Nick Pope admits that Newcastle United did not forsee Southampton forcing their way back into the contest in the League Cup semi-finals after a flying start at St James' Park.
Sean Longstaff's double strike put Newcastle in full control with the Saints left reeling after 21 minutes at 2-0 down. However, Che Adams' strike made for an uneasy last hour of the tie.
Yet after reaching the League Cup final, Pope said: "We're just over the moon to get over the line. "It wasn't how we planned it at 2-0 up but it just shows you what character and resilience we have to come through those difficult moments.