We're Geordies - Shirts Off!

Last updated : 17 February 2022 By Footy Mad - Editor

Newcastle United packed out the away end at the Hawthorns for last night's FA Cup Fifth Round tie.

The TV coverage showed former Man Utd striker Dion Dublin wearing more clothes than Paddington bear, saying: "It's freezing, I'm well wrapped up." Yet 20 yards away many Toon supporters had removed their shirts!

More than 5,000 fans filled up the Smethwick End as Championship leaders West Brom were brushed aside by the Magpies 3-2.

Other than the last 10 minutes, where the Baggies pushed United to the wire, Steve Bruce's side largely dominated proceedings.

The fans in the away end sang from the moment the doors opened - reminding Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips of his past as he took on a pre-match interview - and well after full-time.

The thought of a Wembley semi-final, which is now just 90 minutes away, kept their voices loud and the jovial scenes are no better summed up than in the words of BBC 5 Live's John Acres.

Relaying United's and Miguel Almiron's second goal on the half-time whistle, Acres said: "It's another one for Newcastle United, and another one for Miguel Almiron.

"Left footed, a back heel from from Joelinton set him up on the penalty spot.

"He's stretching left footed, smashed it into the top corner and right on the stroke of half-time.

"Steve Bruce on the pitch punching the air, in his big black coat, Newcastle fans - more shirts off, more songs, more flares, more inflatables - they feel like they're heading through to round six."

The inflatables made their way across the stand throughout the game, while shirts continued to be swirled in the air even despite the lowering tempartures.

'Tell me ma' rang out from the fans early on and on the coaches back to Tyneside in the early hours.

The passion and blind faith for their football club is never in doubt - even if apathy has slipped in for most - but this result, and progress into the quarter-final for the first time in 15 years, opens the door up to something special; the thought that the 51 year wait for a major trophy could soon be over.