NUFC - 1987/88 Match Details (wip)

Tottenham - White Hart Lane - 26,261

Kelly, McDonald, Bailey, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Jackson D (Thomas A), Gascoigne, Goddard, Wharton, Hodges

Scorers: McCreery - Allen C, Waddle, Hodge

Full-time: Tottenham 3 Newcastle 1

Position: 17th

The Magpies are 3-0 down after only 33 minutes.

Sheff Wed () - Hillsborough - 22,031

Kelly, McDonald, Bailey, McCreery, Jackson P, Scott, Jackson D, Gascoigne, Goddard, Wharton, Hodges

Scorers: Jackson D

Position: 13th

DEADLY DARREN - A fortuitous twenty-five yarder from Darren Jackson which goes in off the knee of Wednesday keeper Hodge is enough to gain United their first points of the season after a gritty performance. It is their first win at Hillsborough since ???. Six van loads of United fans are refused entry and sent back home whilst others are stopped on the motorway. Explaining the action Inspector Clive Calvert said "The trouble with Newcastle fans is they like their drink too much. And the amount of fans who manage to squeeze into transit vans defies the laws of gravity".

Nottm Forest () - SJP - 20,111

Thomas M, McDonald, Bailey, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Jackson D, Gascoigne, Goddard (Thomas A), Wharton (Anderson), Hodges

Scorers: Clough

Position: 17th

BLUNDER BOY! - Mirandinha is given a hero's welcome as he is introduced to the crowd before the game. He sees United fail to take their early chances with the only goal coming just before half-time when ‘keeper Martin Thomas fumbles a weak header giving Nigel Clough an easy tap in.

Norwich () - Carrow Road - 16,636

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Jackson D, Gascoigne, Mirandinha, Anderson, Hodges

Scorers: Jackson P - Biggins

Position: 16th

Mira's clearance comes through just in time for him to make his debut at Carrow Road. Biggins scores for the Canaries with seventeen minutes left. Peter Jackson grabs an equaliser two minutes later.

Wimbledon () - SJP - 22,734

Thomas M, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Anderson, Gascoigne, Goddard, Mirandinha, Hodges

Scorers: McDonald (p) - Thomas og, Cork

Position: 18th

TOIL AND TROUBLE - A dismal performance by the Magpies as an isolated Mirandinha must wonder what he's come to. The Dons are 2-0 up after only ten minutes and could easily have won by more. The supporters make their feelings clear at the final whistle as United slump to 18th.

Man United () - Old Trafford - 45,137

Kelly, McDonald, Anderson, McCreery (Jackson D), Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson, Wharton, Goddard, Mirandinha, Hodges (Tinnion)

Scorers: Mirandinha (2) - Olsen, McClair (p)

Position: 18th

ABRACADINHA! - McFaul rings the changes and is rewarded with a battling display and the little Brazilian's first two goals. After a shaky start Mirandinha scores with a deflected free-kick. Olsen equalises immediately and the home side take control again before the Samba star scores again and then hits the angle of post and crossbar. McClair scores from a penalty in the last minute of the half. An overly physical second period produces no more goals and United are well pleased with the hard earned point.

Liverpool () - SJP - 24,141

Kelly, McDonald, Anderson, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson, Wharton, Goddard, Mirandinha, Hodges (Jackson D)

Scorers: McDonald (p) - Nicol (3), Aldridge

Position: 19th

In front of the TV watching millions, Newcastle slump to a humiliating defeat making it three reverses in a row at home. Midfielder Steve Nicol scores a hat-trick. McFaul lays into his players calling them "collectively sloppy" and accusing them of "playing with fear". Chairman Stan Seymour angers fans even more by suggesting that "no one had expected us to beat Liverpool”. The Magpies are now 19th.

Blackpool () - Bloomfield Road - 7,959

Kelly, McDonald, Tinnion, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Stephenson, Gascoigne, Goddard, Mirandinha, Jackson D

Scorers: Cunningham

The League Cup has been rebadged again and is now called the Littlewood's Cup, but United's dismal form in the competition continues as they are beaten 1-0 at Third Division Blackpool in the Second Round First Leg. The only goal is scored by ex-Magpie Tony Cunningham who is perfectly set up by a wayward Gazza back pass on the stroke of half-time.

Southampton () - SJP - 18,093

Kelly, Anderson (Jackson D), Tinnion, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Gascoigne, Goddard, Mirandinha, Cornwell

Scorers: Mirandinha, Goddard - Clarke

Position:15th

RUTHLESS - McFaul is under intense pressure and is mightily relieved when goals from Goddard and Mirandinha secure a first home victory. After his goal Mira runs straight to the bench to give Willie a hug. "I told him I was going to score for him", he said. After the match McFaul reveals that he had fined the Brazilian a fiver for being late.

