Feyenoord 2-3 Newcastle United
UEFA Champions League Group E - Final Game
Wednesday 13th November 2002

Craig Bellamy joined Newcastle United from Coventry City in 2001 following the clubs relegation from the Premier League. Eyebrows were raised when Sir Bobby Robson paid £6,000,000 for a striker who had scored just 2 goals in Coventry's 38 game relegation battle but the little Welshman turned out to be one of Bobby's best signings.

It was in November 2002 that Bellamy would have his biggest moment. Newcastle United were in the Champions League for only the second time in the clubs history. They were drawn in Group E along with Juventus, Dinamo Kiev and the UEFA Cup holders Feyenoord. Everybody wrote off Newcastles chances of progressing from the group esecially after the club had lost the first three games without scoring a single goal, but this would only spark one of the greatest comebacks ever in the Champions League group stages.

In game four Juventus were the visitors to St.James' Park and Newcastle put in a strong performance to record a 1-0 victory through Andy Griffins second half goal. Then in game five, against at St.James' Park, Newcastle came from behind to defeat Dynamo Kiev 2-1 and now it was game on as Newcastle could still qualify from the group if they won away at Feyenoord and Dynamo Kiev lost to an already qualified Juventus.

Newcastle were never expected to defeat Feyenoord, they had never previously scored nor won in Holland and Feyenoord had won the other game at St.James' Park. With the outcomeof the game so vital Newcastle took a chance by playing a half fit Craig Bellamy and on the stroke of half time this move paid off as Bellamy ran onto Alan Shearer's flicked header and fired low into the far post (picture: top) .

Hugo Viana had scored a second goal for Newcastle before Feyenoord scored twice to level the score. News had also come through that Juventus were beating Dynamo Kiev. Newcastle looked to have thrown it all away but hope arrived in the 90th minute with virtually the last kick of the game. Kieron Dyer gathered the ball in midfield and ran into the area, taking the ball past one defender before seeing his low shot kept out by goalkeeper Edwin Zoetebier, the loose ball rolled out towards the edge of the six yard box and Craig Bellamy slammed the ball into the back of the net, via an outstrecthed goalkeeper.

30 more seconds were played when at the final whistle Newcastle had won 3-2 and were in the next round, and achievement made even more remarkable by the fact Newcastle had lost their opening three games as no team had ever come back from such a deflicit.

Newcastle United 3-2 Barcelona
UEFA Champions League Group C - Game One
Wednesday 17th September 1997

If you don't count the qualifiers, this was Newcastle United first ever game in the Champions League, and what a tie it was as European giants Barcelona were the to St.James' Park. Ask any Newcastle fan their favourite Asprilla moment and the answer will always be the night he scored a hat trick against Barcelona.

It was on a breezy night that Rivaldo and Figo and co. would come to town. Newcastle's attack was already suffering from the loss of Alan Shearer to injury and the sale of Les Ferdinand to Tottenham. Newcastle relied on Asprilla to deliver.

Manager Kenny Dalgish pinpointed Barca left back Barjuan Sergi as the weak link and set Northern Irish winger Kieth Gillespie to attack the Newcastle right wing. Gillespie would prove an influential and key player in
the win and would provide the chances from which Asprilla would score three times. Gillespies performance was so good that following the game he was linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Once Tino Asprilla had tucked away his penalty he formed a lethal partnership with Gillespie and it was twice that Gillespie skipped past a faltering Sergi to deliver a pin point cross onto the head of Asprilla.

The match was played at a very high level and Tino traumatized Barca from the kick off, after just 30 seconds his wizzed a free kick just wide of the goal. After 22 minutes played Asprilla was brought down in the area by Barcelona goalkeeper Ruud Hesp and he stepped up to score from the spot.

The two headed goals both come from Gillespie crosses, first he whipped in a superb cross from the right and Asprilla lept above Miquel Nadal and thumped a header into the net. (picture:left)

The third goal, with only 48 minutes played started with Gillespie making a run from the half way line to deliver a similar cross and Asprilla rose again for an even more impressive header.

Barcelona did have a late resurgance as on 73 minutes Luis Enrique pulled a goal back and late on in the game Luis Figo added a second to add to the tension.

For Newcastle, it was the perfect way to introduce themself to the rest of Europe and to the continents premier competition, unfortunatly Newcastle, like Barceloan, would fail to qualify from the group and they failed to win vital games against PSV Eindhoven and Dynamo Kiev.

It would be another five years before Newcastle would see Champions League football again.

