Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer heaped praise on the travelling support as the Magpies put one toe in the Carabao Cup final. Eddie Howe and his players refused to get carried away despite taking a slender lead into the second leg back at St. James' Park in a weeks time.
The Magpies could and probably should have had the lead at the break with Joelinton bundling the ball into the back the net. However, referee Stuart Atwell blew his whistle and awarded a free-kick for a handball on the Brazilian.
VAR looked at the on-field decision but didn't 'have enough evidence' to overturn the decision. The Brazilian missed a sitter in second-half before finally breaking the deadlock on the 73rd minute.
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The elation from the opener was short lived with former Newcastle youngster Adam Armstrong bundling the ball into the back of the net, VAR then ruling it out minutes later for handball. Howe's side were given a reprieve and the travelling Toon Army would head back to Tyneside buoyant.
Newcastle will host the Saints at St. James' Park on Tuesday, 31 January, in front of a sell out crowd. The atmosphere will be rocking on Tyneside, with the Toon 90 minutes away from Wembley.
At full-time, Shearer remained grounded but tweeted: "Safe travels home Geordies. Amazing support again."
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