I spent an enjoyable Sunday afternoon at my mate JP’s, he is truly the host with the most and after we eventually managed to tune into the Newcastle United v Bromley clash, the malt was flowing freely.
We had been joined by a former football ‘no-nonsense’ man Keith Houghton. Keith was on Newcastle’s books in the early 1970s, before dropping into non-league football where he became one of the Blyth Spartans FA Cup heroes.
Along with Alan Shoulder and Steve Carney, Keith then found a route back into League football.
I was picking up on his match observations as Newcastle United struggled early on against our lower league opponents.
These old hard beggars don’t like to see too much intricacy in the middle of the park and United continually got bogged down in the uninspiring early stages.
Thank God for that howitzer from young Lewis Miley, who showed his older teammates what was required.
Eddie and United’s game management was spot on for the second period and we safely reached the 4th round.
By 6 o’clock me and JP, who is a proud Scotsman, had swallowed a gallon of beer and done in a decanter of his finest malt. Keith was well down his second bottle of claret.
The music came on and we were treat to JP’s favourite Gerry Rafferty, before listening to the late great George Michael.
As ‘Father Figure’ rang out, Keith Houghton turned around to me and said “you’re coming to our next re-union young-un.”
The early 70s Toon lads like Keith, Jinky Jim, Davy Craig, Tony Bell and Irving Nattrass etc, continue to meet up every few months or so.
I cannot wait to tag along with the old gadgies and will let you all know how it goes.