Chelsea () - Stamford Bridge - 22,071

Kelly, Anderson, Tinnion, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald (Wharton), Gascoigne, Goddard, Mirandinha, Cornwell (Jackson D)

Scorers: Goddard, Wharton - McCreery (og), Dixon)

Position: 15th

SUPERSUB WHARTON EARNS UNITED A POINT - The Pensioners lead 2-0 after only 25 minutes, Goddard soon pulls one back and Kenny Wharton scores with his first touch to earn United a draw eight minutes from time. Wharton and Darren Jackson (Newcastle's first ever double substitution ) had only come on a minute earlier.

Blackpool () - SJP - 21,228 21,228

Thomas M (Stephenson), McDonald, Tinnion, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Jackson D, Gascoigne (Wharton), Goddard, Mirandinha, Cornwell

Scorers: Goddard, Mirandinha, Jackson D, Gascoigne - Morgan

Morgan scores after only two minutes to put Blackpool 2-0 up on aggregate then goals Goddard and Mirandinha make equal the aggregate score with just twelve minutes on the clock. Darren Jackson puts United ahead in the tie for the first time on the hour and Gascoigne finishes the scoring.

Everton () - SJP - 20,266

Kelly, McDonald, Tinnion, McCreery (Wharton), Jackson P, Roeder, Jackson D, Gascoigne, Goddard, Mirandinha, Cornwell

Scorers: Mirandinha - Snodin

Position:16th

DARREN TOP OF THE POPS FOR UNITED - Mira has a goal disallowed in the first minute as United take the game to the Champions. Snodin puts the visitors ahead after eight minutes and the Brazilian equalises three minutes It is a highly impressive first half performance from the Tynesiders. The game features some "tasty" challenges and Adrian Heath is sent off in the 74th minute. Just before the end Goddard fluffs an easy chance to score a winner. Mirandinha apologises afterwards for shooting rather than passing on two occasions where Goddard and Gascoigne were much better placed to score.

Coventry () - Highfield Road - 18,585

Kelly, McDonald, Tinnion, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Jackson D, Gascoigne, Goddard, Mirandinha (Anderson), Cornwell (Wharton)

Scorers: Goddard, Gascoigne, Jackson D - Regis

Position: 12th

SKY HIGH - The confidence boosting draw against Everton and a virtuoso performance from Gazza sees United come from behind to record a handsome victory. Mirandinha suffers a hamstring injury.

Wimbledon () - Plough Lane - 6,443

Kelly, Anderson, Tinnion, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Gascoigne, Goddard, Jackson D, Cornwell

Scorers: McDonald (p) - Fashanu, Gibson

United - and Gazza in particular - miss a whole host of opportunities before conceding a last minute goal. McFaul blasts the Dunston youngster telling him to "grow up" and start taking his chances.

Arsenal () - SJP - 23,662

Kelly, Anderson, Tinnion, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Gascoigne, Goddard, Jackson D, Cornwell

Scorers: Smith

Position:16th

SMITH NIPS IN TO SINK UNITED - Although Arsenal are ten games unbeaten United could have won. They have the better chances, including a penalty, but fail to take them and once again lose to a last minute goal. McFaul gags his players and refuses to attend a post match press conference explaining: "if I say anything I might say the wrong things".

Luton () - Kenilworth Road - 7,638

Kelly, Anderson, Tinnion (O’Neill), Wharton, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Gascoigne, Goddard, Mirandinha, Jackson D

Scorers: Stein M (2), Nwajiobi, Stein B

Position: 18th

In front of only 7,638 home fans at Kenilworth Road (away fans being barred) United take to the plastic pitch in their brand new all blue change kit. But their faces are a different colour after they are completely outplayed in a disastrous defeat. McFaul holds a 40 minute post match inquest with his players rather than attend the post match press conference. On the same day Supermac's Huddersfield are beaten 10-1 by Man City.

Derby () - SJP - 21,698

Kelly, Anderson, Tinnion, Wharton, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald (O’Neill), Gascoigne, Goddard, Jackson D, Cornwell

Position:16th

Returning Derby manager Arthur Cox receives a standing ovation before the game in what is his first visit since leaving the club. United are in excellent form but 38-year-old Peter Shilton turns back the years with a vintage performance in what was his 800th League game to deny United victory.

