Shearer Glad To Be Back Home!

Last updated : 15 October 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor


Back at his beloved St James' Park, he was joined for the charity game by the likes of Les Ferdinand, Paul Gascoigne, Peter Beardsley and Rob Lee as his side beat off the challenge of a team which included Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn and old boys Kevin Ball and Gary Bennett.

Shearer, 37, said: "I was breathing a bit heavier than I was a few years ago, but it was great to be back.

"It was fantastic. I really enjoyed it. It was great scoring the goals - you never get fed up of scoring goals.

"I was lucky enough to be born with something that meant I could score goals, and I don't think you ever lose that."

Paul Gascoigne: "It was great for Alan to get a game like that and score a hat-trick.

"He didn't get the chance to play in his testimonial, although he got a great send-off. But it just shows you never lose it.

"He got himself in the positions and finished them all off really well. I really enjoyed it and it was fantastic to play at St James's Park.

"It was a great turnout and for a great cause in the Prince's Trust. Just playing football for me was fantastic. I still miss the game even now.

"We won over 90 minutes, but it was like playing West Germany again when we lost on penalties!"

Peter Beardsley: "It was incredible for Alan and the script was written for him.

"It's always exciting to play football, but to play like that with your mates at St James's Park worked out really well.

"Alan's second was good, but the third goal was fantastic - it was a great move and Steve Stone set him free.

"For me, it's always nice to score and it is a long time since I've done that at St James's.

"To score at what I call home was very nice for me."

United had gone in front when former Hartlepool manager Martin Scott's calamitous challenge on Stone gave Shearer the chance from the spot on six minutes.

Alex Rae equalised from close range, but Shearer curled home after good work from Scott Sellars and Les Ferdinand three minutes before the break.

Beardsley's wonder goal came next before a Durham fightback as Craig Hignett and Rae again levelled at 3-3.

But a Stone through ball for Shearer made it 4-3 at Gallowgate with eight minutes left.

Gascoigne played in former youth team-mate Paul Ferris to add the fifth and finish the scoring.