Longstaff's brace sends Newcastle to Wembley

Newcastle are into their first major final since 1999, after beating Southampton 2-1 in the second leg of their semi-final at St James' Park and sealed a spot in Carabao Cup's final at Wembley on February 26.

The Magpies had earned a 1-0 away win in the first leg last week, but wanted to confirm their place in the final as quick as possible.

So with just five minutes on the clock, boyhood Newcastle fan Sean Longstaff put his team ahead after Kieran Trippier slipped in Longstaff, who swept the ball beyond Gavin Bazunu

Eddie Howe's men doubled their lead in the 21st minute, after a brilliant team move which ended with Miguel Almiron putting a cross into the middle of the box where Longstaff was and the English midfielder with no opposition made no mistake and smashed home.

Che Adams gave Southampton some hope shortly after, with the Scotland international rifling home a brilliant effort from 25 yards.

In the second half, Nathan Jones' men piled on some pressure and were close to level 20 minutes from time, but Adam Armstrong saw his effort being saved by Nick Pope.

Bruno Guimaraes was shown a straight red card 10 minutes from time for an awful tackle on Samuel Edozie, but the hosts survived playing the final stretch of the game with 10 men.

It will be Newcastle's first final since they lost 2-0 to Manchester United in the FA Cup in 1999.

The Magpies will play either Manchester United or Nottingham Forest in the final at Wembley on February 26, with the Red Devils holding a 3-0 lead ahead of the second leg on Wednesday at Old Trafford.

WE'RE GOING TO WEMBLEEEEEYYYYYYYYY!!!!! pic.twitter.com/eOUMLOfarC

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 31, 2023