Magpies Season At Bantams Whim

Friday 22nd January, 1999

Ruud Gullet’s Newcastle United season is in the balance when City roll into town for the Fourth Round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

United, once fifth in the Premiership have slipped down the league and although they will avoid relegation, there is little but the FA Cup for the Geordie fans to look forward too. How they must have winced when they saw the draw and if not the then after City’s superb nine game unbeaten run they must take the threat of a fourth round exit seriously.

The tie is set up for a classic giant killing. Spirited club riding high in the first division takes on Premiership struggles, City with nothing to lose, Newcastle with everything riding on it and while the Bradford players will be looking forward to pitting themselves against Premiership players, many of the more recent Newcastle will have little idea as to who they are facing.

A lot will be learnt about highly rated defender Darren Moore as he goes up against England Centre-forward Alan Shearer (left). Bradford fans have suspected that Moore have the solid defensive ability to play in the top flight, should he succeed in keeping Shearer quiet he will confirm this, not only to the fans, but to the army of scouts descending on St James’ to check out the talents of Moore and Robbie Blake who was linked to a 4.5m move to Coventry.

Few games can be a well set up as this cup tie and while I always avoid making score predicitions I do anticipate one Hell of a cup tie.

Match Reports on Newcastle vs Bradford City to MichaelWood@Iname.com