ONCE-UPON-A-TIME, 20 years ago, the big three football clubs in our region – Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland – were not only all in the Premier League, but all won, and did so without conceding a goal even though two clubs, Boro and the Magpies, were away from home

How often has that happened in our lifetimes?

Middlesbrough had the best result, a 3-0 win at Spurs, who previously had a 100 per cent home record with three wins from three games, while the Boro had drawn one and lost two of their three previous away games.

The Northern Echo: Middlesbrough's Massimo Maccarone (left) and Joseph Desire Job celebrate, during their FA Barclaycard Premiership match

Middlesbrough's Massimo Maccarone (left) and Joseph Desire Job celebrate

However, on Saturday, September 28, 2002, Spurs were no match for the Boro, who scored three times without conceding in front of 36,082 fans. The Boro goalscorers were Massimo Maccarone (33 mins), Geremi (55 mins) and Joseph-Desire Job (58 mins). The Boro heroes were Schwarzer, Ehiogu, Geremi, Queudrue, Southgate, Stockdale, Boateng, (Wilkshire), Boksic, Greening, Job, Maccarone.

Newcastle had the next best result, a 2-0 away win at Birmingham in front of 29,072 fans with Nolberto Solano (34 mins) and Shola Ameobi (90 mins) their scorers.

It was their first away win of the season, and the Magpie heroes were, Given, Dabizas, Griffin, Hughes, O’Brien, Dyer, Robert (Viana), Solano (Jenas), Speed, Lua Lua (Ameobi), Shearer.

The Northern Echo: David Bellion scores for Sunderland, September 28, 2002

David Bellion scores for Sunderland on September 28, 2002

Sunderland, who had drawn one and lost two of their three previous home fixtures, won for the first time at home in front of 40,492 fans when playing against Aston Villa. David Bellion was their goalscorer on 70 minutes.

The Black Cat heroes were Sorensen, Arca, Babb, Craddock, Wright (Williams), McCann, Reyna, Bellion (Stewart), Flo, (Quinn), Kilbane, Piper.

It must have been a tough job for The Northern Echo sportsdesk to pick their North-East Team of the Week. They decided that in 4-4-2 formation it was: Thomas Sorensen (Sunderland), Andy Griffin (Newcastle), Kevin Kilbane (Sunderland, Nikos Dabizas (Newcastle), Jody Craddock (Sunderland); Nobby Solano (Newcastle), Jonathan Greening (Middlesbrough), Gary Speed (Newcastle), Geremi (Middlesbrough), David Bellion (Sunderland), Massimo Maccarone (Middlesbrough).

The Northern Echo: Geremi of Middlesbrough, the North East Player of the Week

Geremi of Middlesbrough, the North East Player of the Week

The North-East Player of The Week was Geremi (Middlesbrough) for a non-stop display as Boro romped to victory at While Hart Lane.

So, Messrs Howe, Mowbray and Wilder, it can be done.

  • As part of the sporting heritage weekend, the Durham Amateur Football Trust are holding an exhibition today in the King James I Academy on South Church Road, Bishop Auckland, from 10am-2pm featuring amateur footballers from the 1950s and 1960s. Find out about the careers of players like Bob Thursby, Bill Roughley, Ray Snowball, Seamus O'Connell, Jim McMillan, Bob Hardisty and others.

Some of those players who are still with us hope to make an appearance.

Entry is free and by the school's main entrance, and refreshments will be provided. For sat nav users the postcode is DL14 6JZ.