Mansfield Town 0
Newcastle United 1
Just when it seemed that Graeme Souness might be in imminent danger of lapsing into the past tense at St James' Park yesterday, it was his captain and, for the time being at least, his saviour, who made it into the history books.
With a
stab of his trusty right boot some 8m out from the Gallowgate End goal, Alan Shearer broke 80 minutes of the home crowd's mounting resentment to end Mansfield Town's spirited FA Cup challenge, and join Jackie Milburn as the all-time record scorer for Newcastle United. (If, that is, you ignore the 38 "Wor Jackie" bagged in war-time football.)
"I was brought here to score goals and thankfully that's what I've been doing for the last 10 years now, but when I came here and signed, no way in a million years did I think I'd be up there alongside Jackie Milburn.
"I am really pleased it was here at St James' Park and if I'd had a choice it would be here in front of the Gallowgate End where I used to stand as a kid and watch my heroes - and that's how it worked out."
Shearer's 200th goal came in his 389th appearance for the club.
"When I was growing up, all everybody talked about was how great Jackie Milburn was," Shearer added.
"It wouldn't bother me at all if I didn't score again because just to see my name alongside the great Jackie Milburn is a great honour for me.
"Thanks to the goal this will be an afternoon I will cherish for the rest of my life.
"All my family was here, which was important. It's my mum's [Anne] 60th birthday tomorrow so she can have that one."
Shearer may have carried his goals to Newcastle, but unlike Milburn has yet to bring a cup back to Tyneside.
Just five more wins in the FA Cup and the veteran striker will have some silverware to parade at his farewell party in May.
Not that the Toon Army will be holding their breath. They might have acclaimed their match-winning hero yesterday, but having seen their Premiership side outfought for much of the game by a team standing 88th in the pecking order of English football, they will be more expectant of sighting a squadron of pigs over the Tyne than of getting a glimpse of a trophy tied in black and white ribbons.
- INDEPENDENT, REUTERS
Mansfield Town 0
Newcastle United 1
Just when it seemed that Graeme Souness might be in imminent danger of lapsing into the past tense at St James' Park yesterday, it was his captain and, for the time being at least, his saviour, who made it into the history books.
With a
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