POPE'S GOT IT IN HAND

Toon edge closer to Wembley return

- MIKE WALTERS

FOR 68 years, the more they craved trophies, the more fortune deserted them.

But in a feisty semi-final at St Mary's, Newcastle held their nerve and rode their luck as England keeper Nick Pope's 10th consecutive clean sheet took them to the edge of heaven and their first cup final for 24 years.

And Joelinton's fourth goal of the season may yet prove one of the most treasured in their history.

Whether they were running into Kevin Keegan catching a wave in Bill Shankly's last game as Liverpool manager in 1974, Dennis Tueart's bicycle kick two years later or Manchester United en route for the Treble in 1999, the Geordies have spilled enough tears at Wembley to fill the Tyne.

The black-and-white legions are desperate to make their first pilgrimage down English football's most celebrated boulevard in 23 years and Joelinton's winner has given them a priceless advantage ahead of next week's second leg.

Saints competed with verve and gusto, but their goose was cooked before Croatian defender Duje Caleta-Car's late dismissal for two bookings.