As we eagerly await tonight’s big match here are some memories of previous Albion v Newcastle encounters.
1) The clubs first met 87 years ago this month. United won 3-0 at St James’ Park in an FA Cup tie.
2) Albion last won promotion to England’s top flight after beating Newcastle 3-0 at St James’ Park in May 1979.
3) One of the most infamous and controversial meetings was the 1983 FA Cup third round replay. Albion won 1-0, again at St James’ Park. Referee Trelford Mills disallowed two late Newcastle goals from Imre Varadi and Terry McDermott. In 2012 Mr Mills revealed exclusively to Brighton and Hove News that a senior police officer came to his dressing room post-match and said: “Trelford, there are 2,000 Geordies still outside and they all want your autograph.”
4) Former United and England manager Kevin Keegan played his last competitive match against the Albion in front of the Toon Army in May 1984. One of Keegan’s first games in charge of Newcastle as manager was a 0-1 home defeat to Albion in March 1992.
5) Welshman Bryan Wade scored all four goals for the Albion against United in January 1991, a few days before an FA Cup trip to Liverpool. Albion won 4-2 and Wade ensured his place in Albion folklore despite being released the next season.
6) The Seagulls have won two of their past three meetings – FA Cup wins in 2012 and 2013 at the Amex. In the third of those fixtures United beat Albion last August in the league. Albion haven’t played the Geordies at home in the league since a 2-2 draw at the Goldstone in December 1991.