QPR () - Loftus Road - 11,794

Kelly, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Gascoigne (so), Mirandinha, Bogie, Craig

Scorers: Jackson P - Wharton og

Position: 16th

Deprived of the services of Paul Goddard, McFaul experiments with a 3-6-1 formation with Mira asked to play up on his own and Albert Craig and Ian Bogie making their first starts of the campaign. A Kenny Wharton own goal gives the Hoops a half-time lead and when Gazza gets himself sent off for the second time in his short career the outlook looks bleak. But Peter Jackson heads in a 77th minute equaliser.

Shrewsbury () - SJP - 7,787

Scorers: Bogie, Mirandinha - Green

Less than 8,000 hardy souls turn up for the Simod Cup tie against struggling Second Division side Shrewsbury. Although Bogie scores after only three minutes Newcastle do not build on the start and Green equalises in the 56th minute. A last minute strike from Mirandinha edges the Magpies through

Charlton () - SJP - 19,453

Kelly, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Gascoigne, O’Neill, Mirandinha, Cornwell

Scorers: Cornwell, Mirandinha - Jones

Position:16th

The Magpies struggle throughout the game and are rather fortunate to get maximum points. The Londoners start much better and are ahead within six minutes, but they lose their main inspiration after only 16 minutes when Colin Walsh suffers a broken leg after a typically robust challenge from John Anderson. Fans in The Corner disgrace themselves by pelting the stricken player with missiles including coins and cans. John Cornwell is the unlikely hero as he scores the equaliser and sets Mirandinha up for the winner. It is only the second home win of the season. Michael O'Neill made his first start for the club.

Bradford () - Valley Parade - 8,866

Scorers: Scott - Futcher, Abbott

Kenny Wharton is sent-off as United crash out of the Simod Cup at Valley Parade. All the goals come in the last thirteen minutes with City scoring twice before Scott pulls one back.

Oxford () - Manor Road - 8,190

Kelly, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Bogie, O’Neill, Mirandinha, Cornwell

Scorers: McDonald (p), O’Neill, Mirandinha - Saunders (p)

Position: 18th

With Gascoigne suspended, Bogie takes over the Number 8 shirt and produces an excellent performance which sets up a well merited victory for the Tynesiders. Oxford’s goal comes from a highly controversial spot-kick and to rub salt in, when Kelly saves Dean Saunders’ first effort the referee orders the kick to be retaken.

Portsmouth () - SJP - 20,255

Kelly, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P (so), Roeder, McDonald, Bogie, Goddard, Mirandinha, Cornwell

Scorers: Mirandinha - Hardyman

Position:14th

Mira saves United from defeat when he scores an equaliser twelve minutes from time. The match is marred by the first half sending-off of Peter Jackson and Pompey’s Kevin Dillon for fighting. Jackson is the third United player to be sent off in the last three weeks. Dillon later claims a case of mistaken identity arguing that the punch was delivered by Kevin Ball.

West Ham () - Upton Park - 18,679

Kelly, Anderson, Tinnion (Jackson D), McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Gascoigne, Goddard, Mirandinha, Cornwell

Scorers: Mirandinha - Robson, Ince

Half-time: West Ham 0 Newcastle 0

Position: 15th

Both sides served up a feast of football in a thrilling match at Upton Park. Robson puts the Hammers ahead and Mira deservedly grabs an equaliser but a swift reply from Paul Ince ensures United suffered a fruitless journey to The Smoke.

Man United () - SJP - 26,461

Kelly, McDonald, Wharton (Craig), McCreery, Anderson, Roeder, Jackson D (Bogie), Gascoigne, Goddard, Mirandinha, Cornwell

Scorers: Roeder

Position:12th

A great Boxing Day victory for United as the Championship chasing Lancastrians are beaten by Glenn Roeder's first goal of the season just before the interval.

Liverpool () - Anfield - 44,637

Kelly, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery, Anderson, Roeder, Jackson D (Bogie), Gascoigne, Goddard, Mirandinha, Cornwell

Scorers: Aldridge (2-1p), McMahon, Houghton

Position: 18th

A resounding defeat against the League leaders at Anfield in front of a full house but the scoreline is harsh on United. The second goal comes from a very dubious penalty and Gazza has a "goal" harshly chalked off for offside. John Barnes is hit on the head by a missile thrown from the United end as he prepares to take a corner. Manager McFaul denies allegations that he had a bust-up with Gascoigne in the dressing room after the match.

