Retro Newcastle United v Sunderland AFC: Images and videos from the 1999 Tyne-Wear clash
Peter Reid’s men will face a Newcastle United side who have picked up just a single point in the Premiership – and whose manager is coming under increasing pressure.
We’ll have as-live updates, images and clips from this memorable Tyne-Wear derby throughout the afternoon, so simply scroll down to relive this classic clash:
Sunderland Echo Retro Blog: Newcastle United v Sunderland (August 1999)
Good afternoon!
And welcome to St James' Park, home of Newcastle United, for this Tyne-Wear Derby.
It's teeming down with rain, and the pressure is pouring down on Newcastle United boss Ruud Gullit, too. He's named a surprising team today, which we'll get on to a minute...
The teams are in! Here's how the hosts Newcastle United line-up...
And the big news is that top scorer Alan Shearer in BENCHED.
The England international was expected to return to the starting line-up having missed the Magpies' trip to Wimbledon through suspension. He was controversially sent-off on the opening day of the season against Aston Villa.
Duncan Ferguson is also left out, so in come the untested Silvio Maric and Paul Robinson - a former Sunderland season ticket holder.
And now the Sunderland side...
There are no real surprises in the Sunderland team as Peter Reid names his strongest side.
Steve Bould and Paul Butler have both passed late fitness tests to feature, while Kevin Phillips and Niall Quinn lead the line - with the Black Cats hoping their little and large partnership will pay dividends once again.
A form guide
The Black Cats have picked up four points from their opening four games, with their only triumph coming at home to Watford.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have been in torrid form. They've picked up just one point courtesy of a 3-3 draw at Wimbledon and have conceded 11 goals in four games.
Still, anything can happen on Derby Day...
We're off!
We’re off at St James’ Park!
And it’s Sunderland on the front foot early on, with Nicky Summerbee surging down the right flank before being dispossessed.
A capacity crowd here, but only 850 Sunderland supporters have been allowed in the ground. There are hundreds more watching a beamback at the Stadium of Light though.
Sunderland on top early on
An early chance for Sunderland as Alex Rae forces his way into the area and dinks in a cross which falls just behind Niall Quinn.
The striker has made a run to the near post but just couldn’t connect with Rae’s delivery.
A positive start from the Black Cats though, who are pressing high early on.
CHANCE!
And another opportunity for Sunderland!
The Black Cats are bossing this and have had the first real sight of goal there.
Summerbee the architect, jinking past Dobi on the right flank before whipping in his cross. Phillips had found space at the near post but couldn’t get a convincing touch - allowing Barton to put it behind for a corner.
Newcastle are on the ropes here, and the away fans are in fine voice.
Come on, ref!
Penalty!?
The corner is aimed at Quinn but he can’t divert his header goalwards.
Newcastle manage to scramble it clear as far as Rae who surges forward, spinning past two home defenders and into the box before being barged over.
Some half-hearted penalty appeals are waved away.