They’re off…

Malcolm on the ball. Big Mac does his trademark shimmy and slips in a slick pass to Cheryl.

Well we all know she has the X Factor and after a few precious yards lofts it to Kurly-Haired Keegan.

 KK as we known him weaves his magic, taking one, two, three defenders with him.

Sets up Kate who is rather slow on the left wing. Bless her, our Ms. Adie. She has served club and country well. Thrived on frontline action.

Chris takes over, Waddles a bit to the left, then the right and lofts an inch perfect pass

to Peter (the one with the Beardsley). We all know what Peter can do with very little space.  Looks up and sees Tim.

Yes, that diminutive star acts and feints, supplying a superb ball to that Dynamic Duo.

It’s Ant to Dec then Dec to Ant.  The endless possession brings a roar from the crowd.

But the presence of Police has taken the Sting out of the match. This is a proper Field of Gold.

Ball’s with Rowan now (crowd roars with laughter) who lays in a clever pass for Eric. Yes Burdon.  He can be a real Animal when he tackles.

But instead he cuts in and squares to Alan. Who doesn’t know Alan that predator who can slice through any defence like a Shearer.  It’s 4-1. The roars from Toon send ripples through the Tyne. 

The fog has lifted – and the sun breaks through the dark clouds.

On days like this the Quayside never sleeps. Premier stuff.