Nottm F (2nd) - City Ground - 28,583

Kelly, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Gascoigne, Goddard, Mirandinha, Cornwell

Scorers: Gascoigne, Mirandinha

Position: 18th

A great result against second placed Forest with a performance of determination and skill with Gazza at the fore. He opens the scoring in the first half and Mira races half away across the pitch to seal the victory just before the end.

Sheff Wed () - SJP - 25,503

Kelly, Anderson (Cornwell), Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Gascoigne, Goddard, Mirandinha (Craig), Jackson D

Scorers: Goddard (2) - Marwood, Chapman

Position:16th

Crystal Palace () - SJP - 20,415

Kelly, Anderson, Wharton, Cornwell, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Gascoigne, Goddard, O’Neill (Craig), Jackson D

Scorers: Gascoigne

A brilliant 30 yard goal from Gazza ensures a Cup victory over Steve Coppell's Division 2 promotion chasers in a keenly contested match.

Scorers: Goddard (2), Lormor, Jackson P

Tottenham () - SJP - 24,616

Kelly, Anderson, Wharton, Jackson D, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Gascoigne, Goddard, Mirandinha (Lormor), O’Neill

Scorers: Gascoigne (2)

Two thousand season ticket holders are the first fans to move into the West Stand as the new construction is partially opened. A brace from Gazza ensures that Waddle does not enjoy his return.

Swindon () - SJP - 28,699

Kelly, Anderson, Wharton, Jackson D, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Gascoigne, Goddard, Mirandinha, O’Neill

Scorers: Gascoigne (2-1p), Jackson D, Goddard, O’Neill

Wimbledon () - Plough Lane - 10,505

Kelly, Anderson, Wharton, Jackson D, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Gascoigne, Goddard, Mirandinha, O’Neill

Position: 18th

A battling performance earned United a valuable point at Plough Lane in a match best remembered for Vinnie Jones' thuggery which was encapsulated by his tear jerking method of shackling Gazza being caught on camera. Stewards advised Jones to stay clear of the players lounge after the match as it was thought that some United supporters had infiltrated the area and might want to exact their own revenge on Gascoigne's behalf.

Monaco () - SJP - 8,003

Scorers: Gascoigne (p)

A weakened United side lose to Arsene Wenger's Monaco side. The match includes a "bust-up" between love/hate pairing Gazza and Mira. McFaul used his programme notes to dispel rumours that Gazza would be leaving at the end of the season even though his contract ran until the end of 1988/89. He "will see out every minute of that contract" the Irishman states defiantly.

Norwich () - SJP - 21,068

Kelly, Anderson, Wharton, Jackson D (Cornwell), Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Gascoigne, Goddard, Mirandinha, O’Neill

Scorers: Gascoigne - Fleck (2), Drinkell

Position:

Before the game McFaul challenges his players so to show him "how good they are" and warns them "not to let him down". Therefore it is no surprise that they are outclassed and slump to their first competitive defeat of the year. Once again Gazza and Mira had words with each other with Mira accusing the Dunston youngster of not passing to him. McFaul tells them to cut it out "or else". The Brazilian is now without a goal since January 1st and some of the crowd are starting to get on his back.

Wimbledon () - SJP - 28,796

Kelly, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Gascoigne, Goddard, Mirandinha, Jackson D (O’Neill)

Scorers: McDonald - Gibson, Gayle, Fashanu

Position:

United slump to their third defeat of the season against the Londoners. The frustration is clearly getting to Mira who is accused of spitting at players during the game and after the match he kicks Dons 'keeper Beasant in the back. This prompts an angry reaction from Terry Gibson and only quick action from players of both sides prevents the incident getting out of control.

Chelsea () - SJP - 17,858

Kelly, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Cornwell, Gascoigne, Goddard, Mirandinha (Jackson D), O’Neill

Scorers: Mirandinha (2), Gascoigne - Wilson K

Position:

A scintillating first-half display by the little Brazilian brings a brace of goals and is the perfect riposte to his critics. Gazza adds a third in the second-half, but once again there is a little interchange between the two wayward talents. McFaul subs Mira before the end, a decision which clearly upsets him. The result means that United are going to Wembley, along with 15 other clubs, to compete for the Mercantile Credit Centenary Classic trophy.

Southampton () - The Dell - 13,380

Kelly, McDonald, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, Cornwell, Gascoigne, Goddard, Mirandinha, O’Neill

Scorers: O’Neill - Clarke

Position: 18th

Everton () - Goodison Park - 25,674

Kelly, Anderson, Tinnion, McCreery (Jackson D), Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Gascoigne, Goddard, Mirandinha, O’Neill

Scorers: Clarke

Position: 18th

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

Morton () - Park - 2,000

Scorers: Gascoigne (p)

A penalty from Gascoigne is all that separates the teams in this often tetchy friendly.