Dinamo Zagreb 2-2 Newcastle United (aet)
UEFA Champions League Qualifier 2nd Leg
Wednesday 27 August 1997

This indeed is a historic game in Newcastle United's history, it is the game that saw Newcastle United qualify for the Champions League for the very first time and it would not have happened had it not been for one man, Georgian striker Temuri Ketsbaia.

Ketsbaia's Newcastle career was described as patchy at best although talented he struggled to find consistant form but if there is one thing he will always be remembered for it is the equalising goal in Zagreb that saw Newcastle mix it with Europes big boys.

Newcastle went to Zagreb knowing what was at stake, having won 2-1 at St.James' Park in the first leg with defender John Beresford managing to get both the goals. In the return leg Newcastle looked to have done enough with the score at 1-1 and only seconds remaining on the clock but Newcastle have a history of making life difficult for themselves and squandering good oppotunities, and this was to be no different. Sloppy defending allowed Zagreb to grab a crucial equaliser right at the death and send the game to extra time.

With 119 minutes on the clock and the whistle at the referees lips ready to blow the final whistle and signal a penalty shootout that Newcastle would almost inevitable lose, Tino Asprilla held up the ball and turned inside his mark and laid the ball into Ketsbaia's path. The Georgian slammed the ball into the back of the net past a dispairing goalkeeper.

Newcastle were in the group stages of the Champions League and the tears rolled down Ketsbaias face.

Newcastle United 2-0 Inter Milan
European Fairs Cup Round 1
30th September 1970

Newcastle were given little chance in the 1970-1971 UEFA Fairs Cup when in the very first stage of the competition they were pitted against European giants Inter Milan. However, Newcastle would outshine their illustrious opposition and had almost managed a victory at the San Siro in the second leg but were denied by a last minute equaliser.

At St.James' Park, Newcastle attacked constantly and could have been ahead in 15 minutes. Newcastle had their Italian opposition panicking and on 29 minutes took the lead when skipper Bobby Moncur put the ball in the back of the net with a glorious header. A minute later and it was nearly 2-0 but Inter keeper Vieri collected the ball just as Wyn Davies was about to pounce. Davies challenged Vieri and chaos broke out when Newcastle were awarded a free kick inside the box. Referee Minnoy was punched and pushed by the Italian. Vieri was sent off while the ref recovered in the aid of the Newcastle trainer.

Following that moment, Inter resorted to any type of foul tactic that they could to stop United and Wyn Davies who was proving impossible to stop and he was given some unsavoury treatment. At one stage the police were forced to come onto the pitch to restrain some of the Inter players who had gone too far.

Newcastle kept their cool and did not retaliate, instead they twice stuck the ball off the crossbar and on the second time after Kieth Dyson had headed against the bar, Wyn Davies following up with a goal and for this was kicked and struck in the face by Italian defenders.

Royal Antwerp 0-5 Newcastle United
UEFA Cup 1st Round 1st Leg
Tuesday 13th September 1994

Ok so the opponent is not very glamorous and are not exactly European giants although they did reach the final of the 1993 Cup Winners Cup at Wembley. But for Newcastle this game in 1994 marked their return to Europe after a 17 year absense and United won with such comfort that it looked like they had never been out of Europe. The performance along is still remembered as one of the clubs best modern performances.

What should have been a tricky away tie turned into a rout as Kevin Keegan introduced his exciting brand of football to the rest of Europe, and it was an ex Charlton Athletic midfield costing just £700,000 that stole the show. Robert Lee was never known for his arial ability or let alone as a great goalscorer but still managed to produce a hat-trick of headers.

Newcastle could wait to get started in this game, the opening goal came immediately from the kick off as Rob Lee ghosted into the penalty area and headed home John Beresford cross. Antwerp were stunned and they never recovered and after nine minutes it was 2-0 when Lee stole into the box and beat his own man, Andy Cole, to the ball and leapt to convert another cross.

Newcastles passing was a joy to behold and Scott Sellars finished off another brilliant move from Andy Coles pass to put Newcastle 3-0 to the good. The Belgians did go close after the restart and forced Pavel Srnicek to make some saves but then Lee grabbed his hat trick woth another header, this time from Marc Hottigers cross.

Newcastle now just started to toy with their opposition and it was substitute Steve Watson who capped off the game with the goal of the night making a run from halfway and going past three defenders before slipping the ball into the net.

Before the game critics had said Newcastle could not play their entertaining brand of football away from England. How wrong they were

The second leg finished 5-2 with Andy Cole scoring a hat-trick and Rob lee also getting on the scoresheet and the aggregate score of 10-2 was a new record for the UEFA Cup first round.

