FA Cup run

[Mooney magic]

I'm 55, and have NEVER seen us beat any notable club ranked higher than us of the times. The 0-4 away win at Derby doesn't count, as they were rank - ending up with just 11pts and relegated that year.
The only "giant killing" I can recall is when Ronnie Hildersley secured us a Cup win at Middlesborough, a league above us then.
Stattos - feel free to correct my memories with facts.

I agree. Probably the Derby away match, or the Norwich home game are as big a scalps as I remember. Although I've not been watching as long as you (since 1987).
That's my point though, cup success creates excitement. When I was college age I remember Bolton taking some big wins with Andy Walker and John McGinlay hitting the headlines. Getting national coverage and being in the news is absolutely essential in my view. Even in Preston, school kids just don't have a connection because we're off their radar.
And the cup run you mention was a good case in point. A huge following to Newcastle, but as usual, it was a let down.