It’s hard to believe it’s been more than 12 years since Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy went at an overzealous reporter by yelling: “I’m a man; I’m 40!” Back in 2007, Aaron Wilbraham was a spry young man in his 20s.
On Saturday, Wilbraham became a man.
At the youthful age of 40, Rochdale’s Aaron Wilbraham netted a late equalizer to record a surprising 1-1 draw with Newcastle United on Saturday at Crown Oil Arena. The League One side earned a replay at St. James’ Park in the third round of the FA Cup.
Former Atlanta United dynamo Miguel Almiron opened the scoring for the visitors with a close-range blast off a nice assist from Christian Atsu in the 17th minute.
WHAT A HIT #EmiratesFACup @NUFC pic.twitter.com/YPC6jMWPTy
— The Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 4, 2020
Newcastle, a Premier League side, would have expected to see out the game from there, but Wilbraham and Rochdale had other plans.
A veteran who has been playing professionally since 1997, Wilbraham was brought on at halftime. He finally equalized in the 79th minute with some tidy work in the box.
Youngster Luke Matheson sets up veteran Aaron Wilbraham and @officiallydale are back in the game!#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/RXkxVuFJPw— The Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 4, 2020
The goal was assisted by 17-year-old Luke Matheson, who made headlines last year for scoring against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup as a 16-year-old and going back to school the next day.
Young and old coming together to ruin the day of Newcastle United fans. Love to see it, unless you’re this guy.
Said Newcastle coach Steve Bruce after the match: “Credit to Aaron Wilbraham — he’s been around longer than I have!”
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