Back in Tyne: Five memorable meetings with Sheffield United

Premier League promotion confirmed (2009/10)

Kevin Nolan's emphatic volley secured a 2-1 win for Newcastle United at St. James' Park as the Magpies sealed promotion to the English top-flight before a ball was even kicked against the Blades.

Nottingham Forest's draw before the evening kick-off secured Newcastle's place in the Premier League but the party atmosphere was dampened early on after Richard Cresswell's early opener in the Championship clash.

However, Peter Lovenkrands' penalty on the stroke of half-time levelled the clash before Nolan capped off his 400th career appearance with a marvellous scissor-kick, his 14th league goal of the season, in front of the Gallowgate End during the second-half.

 

Saint-Maximin's first goal and VAR drama (2019/20)

Newcastle United sealed an impressive 2-0 win against the Blades last term but the Premier League encounter would be remembered for controversial matters.

Allan Saint-Maximin broke the deadlock for the Magpies following a fine header from Javier Manquillo's cross - the Frenchman's first goal in a black and white shirt - before Martin Dúbravka preserved the visitors' advantage with a string of wonderful stops.

Towards the closing stages, Jonjo Shelvey doubled Newcastle's lead in bizarre fashion, running through on goal following a flick-on by Andy Carroll, who the Blades defence believed to be offside, before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who expected the effort to be ruled out.

After replays showed Carroll to be onside, referee Stuart Atwell allowed the goal to stand via VAR as Steve Bruce's side went on to record an impressive victory against Chris Wilder's in-form side, who were unbeaten in their previous seven top-flight fixtures.

 

A winning start to Project Restart (2019/20)

Three second-half strikes saw Newcastle United claim a 3-0 win against ten-man Sheffield United at an empty St. James' Park back in June.

After a three-month suspension to the Premier League following the Coronavirus outbreak, the game sprung into life after a goalless first-half as Blades defender John Egan was sent off five minutes after the break.

The Magpies then took the lead five minutes later as Allan Saint-Maximin fired home his first goal at St. James' Park in front of a silent Gallowgate End before Matt Ritchie doubled the hosts' advantage with a thunderous strike from the edge of the penalty area.

Joelinton added further gloss to the scoreline as the Brazilian forward registered his first league goal on home soil with a close-range tap-in.

 

Blades of Glory as Oba and Taylor strike (2006/07)

Steven Taylor scored a late winner as Newcastle sealed a 2-1 victory against relegation-threatened Sheffield United in April 2007.

Obafemi Martins' low volley gave United the lead after a neat lay-off from James Milner before the Nigerian striker almost added a second but saw his shot rebound off the post.

Sheffield United striker Christian Nade drew the home side level as the substitute slid home the equaliser from close-range before Newcastle retook the lead minutes later as Taylor met Milner's teasing corner and headed home in front of a delighted away end.

 

Shearer's FA Cup winner sends Newcastle to Wembley (1997/98)

Alan Shearer scored the only goal as Newcastle defeated Sheffield United to reach the 1998 FA Cup final.

The Magpies had not ventured beyond the FA Cup semi-finals since 1974 but Shearer was in fine goalscoring form in the famous competition, scoring four goals ahead of the last-four tie.

Despite a pulsating first half, the deadlock was yet to be broken at Old Trafford after Gary Speed hit the post following Keith Gillespie's accurate cross.

However, it was a case of cometh the hour, cometh the man as Shearer netted the winner in the 60th minute. After rising to meet John Barnes' cross, Sheffield United goalkeeper Alan Kelly could only get a hand to the forward's header, allowing Shearer to fire home the loose ball.