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The early 1950s - and Newcastle United couldn’t stop winning the FA Cup.

Victors over Blackpool in ‘51, and Arsenal in ‘52, they were back at Wembley on this day in 1955 to lift the coveted pot for the third time in five years.

As thousands of Geordies flocked to the Twin Towers, and more at home gathered around newfangled TV sets to watch the triumph, no-one would have believed it would be the prelude to a domestic trophy drought which would last six long decades - and counting.

That barren spell, of course, was interrupted by the Fairs Cup heroics of 1969, but to remember United lifting silverware on British soil, you’ll need to be well into your 60s today.

And it’s worth remembering that if Newcastle United seem doomed never to taste cup success again, apart from the war-blighted 1910s and 40s, the Toon lifted a major trophy in every decade of the 20th century up until the 1970s.

History shows subsequent United trips to Wembley for FA Cup finals in 1974, 1998 and 1999 would end in heartache. But on this day, 60 years ago, the famous old stadium was turned black and white.

In front of 100,000 fans, goals from Jackie Milburn, George Hannah, and Bobby Mitchell secured a 3-1 win over Manchester City, and the Toon’s sixth FA Cup.

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The following day’s Sunday Sun vividly captured the action and the atmosphere.

“Thirty thousand jubilant cock-a-hoop Geordies, taking the Gallowgate road to Wembley, saw United win a 3-1 victory over Manchester City.

“Amid fantastic scenes the Geordies stood cheering themselves hoarse as Jimmy Scoular, after leading his men from the field, went forward to receive the Cup from The Queen.

“It was a great moment – and the Newcastle fans made the most of it.

“For thousands it was their third Wembley final since 1950 – and for most, yesterday’s game was the best of the three.”

Our report continued: “Within 45 seconds of kick-off as Jackie Milburn headed his great goal from a Len White corner, pandemonium broke out.

“Programmes, papers, hats and caps, black-an-white favours went in the air. From the Wembley equivalent of the ‘Bob End’ to the right of the royal box, where the Geordies seemed stacked tier on tier, a mighty full-throated roar went up. It echoed miles over London.

“The game was fast. ‘Blaydon Races’ from 50,000 throats time and again drowned the counter cheers of the Manchester City contingents.

“The Geordies were confident that more goals would follow. But for the brilliant play of City’s goalkeeper, Bert Trautmann, United would have had several more.”

Sixty years later, and with Newcastle United in turmoil, days like this seem a million miles away. Let us hope that May 7, 1955 does not forever remain the last time the club enjoyed trophy glory.