The Magpies have previously played four times on a leap day, the first occasion being a home game against Norwich in 1936. That game ended in a 1-1 draw, with Bill Imrie on target for United.

In 1964, Swindon Town came to St. James' Park on February 29th and were beaten 4-1, thanks to goals from Dave Hilley, Ollie Burton, Alan Suddick and Bobby Cummings.

Another Newcastle victory came in 1992, with Steve Watson scoring the only goal of the game at Port Vale, while the Magpies' most recent leap day fixture was an away game at Portsmouth in 2004.

Craig Bellamy had given United the lead - but Lomana LuaLua scored an 89th equaliser against his parent club. He was on loan at Fratton Park from the Magpies, who had not inserted a clause to prevent their player from turning out against them.

Now Newcastle will hope to remain unbeaten on a leap day - and potentially leap a place or two in the Premier League table - when they face Burnley on Saturday. The Clarets haven't won at St. James' Park since April 1976.

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