The Rams travelled to St James’s Park to face Newcastle United on Saturday, 9 September 1933, still searching for their first victory of the season. Derby were the only Division One side yet to record a win, while Newcastle had just secured their first league success a few days earlier at home to Blackburn Rovers.

In his manager’s message in the official match programme, Newcastle boss Andy Cunningham welcomed Derby, writing: “Today we have our friends from Derby, who invariably do well at St James’s. There are quite a number of North Country boys in their side, a circumstance which should create more than ordinary interest. Derby are a strong, fast-moving team, and it behoves our lads to keep going to the last second.”

Cunningham became Newcastle’s first official manager in 1930, ending the long tradition of team selection by committee that had existed from 1892 to 1929. Rams manager George Jobey, himself a former Newcastle player and a native of the North East, returned with several local lads in his Derby side – George Collin, Eric Keen, and Sammy Crooks were all born in the region.

A crowd of 23,948 watched the game end in a 1–1 draw, though the Rams came close to snatching victory with the final kick. Newcastle United opened the scoring after 28 minutes. Nicholas’s clearance fell to Lang, whose cross from the left found Kelly inside the box. Kirby in the Rams’ goal blocked Kelly’s close-range effort with his foot, but the rebound dropped to Jimmy Richardson who made no mistake from close in.

Derby were not behind for long. Just four minutes later, Duncan’s cross from the wing was only partially dealt with by goalkeeper McInroy, who could only knock the ball into the air. Jack Bowers – the Rams’ top scorer the previous season with 35 goals – challenged Fairhurst and just got there first to score, but in doing so was caught above the right eye by a stud from the full-back’s boot, suffering a gashed eyelid. However, despite the injury Bowers almost gave Derby the lead moments later from no more than three yards out, but Betton managed to flick the ball off his toe with his hand – an offence the referee waved away despite strong appeals. Bowers’ wound was stitched at half-time, and he returned for the second half with a plaster covering the injury.

Derby began the second half brightly, at times ‘waltzing’ around their opponents and forcing McInroy into a series of fine saves. The Rams might have snatched victory at the death when Sammy Crooks made a surging run down the left, outwitting Nelson and Betton before unleashing a powerful shot that McInroy only just managed to tip over the bar.

The Rams went on to enjoy a successful season, finishing fourth in Division One. Newcastle, however, ended the campaign second from bottom and were relegated, bringing to an end United’s 36-year stay in the top flight.

Newcastle: McInroy, Nelson, Fairhurst, MacKenzie, Betton, Weaver, Boyd, Richardson, Kelly, Dennison, Lang

Derby: Kirby, Cooper, Reid, Nicholas, Barker, Keen, Duncan, Ramage, Bowers, Groves, Crooks