Halloween 2010 was one to remember for Newcastle fans, smashing Sunderland 5-1 in the Tyne Wear Derby.
On October 31st, Sunderland headed to St James’ Park, hoping to continue their strong start to the season.
Newcastle had just returned to the top flight, and really need a result to kick-start their Premier League campaign. They got that and more.
Nolan scares the life out of Sunderland
Captain Kevin Nolan gave the Magpies lift off after 26 minutes, stooping low to score an overhead kick past Simon Mignolet.
Eight minutes and the skipper struck again, with the home fans in dreamland heading into half time. Dreamland became even more euphoric when Shola Ameobi sunk a penalty to make it 3-0 within the first 45 minutes.
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A shell-shocked Sunderland were unable to come out fighting, going down to 10 men with former Magpies defender Titus Bramble heading for an early bath.
Ameobi would get his second with a brilliant volley after Andy Carroll hit the bar, then Nolan wrapped up proceedings by heading home from close range to take home the match ball.
The afternoon wasn’t over though, as Darren Bent bagged a consolation goal in the 90th minute to make it 5-1.
Halloween had suddenly become a day of joy and happiness for Newcastle, which is not what October 31st is all about.
Since then, some of Newcastle’s derby performances have been terrifying. They’ve won one game against the Black Cats since 2010, the 1-0 triumph a year later at the Stadium of Light that saw Ryan Taylor become a cult hero.
The Magpies would end up going on a run of six consecutive defeats courtesy of their neighbours. Their last meeting was a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park, but differences in divisions have saw an end to the Tyne Wear Derby for now.
Of course, it could be back next season if both teams continue with their current vein of form, or lack of…