Ian Rush Remembers Toon v Hull With Fond Memories!

Last updated : 10 September 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor

Welsh international striker Ian Rush equalled Geoff Hurst's League Cup goalscoring record of 49 goals when he scored Newcastle's second seven minutes from time at St James's Park.

Earlier, a fine strike from debutant Des Hamilton gave the Premiership side a flimsy, if deserved, lead over the spirited Tigers of Humberside.

The former Bradford City midfielder's goal, 89 seconds into the second half, was all the home side had to show until Rush's late strike, after a frustrating evening for Rush and his partner Jon Dahl Tomasson.

Both Newcastle attackers had numerous opportunities to score but neither looked convincing in front of goal.

City, on the other hand, gave an excellent display as they competed throughout and often played football belying their lowly position in the Third Division.

And player-manager Mark Hateley could have sent them in with a half-time lead when he headed a Paul Fewings cross narrowly wide midway through the opening half.

The two cities may be 130 miles apart but for one night only Hull folk have mounted their own invasion of Newcastle.

Over 6,000 Tiger fans converged on St James' Park - the largest away following in 18 years. And they were scattered all around the stadium.

Not since the late Seventies had the Park held so many away supporters and their vocal support for their side gave the tie a great atmosphere.

This, the 16th meeting between east coast rivals, was certain to lack nothing in passion and endeavour.

While Mark Hateley's men had much to prove to their own amber and black following there were a number of United players on view hoping to make their own point to manager Kenny Dalglish.

The United boss made three changes from the side which defeated Spurs ten days earlier. Keeper Shaka Hislop made his first appearance of the season, Hamilton came in for his full debut and Philippe Albert was recalled.

Republic of Ireland keeper Shay Given, England hero David Batty and right-back Steve Watson were rested but this was far from an under-strength United side.

The home side were to produce the better chances throughout the opening 45 minutes but they once again lacked the killer touch.

Both Ian Rush and his strike partner Jon Dahl Tomasson created plenty of half chances but rarely threatened keeper Steve Wilson's goal.

Danish international Tomasson opened the visitors up in the third minute only for Rush to have a close range effort blocked on the goalline by defender Tony Brien.

And then Welsh international Rush had a cross-come-lob well parried by keeper Wilson.

The Tigers gradually came into the match as they produced moments of skill and fine football while belied their current League position.

Skipper Gregor Rioch, the son of former Scottish international Bruce, went close in the 12th minute minute after he deflected a Hateley overhead kick narrowly wide at the far post.

United's Temuri Ketsbaia went close twice with efforts from the edge of the Hull box before Hateley so nearly gave his side a 27th-minute lead when his header from a Fewings cross was inches wide.

The visitors survived up to the half-time whistle without any more scares as they gradually took a tight grip on both Rush and Tomasson.

However, it was the home side who took a stranglehold on the third round tie immediately after the resumption.

Tomasson picked the ball up wide on the left and advanced along the edge of the City box moving left to right. He threaded the ball into Ketsbaia who placed it in the path of debutant Hamilton to fire home low into the net from eight yards.

This was the lift the home side needed and within quick succession Tomasson and Rush, who had missed a succession of chances, both fired wide when they should have made the tie safe.

In fact, it was a frustrating evening all round for Welsh international Rush, who had no less than five goalbound efforts blocked by well placed City defenders.

However, with seven minutes remaining Rush finally got his goal. He took a John Barnes pass in his path to chip Wilson from 15 yards to equal Hurst's record.