Veteran 40-year-old Wilbraham earns Rochdale FA Cup replay against Newcastle

Aaron Wilbraham was the hero at the grand age of 40 as English third-tier side Rochdale took their Premier League counterparts Newcastle United to an FA Cup third-round replay with a deserved 1-1 draw.

The veteran striker made the most of some fine work down the right by 17-year-old defender Luke Matheson and smashed home from close range with 10 minutes to play.

Matheson famously scored against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup in September when he was only 16, returning to school the next morning.

"We played football in the second half," Wilbraham said playing the 674th match of his journeyman career. "We mixed it up well and were unlucky not to win the game.

"It will be a great experience for the lads to go up to St James' Park [for the replay]."

Newcastle had taken the lead in the first half, with Christian Atsu -- a constant threat down the left for the visitors -- squaring to Miguel Almiron, who hammered into the roof of the net.

But Steve Bruce's side rallied impressively after the break and could have easily won the game, with Oliver Rathbone missing two glorious chances to seal a famous win.

After the game Newcastle manager Steve Bruce said: "Credit to Aaron Wilbraham -- he's been around longer than I have!"

Newcastle have not been past the FA Cup fourth round since 2006.