By Peter Donnelly
June 9 2003

The 2003 Northern Masters ended in Toon victory, as Newcastle won the tournament, beating rivals Sunderland 7-1 along the way. Peter Beardsley scored a record 9 goals. The Squad: Ian Bogie, Ruel Fox, Robert Lee, Kevin Liam, Liam O'Brien, keeper Gary Kelly, John Beresford, Brian Kilcine and Chris Withe.

The first game for Newcastle was against Everton, which we won 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Ian Bogie.

Boro were the next opposition and it proved to be another close game, but Peter Beardsley claimed his first strike of the night to win the game.

The fireworks arrived against rivals Sunderland though, which started in controversy when the red'n'whites were awarded a pentalty after Rob Lee had stumbled on the ball. To the delight of the crowd though the spot kick was thankfully missed, hitting against the post.

From then on in Newcastle well and truly took charge, with cracking goals from Beardsley (5!), Fox and Lee, which accomplished a massive 7-1 win.

The final against Boro was one-sided too, in the end. More goals from Beardo - a hatrick - and one long rane corker from O' Brien sealed the win, with United winning 4-2 and running out Northern Masters Winners.

The fitness of Lee, Beresford, Fox and Beardo was a big factor and even Kilcline got in on the act. It was also good too see rival fans of Newcastle and Sunderland mixed in the crowd.

We've now qualified for the Masters Finals, which will be held at the Telewest Arena in Newcastle later this year, on September 7th, so order your tickets now.