Howe Toon Long for a trophy

IT will be seven decades next summer since Newcastle last won a domestic trophy.

- SIMON BIRD

FULHAM 0

NEWCASTLE UTD 2

S Longstaff 39, Burn 61

That 1955 triumph, 3-1 over Manchester City, was a lifetime ago.

Last night Newcastle's season needed a lifeline. Two Geordies, Sean Longstaff and Dan Burn provided it.

It's early days in the FA Cup but the Magpies need its sparkle to keep their season alive.

They remain in the hat, and hope endures.

For Eddie Howe this was a pressure-relieving victory only the third win in 11 games, eight of them defeats.

Relief that they are still playing for more than just a top-seven finish in the league.

Alan Shearer enjoyed it too... on the away terrace with his family, and once spotted, serenaded with all his old songs.

This campaign has been a bumpy one for Howe and his players. And this was by no means the energetic side who like, at their best, to steamroller opponents.

It was organised, solid, functional, and a team who lacked precision after a winter break. But that doesn't matter on the road to Wembley, which Newcastle fans were once again singing about after an hour.