Residents of Wembley can look forward to some rousing renditions of the Blaydon Races at the end of February when Newcastle make their first appearance in a major final this century. Perhaps appropriately, it was a local hero, the North Shields-born Sean Longstaff, who scored the two second-leg goals that ensured Eddie Howe’s side won this Carabao Cup semi-final, sparking wild celebrations on Tyneside.
Almost 24 years after losing the 1999 FA Cup final to Manchester United, Newcastle finally have an opportunity to win their first trophy since the Fairs Cup in 1969. Small wonder some fans of a certain age were spotted leaving St James’ Park in tears.
