Today I'm going back 39 years to 1982 and a visit to Millmoor to see Kevin Keegan playing for Newcastle United. This game was against Rotherham United, managed by Keegan's old teammate Emlyn Hughes aka "Crazy Horse". Keegan wasn't the only former England international on view that day. Terry McDermott (25 caps, 3 goals) had signed midweek for £100,000 from Liverpool and Emlyn Hughes (62 caps, 1 goal) was operating as player manager for Rotherham. It's sad to note that Hughes died following a brain tumour aged only 57 and that McDermott has only recently been diagnosed with dementia. One wonders whether there's a link to heading the ball?
Millmoor is now Rotherham United's former home since they build the modern New York stadium close by. The area on which the new stadium is built is known locally as New York and is on the site of the old Guest & Chrimes foundry. Guest & Chrimes used to make the fire hydrants used in New York City, hence the name. But unlike the majority of old discarded stadiums, Millmoor has not been demolished and is nowadays used for youth football so if you fancy a visit to an old league ground it's still there for you. But don't go getting too misty eyed and romantic for the old stadium. I can still remember looking down the steps into the open air "gents" and seeing it flooded. Let's just assume it was rain water shall we? As I hadn't brought my waders I elected not to make use of the facilities. Nevertheless I managed two visits to Millmoor when it was still a league ground and both games were memorable matches. But the Keegan match, watched by just 12,436, was unforgettable.
After just 11 minutes, McDemott threaded an exquisite ball through to Keegan who rounded the keeper and slotted home from a tight angle to give the Magpies the lead. McDermott was involved in Keegan's and Newcastle's second goal too being brought down for the penalty which Keegan despatched with ease. Shortly after half time, clean through with only the keeper to beat once again and Keegan had his hattrick. Following a series of near misses, Newcastle had to wait for the final 20 minutes before notching their fourth. The scorer? Who else? Keegan following a lovely through ball from Mick Martin. With 15 minutes to go, another Kevin, this time Kevin Todd also got his name on the score sheet with a cross that inadvertently found itself in the back of the net and it was 0-5. Four minutes later and the Millers had their consolation which their overall play had deserved to complete the scoring for the afternoon. But the day belonged to Keegan. It was his only four goal haul in professional football and I was there to see it!
CRB Match No. 195
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