At one point in January 1996, Newcastle United held a 12-point advantage over Manchester United and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.

Slowly, though, the free-scoring Magpies started to drop points, while United in particular began to make up the ground, so much so that when they made the trip to St James' Park 18 years ago today, just four points separated the two teams.

Sir Alex Ferguson's visitors were in good form, having won their previous eight matches in all competitions, but many pundits had predicted a Newcastle win, largely because they had not been defeated in front of their own supporters all season. It was, quite simply, the most eagerly anticipated encounter of the campaign.

In the knowledge that a victory would leave them on the verge of securing their first league title since 1927, the hosts went for the United jugular early on.

However, what they hadn't banked on was the fact that United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel was about to produce one of his best performances for the club. First he denied Les Ferdinand on two occasions, before Peter Beardsley was thwarted by the Dane. Then, when Philippe Albert did get the better of Schmeichel, his curling effort cannoned back off the crossbar.

As the first half wore on, Ferdinand and Beardsley again failed to convert opportunities, while United had rarely ventured forward.

That all changed six minutes after the restart, though, as former Newcastle striker Andy Cole played the ball out to Phil Neville on the left side of the penalty area. From there, the United full-back swung over a cross towards the back post, where it was volleyed into the net by an unmarked Eric Cantona.

Kevin Keegan urged his players forward during the remaining minutes in a bid to salvage at least a share of the spoils, but despite the fact that they were able to carve out a couple more chances, Schmeichel and his defence kept the hosts at bay. It meant that come the final whistle, United had slashed Newcastle's lead to one point, albeit having played a game more.

After the match, defeated manager Keegan said: "If you don't take your chances against a quality side there is always the danger they will nick one."

As for the triumphant Ferguson, he added: "Cantona has scored a lot of important goals for us. Newcastle were the far better side in the first half but in the second half we imposed ourselves."

NEWCASTLE: Srnicek; Barton, Albert, Howey, Beresford; Ginola, Lee, Batty, Beardsley; Asprilla, Ferdinand

MAN UNITED: Schmeichel; Irwin, G Neville, Bruce, P Neville; Sharpe, Butt, Keane, Giggs; Cantona, Cole