We look back at some of the best moments to have been played out in past Tyne-Wear derbies.
Second Division play-offs, 1990
With both teams chasing promotion from the Second Division throughout the 1989/90 season, the two sides met in the play-off semi-finals, as they fought out a tie dubbed as the "biggest Tyne-Wear derby in history". The first leg was a fiery affair, with Newcastle picking up five yellow cards in the opening 45 minutes alone. It was the visitors however who were reduced to 10 men, as Paul Hardyman was dismissed for lashing out at goalkeeper John Burridge, who had saved his penalty to deny the hosts a last-minute winner. The game at Roker Park ended in a 0-0 draw, seemingly giving Newcastle the advantage in the return leg. This didn't prove to be the case though as Sunderland took the lead through Eric Gates' first-half strike. Gates then turned provider late on as he crossed for Marco Gabbiadini to double the score. Sunderland held on to book a place at Wembley and, although they were eventually beaten in the final by Swindon, they ultimately found themselves promoted to the top-flight as a result of their opponents' financial issues.
Shearer's last game, Sunderland 1-4 Newcastle, 2006
In what proved to be his last game in a black and white shirt, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer bowed out of football by netting a penalty in an unforgettable win over their fiercest rivals. Glenn Roeder's side were chasing a UEFA Cup spot, but it was bottom of the league Sunderland who took the lead through Arsenal loanee Justin Hoyte's first-half opener. Michael Chopra came off the bench in an attempt to give Newcastle more firepower in the second half and, within just 15 seconds of his introduction, he drew things level from close range. Charles N'Zogbia then won a penalty just a minute later and Shearer slammed home in trademark fashion. N'Zogbia then added Newcastle's third but Shearer was forced to limp off shortly after, bringing his career to a premature end with his intentions set on retirement at the end of the season. Spanish striker Albert Luque replaced Shearer and he sealed the three points much to the delight of the travelling fans by making it 4-1 after a mix-up in defence. Although it wasn't the ending he had planned, it was a fitting result for Alan Shearer's final game as he claimed his 206th and final Newcastle goal in an impressive win.
Sunderland 2-1 Newcastle, 2008
Having not won a Tyne-Wear derby in almost eight years, and not in front of their home fans for 28 years, the pressure was building on Sunderland to record a long overdue victory against their rivals when they met at the Stadium of Light in 2008. The hosts duly obliged and they went in front when Djibril Cisse guided in Steed Malbranque's skewed effort. Newcastle were struggling in the league and Sunderland appeared to be comfortable in front until Shola Ameobi, who seems to thrive on these derbies, headed home a pinpoint cross from Geremi. The game looked set for a draw but Kieran Richardson made sure that Sunderland would take all three points with a stunning free-kick 15 minutes from time to clinch their last derby win.