Lees achievements also got him recognised as an attacking midfielder with an eye for goal and just a few weeks later he scored on his England debut in a 1-1 draw against Romania.

Newcastle United 5-0 Manchester United
Premier League
Sunday 20 October 1996

This was a game like no other, a day that will rest firmly in the minds all of Newcastle United fans forever. In the 1995-1996 season Manchester United had beaten Newcastle to the title despite Newcastle leading for most of the season and this would be followed up by Manchester United beating Newcastle 4-0 at Wembley Stadium in the Charity Shield.

So when Alex Ferguson brought his team to Tyneside on that October day it was all about revenge and Manchester United just could not cope with such a strong Newcastle side as they were outplayed and out muscled. The game was in the midfield battle where Lee and Batty were to emerge victorious over Butt and Poborsky.

The important opening goal came on the 12th minute and all thanks to the eagle eyes of the referee who correctly spotted that during a goal mouth scramble, Darren Peacock's headed and found its way over the line before being cleared away. The goal was given and TV cameras would prove that this was a correct decision.

There was little doubt about the second goal when David Ginola received the ball with his back to goal on the edge of the area and with a turn and shot the ball flew past Peter Schmeichel. Alan Shearer thudden another shot off the post.

Manchester United simply could not cope as Newcastle controlled the second half and victory was confirmed Alan Shearer destroyed the Manc bankline with a wing run and cross for Les Ferdinand who powered a header into the net via the crossbar and then Shearer himself was on the scoresheet after Beardsley and Ferdinand had both been denied by Schmeichel.

The best goal of the day was the final goal from defender Philippe Albert, who collected a pass from Robert Lee before taking a few steps towards goal and noticing Peter Schmeichel off his goal line, Albert chipped the ball from 25 yards over the Dane's head and into the net.

This would prove to be Kevin Keegans final game against his biggest rivals as he resigned as Newcastle manager just three months later with Newcastle at the top of the Premier League.

FA Cup Glory
FA Cup Final
1951, 1952 & 1955

Newcastle United in the 1950's will go down in history as one of the finest ever FA Cup teams. In 1951 they recorded the first of three wins in a five year period. In 1951 Newcastle defeated Blackpool in the final, a Blackpool side that included the legendary Stanley Matthews. The public wanted Blackpool and Matthews to win but what they saw was Newcastle and Jackie Milburn grabbing the glory. It was Milburn who made an impression in that final with two goals, the first a breakaway effort and the second from 30 yards.

A year later and Arsenal would be up against the Magpies. Newcastle had a difficult journey to Wembley having to play for of the top six in Dvision One and only one of them a home tie. Arsenal were going for the double that season but it was Newcastle's Chilean international George Robledo who ended their hopes with the only goal of the game in the 84th minute. United winger Bobby Mitchell raced up the by-line and sent over a looping cross which was met by Robledo who headed in off the post. Newcastle lifted the trophy again and equalled Blackburn Rovers 60 year record of having won the FA Cup for two successive seasons.

In 1955, United were back at Wembley again making what was then a record 10th appearance in the final, the opposition this time was Manchester City who were marshalled from the front by striker Don Revie by once more it was the Jackie Milburn show.

MIlburn put Newcastle in front after only 45 seconds with a header from a corner, it was the quickest every FA Cup final goal until 1997 when Roberto Di Matteo netted for Chelsea against Middlesbrough. Manchester City came back and Bobby Johnstone equalised but Newcastle stepped up a gear and Bobby Mitchell and George Hannah made sure it was Black and White day in London.

Sunderland 1-6 Newcastle
Football League Division One
26 December 1955

On Boxing Day in 1955 Newcastle gave their fans a very special Christmas present by recording the biggest ever victory ever over their Wearside rivals. In a season were both teams struggled for consistency, it was the visitors at Roker Park who raised their game in front of a packed out stadium.

Newcastle got off to a fabulous start and were ahead within two minutes through striker Vic Keeble who powered a header into the Sunderland net a free kick. Newcastles front line was menacing and Sunderland could do nothing to stop Newcastle going 2-0 up when Jackie Milburn fired home a left footed shot and with only 18 minutes having been played it was 3-0 as Bobby Mitchell passed to Bill Curry who finished from close range.

Before half time Keeble was on the mark again as he rose to head a Milburn corner into the net. Sunderland were shock by a vibrant Newcastle and the second saw did not see the fare any better and despite pulling a goal back through Fleming they were totally outclassed.

