Newcastle Go Through

Few people gave Southampton a chance before this F.A. Cup clash with Newcastle at St James’ Park and by the time the first half was over, the number had dwindled even more – so emphatic was United’s superiority.

Newcastle’s neat incisive attacking football gave them a monopoly of possession and carved out numerous chances. As early as the 6th minute, a wonderful cross from N’Zogbia was inches from Ameobi’s despairing lunge and some ten minutes later, the striker hit the post. Solano uncharacteristically blazed a free kick over on the half hour and shortly before half time, Ameobi seized on a half clearance from a corner and brought a terrific save from Saints young goalkeeper Bialkowski to give the home side yet another corner from which, once again, they hit the post.

With creative players like Emre, N’Zogbia ad Solano, it seemed inevitable that Newcastle would cause Southampton problems, but above all it was Kieron Dyer who was at the heart of their best moves, terrorising the visitors with his pace, his close control and his vision. To their credit, and perhaps surprise, the visitors made it to half-time – after a torrid first half in which they had just one real chance, when Boumsong’s crazy attempt at an overhead clearance let in Kenwyne Jones, but Bramble’s last ditch tackle rescued United.

No-one could have predicted the transformation that took place at the start of the second half, and once again Dyer was the key. But this time it was young Southampton substitute Nathan Dyer. As Pahars’ replacement, he brought pace and awareness to Saints front line and the team which had hardly attacked at all began to threaten. Two minutes after the whistle, Jones won the ball on the right and sent a thunderous shot over the bar and 5 minutes later the same player brought a magnificent save from Shay Given. Then in the 57th minute, Saints had a wonderful chance to take the lead, but Madsden blazed over the bar from close range.

Within 10 minutes, Southampton paid a heavy price for that miss, when N’Zogbia’s clever through ball was finished expertly by Kieron Dyer – a fitting reward for a bright and talented contribution. And after injuries to Kenwyne Jones and their heroic young keeper, Southampton looked increasingly unlikely to make up the deficit, although in the 77th minute they had one last chance, when a brilliant cross from Nathan Dyer just eluded Madsden.