THE daughter of one of Newcastle United's 1930s FA Cup heroes will be guest of honour at tonight's match against Arsenal.

Ann Darling is the daughter of Jack Allen, the Magpies' centre forward who scored the two goals which defeated the Gunners in the 1932 FA Cup final, at Wembley.

Mrs Darling, who is High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear, will meet Magpies boss Bobby Robson who will present her with a framed Newcastle United signed shirt before the kick-off.

Jack Allen was born in Newburn, on the banks of the Tyne, and played for Leeds, Brentford and Sheffield Wednesday, before signing for Newcastle in June 1931, for £3,500.

Mrs Darling, who lives in Cleadon, South Tyneside, said: "My father became a football legend in Newcastle, largely for his two cup final goals. And because of him, football has been a very large part of our family life. Given my father's history and connections with Newcastle United, it will be a great honour for me to go on to the pitch and meet Bobby Robson."

Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd said: "We are very much looking forward to welcoming Ann to St James' Park. The part her father played in the history of Newcastle United forms a particularly significant part of our great history.

"We hope she enjoys the game, and perhaps it will be the same outcome of that famous Wembley occasion 69 years ago."