In January 2002 I saw my hometown club Peterborough United host top of the premier league Newcastle United (The team I support). The posh were languishing midtable in the old division three (Now League Two). They had money problems and everyone expected a battering. The stadium was a rare sellout and the away terrace was so packed with Geordies, it resembled something from the 70’s.
Bobby Robson named a surprising strong Newcastle team, not at full strength, but one that included Shearer, Bellamy, Solano and Shay Given.
Peterborough had an aging team, but it did include a young Jimmy Bullard and future Norwich striker Leon McKenzie.
Newcastle raced into a 2 goal lead, it looked like they would see Peterborough off comfortably at half time. Out of nowhere Posh scored twice to level up the tie, and the stadium was making a level of noise I’ve never experienced at London Road before or since. The pitch turned into an absolute mud bath and Newcastle struggled to play their game. A tense period followed where Peterborough pushed hard for the lead, with Shay Given making a number of top saves. With about 5 minutes to go Shearer won a disputed penalty, of which he buried. A few minutes later Newcastle finished it with another clinical finish from Shearer on the break. Game finished 2-4, a classic FA Cup 3rd rounder that I will never forget. Getting to see my hero’s play my home city club was a dream come true.
What is the best live game you have seen?
Bengaluru FC 3-1 Johor Darul Tazim in 2016, in Bangalore. Second leg of semis, we were not the favourites, made history as it was the AFC Cup (Asian Europa league equivalent) semis and we became the first Indian team to play in the final. Not to mention a common chhetri screamer in that game too
Oh wow that was a screamer from Chhetri! Does he do that a lot then? Thanks for sharing I enjoyed that video.