ON THIS DAY 1997: Newcastle United 4 – 3 Leicester City – Shearer’s second half hat-trick seals St James’ win

ON THIS DAY 1997:

One of the crazier afternoons at SJP of the Premier League era, as Robbie Elliott’s early shot divided the sides at the interval.

A dramatic second half collapse however saw Matt Elliott, Steve Claridge and Emile Heskey all beat Shaka Hislop as the United defence went missing without trace.

1-3 down with 14 minutes left, David Ginola was fouled on the edge of the box. Alan Shearer stepped up to rocket his free-kick through both wall and Kasey Keller. Game on.

Within minutes it was all square and Shearer then completed his hat trick with a close- range effort at the Gallowgate End, as the crowd erupted and Sky TV added another televised Toon classic to their video vault.

Kenny Dalglish commented:

“I have a better understanding now why Kevin Keegan’s hair was going grey. There’s nothing more you can say about Shearer, not with my education anyway.”