Gary Lineker poked fun at Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer for the North East’s lack of success in the FA Cup. Ahead of Liverpool vs Chelsea at Wembley, Marske United striker Adam Boyes carried the match ball onto the pitch.
The Redcar outfit - who play in the Northern Premier League Division One East - were eliminated by Gateshead in the fourth qualifying round but Boyes’ 11 goals in the competition meant he finished as the competition’s top goalscorer.
BBC pundit Lineker praised the non-league striker while firing a subtle dig at his colleague. He quipped: "Great to see someone from the North East enjoy a bit of success in the FA Cup Alan."
Newcastle’s club icon lost back-to-back FA Cup finals against Arsenal and Manchester United in 1998 and 1999. The Magpies have not won the trophy since 1955, with Sunderland the last North East team to win football’s oldest cup competition in 1973.
PE teacher Boyes described his achievement as “surreal” while speaking to ITV Tyne Tees. "It's a great achievement, I never expected it to happen,” he said.
“You watch the top scorer list go up every round and you see yourself near the top and you see people get knocked out and you think, 'I might have a chance here' and I think I've won it now unless Sadio Mane scores 8 or 9 in the final."
"It's going to be surreal... It's going to be a great day no matter what. I just hope it's a great game and we all have a good day."
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