But it was not over yet, Reg Davies found Jackie Milburn with a lovely lob and Jackie did was Jackie did best and ut the ball in the back of the net by flicking the ball past Frasier and into the goal. The Mitchell crossed for Bill Curry to score his second and put United 6-1 up.

Newcastle ended the game toying with their opponents and the only disappointment was that they did not go for that magical number nine which is how many Sunderland put past Newcastle in 1908. The fans did get another win over Sunderland to celebrate, however, and it came just 24 hours later at St.James' Park.

Newcastle United 8-0 Sheffield Wednesday
Premier League
Saturday 18 September 1999

This is a victory that will go down long in the momory of Newcastle fans, it is probably the victory that saved the clubs season and saved Newcastle from relegation. Having taken only one point from the first five games manager Ruud Gullit resigned and two more defeats followed, leaving Newcastle 19th in the Premiership and only just ahead of bottom club Sheffield Wedmesday.

Sir Bobby Robson was given to job of trying to save Newcastle's season and get them away from the drop zone before they start to get sucked into a relegation fight. And a relegation fight is exactly how people saw Robsons firs home game when Sheffield were in town but as always when Newcastle United found themselves in real trouble they came out fighting in style.

Ruud Gullit had dropped Alan Shearer from the starting line up, Robson restored Shearer to the attacking to the Newcastle captain responded by scored five times in an 8-0 rout, this bettering former Magpie Andy Cole who just two weeks ago had scored four in one game against Newcastle in a 5-1 win for Manchester United.

Shearer seemed to have the midas touch that day, everytime he touched the ball he scored, although two of the goals did come from the penalty spot. It was a defender, however who opened the score. Aaron Hughes netted for Newcastle open the scoring before Shearer registered a 12 minute hat-trick against a hapless Kevin Pressman.

Shearer would score two more in the second half and for the final goal from the penalty spot he even refused a request from Duncan Ferguson to take the penalty so that he could register his 5th goal. Gary Speed also added his contribution with a headed goal and new signing Kieron Dyer registered his first goal.

Maybe it was the new manager who at 66 years old as years of experience at top clubs like PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona, but something was different about Newcastle that day, for the other seven games they had barely put on a performance and when the season did finally end, Newcastle were safe from the drop as they finished in 11th place while Sheffield Wednesday finished 19th and were sent down to the old Second Division.

Ujpesti Dozsa 2-3 Newcastle United
Inter Cities Fairs Cup Final 2nd leg
Wednesday 11 June 1969

To this day, the UEFA Fairs Cup win of 1969 is still the greatest moment in Newcastle Uniteds long history. A team that had finished 10th in their domestic league and only qualified for Europe vi the back door were not given much hope. But with the likes of Wyn Davies and Bryan 'Pop' Robson, United had a strikeforce that would fire them to the final.

When the cup was won the likes of future greats like Alan Shearer and Gary Speed were yet to be born. The climax of tournament saw Newcastle paired up with Ujpesti Dozsa a Hungarian team that had already eliminated the mighty Leeds United in the quarter final, and Leeds manager Don Revie told of how Newcastle would have no chance in the final.

Indeed it did look tough for Newcastle as Ujpesti had six Hungarian internationals in their side and were vastly gaining respect all over Europe, but in front of 60,000 Gorides, Newcastle would remain unfazed. They took to the field for the first leg at St.James' Park in a confident mood. United had already knocked out some of Europes finest at St.James' Park and Ujpesti would be no different.

Captain Bobby Moncur did not score many goals during his Newcastle career but against Ujpesti he scored three. Moncur scored twice in the first leg, first scoring a rebound from Wyn Davies shot and his second was a low soft shot which nestled into the bottom corner. Jim Scott added a third and Newcastle had a 3-0 lead to take to Hungary.

All did not go to plan, in the intimidating Hungarian atmosphere, Newcastles defence crumbled as they suffered a wave of Ujpesi attacks. By half time Newcastle were 2-0 down with goals from Farenc Bene and Janos Gorocs scored towards the end of the half and suddenly Newcastle's big three goal lead was being destoryed.

After a half time rollicking from manager Joe Harvey, Newcastle re-emerged for the second half and turned on the style and just one minute into the first hald captain Bobby Moncur got his third goal of the tie with a left footed volley from a corner. Bene Arentoft added another goal just four minutes later and substitute Alan Foggon completed the comeback against a disillusioned Ujpesti. Newcastle had won the InterCities Fairs Cup on aggregate.

At the final whistle the whole of Tyneside rejoiced at what was one of the most unlikely European victories. Newcastle's heroes had created a piece of Newcastle history that has so far not be equalled.