WITH Newcastle United visiting the Reebok on Sunday, Gordon Sharrock looks back on a thrilling FA Cup duel more than three decades ago when Wanderers did battle with the Toon Army.

TOP of the old Second Division, Ian Greaves’ Wanderers feared no one. So, when they drew a home tie against First Division Newcastle United – who were already through to the League Cup final – they genuinely fancied their chances of making the FA Cup quarter-finals.

The BBC’s Match of the Day team certainly backed a winner when they selected the tie to feature on its Saturday night programme.

It turned out to be a cup classic that would live long in the memory of those who packed into Burnden Park to watch it.

It had everything: good football, terrific goals and excitement. The Geordies came from behind and led twice before Paul Jones headed a late equaliser to force a replay.

Sam Allardyce gave Wanderers a fourth-minute lead with a header from Peter Thompson’s cross, but the Magpies’ danger man – the irrepressible Malcolm Macdonald – scored twice to put Gordon Lee’s side 2-1 up at half-time.

Macdonald’s second – a spectacular shot on the turn that comprehensively beat Barry Siddall – was one of the goals of the season. But Wanderers, playing better football than their top-flight opponents, hit back when Garry Jones equalised six minutes into the second period.

Wanderers hearts sank, however, when Alan Gowling put Newcastle in front for the second time with just nine minutes to go. But Wanderers would not be denied and Jones’ header from a Roy Greaves corner was no more than they deserved.

When they drew 0-0 in the return match at St James’ Park, the Whites thought they had one foot in the sixth round, but their Wembley dream ended with a 2-1 defeat in the second replay at Elland Road.

Wanderers: Siddall; Ritson, Dunne, Greaves, Paul Jones, Allardyce, Byrom, Whatmore, Garry Jones, Reid, Thompson; Sub Nicholson.

Newcastle: Mahoney; Nattrass, Kennedy, Nulty (Barrowclough 67 mins), Keeley, Howard, Burns, Cassidy, Macdonald, Gowling, Craig.

Referee: B J Homewood (Sunbury on Thames).

Attendance: 46,584.