The Longstaffs- Newcastle’s New Home-Grown Heroes

On Sunday, scenes at the St. James' Park endeared football fans across the country, as Matthew Longstaff scored on his Premier League debut to give Newcastle United a 1-0 victory over Manchester United.

Newcastle fans have had very little to shout about so far this season. Before Sunday, the North East side had picked up just one win from the opening seven games and lingered miserably in the bottom three. Many were doubting manager, also boyhood Newcastle United fan, Steve Bruce's capabilities, and pressure was mounting on the experienced gaffer.

Sunday's fixture was attracting attention from the neutrals for all the wrong reasons. Ole Gunnar Solskjær's Manchester United are currently in the midst of their worst away record since the 1980's and fans are beginning to despair with the lack of footballing nous, watching bitter rivals Manchester City and Liverpool battle it out for the title whilst they debate whether they have the ability to challenge to top six.

But it is Bruce who is entering the international break in the better mood, as Newcastle took all three points, leaving Man United 12th in the table. The goal came in the 72nd minute, courtesy of Matthew Longstaff's clean strike from the edge of the area. As he reeled off in celebration, kissing the badge in the centre of his shirt and taking the plaudits from his teammates, including midfield partner and older sibling Sean, Newcastle fans, containing father David and the rest of the Longstaff family, went delirious in the stands, celebrating the sight of seeing one of their own living out the most-common of dreams in Tyneside.

The rarity of seeing a young fan break into his boyhood clubs first eleven is special enough, so for Matthew Longstaff to be making his debut alongside elder brother Sean in the centre of midfield created a unique occasion on Sunday.

The brothers, aged 19 and 21, grew up in North Shields, roughly eight miles outside Newcastle, and are lifelong fans of the Magpies. The brothers hail from a family of sporting heritage. Their father, David, represented his nation over one-hundred times in Ice Hockey and his cousin, Alan Thompson, also broke through the Newcastle academy before making a singular appearance for England in 2004.

The joyous excitement was visible on both brothers faces in their post-match interview. The younger sibling, who looks to have collected his first goal before his first shave, said of his match winning strike, "Last night you go to bed dreaming of it but you never think it will happen", adding "I'm over the moon, speechless." His brother echoed that sentiment, crediting Matty as a "breath of fresh air", noting he "couldn't be prouder of him".

The emergence of two boys from the North East, dictating play in the centre of the park for the club they've supported since youth, demonstrates a beautiful aspect of football. It's ability to fulfil dreams and create the atmosphere you can only imagine in the Longstaff family home highlights the potent amount of emotion connected to the game.

Whilst various sets of brothers have line-up alongside each other throughout Premier League history, none have quite captured the hearts of the nation like the Longstaff's so quickly and whilst Newcastle fans will still expect a miserable season, their relationship at the heart of midfield is likely to gift supporters something to smile about in a gritty campaign.