort is chalked off for offside. Charlie Wayman then nets twice against his old club to help put the Saints three up inside the first seven minutes. They score a fourth on the hour before United register twice to give the scoreline some respectability.
Doncaster (21st) - SJP- 48,724
Garbutt, Cowell, Craig, Harvey, Brennan, Houghton, Milburn, Thompson, Lowrie, Taylor, McCall
Scorers: Lowrie, Thompson
Position: 3rd
ln atrocious conditions United just about deserve their victory over struggling Doncaster.
Barnsley (9th) - SJP- 64,757
Garbutt, Cowell, Cralg, Harvey, Brennan, Houghton, Sibley, Stobbart, Lowrie, Milburn, McCall
Scorers: McCall
Position: 2nd
Another narrow victory, a goal from McCall being just enough to earn maximum points.
Nottm. F. (20th) - City Ground - 30,000
Garbutt, Cowell, Cralg, Dodgln, Brennan, Houghton, Milburn, Stobbart, Lowrie, Taylor, McCall
Position: 2nd
Wlth the attack falling to impress it is left to the defence to ensure that United return with a hard earned point.
Barnsley (11th) - Oakwell - 30,247
Garbutt, Cowell, Cralg, Dodgln, Brennan, Crowe, Houghton, Milburn, Donaldson, Lowrie, McCall
Scorers: McCall - tbc
Position: 2nd
A “MIRACLE” POINT FOR UNITED IN HECTIC DUEL - A heroic defensive performance against a second-half onslaught with Lowrie (injured after only 15 minutes) a passenger on the right-wing and Brennan and Craig both requiring treatment. With Cardiff losing, United are now two points ahead of the third placed Welshmen.
Bradford PA (9th) - SJP- 50,367
Garbutt, Cowell, Craig, Dodgin, Brennan, Crowe, Houghton, Stobbart, Milburn, Woodburn, McCall
Scorers: Woodburn, Stobbart
Position: 2nd
The Magpies make it nine wins on the bounce at home with a relatively comfortable victory over mld-table Bradford. Woodburn nets after three minutes and Stobbart scores from an acute angle just before the break.
Cardiff (4th) - Ninian Park - 50,000
Falrbrother, Cowell, Cralg, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Houghton, Stobbart, Milburn, Woodburn, McCall
Scorers: Stobbart - tbc (pen)
Position: 2nd
Cardiff are four points and two places below United. Fairbrother performs very well on his return to the side and Harvey also returns from injury. Stobbart's first-half goal seems to have won the game before the referee controversially awards a penalty with only five minutes left, the Cardiff player admitting after the game that he'd fallen over the ball.
Fulham (11th) - SJP- 54,061
Fairbrother, Cowell, Craig, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Houghton, Stobbart, Milburn, Woodburn, McCall
Scorers: Stobbart (p)
Position: 2nd
STOBBART GOAL SENT CROWD WILD - The Magpies look to be heading for a goalless draw until the 85th minute when they are awarded a controversial penalty. There is a deathly silence around the ground as Stobbart lines up to take the spot-klck. Superbly casual, he steps back, kicks, and in a flash the ball is in the back of the net. There is a roar which rent the skies and old timers later claim it was as loud a noise as they ever could remember. The positions are Birmingham top (54 points from 38 games) with United in second (51 from 39) and Sheffield Wednesday third (49 from 39).
Sheff Wed (3rd) - SJP- 66,483
FaIrbrother, Cowell, Craig, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Houghton, Stobbart, Milburn, Woodburn, Walker
Scorers: Houghton (2), Stobbart, Harvey - tbc, Marriot
Full-time: Newcastle 4 Sheffield W 2
Position: 2nd
HOUGHTON HAD TO BE TOLD OF GOAL - A massive crowd crams into St James' for the promotion showdown with Sheffield Wednesday who are two points behind the Magpies with both sides having three games left. United know that a win would all but guarantee promotion due to their significantly better goal difference. Walker replaces the injured McCall. The Owls start at a blistering pace and United's defence has already cleared off the line three times before a Craig handball allows the visitors to open the scoring after ten minutes with a penalty. United battle back and just before half-time Stobbart equalises. United maintain the ascendancy and hours of practice on the training ground is rewarded when Harvey heads home Walkers corner just after the hour. Craig makes another goal-line clearance and Milburn hits the bar as both sides attack at will. Nine minutes from time Marriott equalises. Enter the hero of the day, emergency winger Frank Houghton, who scores twice in the last five minutes to win the game. He suffers severe shock after breaking his arm and gashing his leg scoring the fourth and does not know what he has done until he is informed in the dressing room. It was a rip-roaring see-saw game in which the more skillfully constructive Wednesday side were beaten by the sheer determination of the Magpies.
Tottenham (7th) - White Hart Lane - 44,164
Fairbrother, Cowell, Craig, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Sibley, Stobbart, Milburn, Woodburn, Walker
Scorers: Sibley - Cowell og
Position: 2nd
Spurs miss a penalty and then Cowell, under pressure, heads into his own goal. Sibley equalises at the start of the second period. Stobbart has to move to the right wing owing to a boot nail piercing his foot.
Millwall (22nd) - SJP- 43,328
Falrbrother, Cowell, Craig, Harvey, Brennan, Dodgin, Sibley, Stobbart, Milburn, Woodburn, McCall
Scorers: Harvey
Position: 2nd
The Magpies round off the season with a twelfth successive victory on Tyneside against relegated Millwall. Stobbart misses a penalty early on, but Harvey saves his blushes.