Arsenal () - Highbury - 25,889

Kelly, McDonald, Tinnion, McCreery, Anderson, Roeder, Cornwell (Stephenson), Gascoigne, Goddard, Jackson D, O’Neill

Scorers: Goddard - Groves

Position: 18th

Coventry () - SJP - 19,050

Kelly, McDonald, Tinnion, McCreery, Anderson, Roeder, Stephenson (Bogie), Gascoigne, Goddard, Jackson D, O’Neill

Scorers: O’Neill (2) - Smith, Speedie

Position: 18th

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

Luton () - SJP - 20,565

Kelly, McDonald, Tinnion, McCreery, Anderson, Roeder, Stephenson, Gascoigne, Goddard, O’Neill, Wharton

Scorers: O’Neill (3), Goddard

Position: 18th

A hat-trick from Michael O'Neill allows United to gain ample revenge for the drubbing they received at Kenilworth Road but the match will be best remembered for a touch of ball sitting from Kenny Wharton.

Derby () - Baseball Ground - 18,591

Kelly, McDonald (Mirandinha), Tinnion, McCreery, Anderson, Roeder, Stephenson (Cornwell), Gascoigne (so), Goddard, O’Neill, Wharton

Scorers: O’Neill - Gee, Micklewhite

Position: 11th

O'Neill gives United a half-time lead but The Rams fight back to win in a game where Gascoigne Is once again given his marching orders. A number of United fans are just as poorly behaved and there are 33 arrests.

QPR () - SJP - 18,403

Kelly, Anderson, Wharton, McCreery, Jackson P, Roeder, McDonald, Gascoigne, Goddard, O’Neill, Jackson D

Scorers: O’Neill - Kerslake (p)

Position: 11th

A poor game with a distinctly end of season flavour, O'Neill is on target again to equalise a controversial Rangers penalty.

Watford () - SJP - 16,318

Kelly, McDonald, Tinnion, McCreery, Anderson, Roeder, Jackson D (Stephenson), Gascoigne, Goddard, O’Neill, Wharton

Scorers: O’Neill, Wharton, Tinnion

Position: 10th

Michael O'Neill scores for the fifth game in succession as United canter home against the bottom-placed Hornets. Wharton and Tinnion are also on target in front of the lowest crowd of the season.

Watford () - Vicarage Road - 12,075

Scorers: Anderson - Jackett

Position: 9th

Mira returns for his first game since mid March but fails to last the match on a mud bath of a pitch. A thumping first goal of the season from John Anderson rescues a point for the Tynesiders.

Charlton () - - 7,482

Kelly, McDonald, Tinnion (Gascoigne), McCreery, Anderson, Roeder, Cornwell, Jackson D, Goddard, O’Neill, Wharton

Scorers: Crooks (2)

Position: 18th

Having served a one match suspension at Watford McFaul controversially leaves Gascoigne on the subs bench with John Cornwell replacing him in the side. United are two down after 10/15 minutes against the struggling Londoners, both goals from Garth Crooks.

Oxford () - SJP - 16,617

Scorers: Lormor, O’Neill, Goddard - Phillips

Position: 18th

Anth Lormor scores within five minutes of his first start but United are as poor as an Oxford side which needs a win to stave off relegation. Two goals in two minutes from O'Neill and Goddard finished them off.

Portsmouth () - Fratton Park - 12,468

Kelly, McDonald, Cornwell, McCreery, Anderson, Scott, Jackson D, Gascoigne, Thomas A, O’Neill (Bailey), Lormor

Scorers: Scott, Lormor - Quinn

Position: 8th

12m - SCOTT (1-0).

51m - LORMOR (2-0).

53m - QUINN (2-1).

West Ham () - SJP - 23,731

Kelly, McDonald, Cornwell, McCreery, Anderson, Scott, Jackson D, Gascoigne, Lormor, Goddard (Bogie), O’Neill

Scorers: O’Neill, Gascoigne - Robson

Position: 8th

11m - ROBSON (0-1).

56m - O'NEILL (1-1).

67m - DICKS own goal (1-2).

Whitley Bay - 1,200

Scorers: Lormor - Deverdics

1m - Deverdics (0-1).

8m - Lormor (1-1).

Trinidad & Tobago - 8,000

Scorers: Skeene

14m - Skeene (0-1).

Jamaica - 1,000

Scorers: og - Newman