Newcastle’s near misses: The chances that slipped by during 70 years of hurt

The Magpies have not claimed a major domestic prize since their 1955 FA Cup triumph.

Newcastle moved a step closer to ending a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy when they saw off Arsenal to reach a second Carabao Cup final in three seasons.

The Magpies completed a 4-0 aggregate victory over the Gunners at St James’ Park on Wednesday and will now face either Liverpool or Tottenham at Wembley on Sunday, March 16.

Here, the PA news agency looks at Newcastle’s near misses on home soil since winning the FA Cup in 1955.

Liverpool 3 Newcastle 0 – 1974 FA Cup final

A volley from Kevin Keegan puts Liverpool a goal up after 57 minutes of the 1974 FA Cup Final at Wembley — Future Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan scored twice in Liverpool’s 3-0 FA Cup final victory over the Magpies in 1974 (PA)

But they were undone by a man who would later play a significant role on Tyneside as Kevin Keegan scored twice, either side of Steve Heighway’s strike, to send the trophy to Merseyside.

Man City 2 Newcastle 1 – 1976 League Cup final

Manchester City’s Peter Barnes (right) celebrates scoring the opening goal with team-mate Dennis Tueart — Peter Barnes and Dennis Tueart scored as Manchester City beat Newcastle 2-1 in the 1976 League Cup final (PA Archive)

A minute into the second half, Dennis Tueart dashed their hopes with a spectacular overhead kick after Tommy Booth had headed Willie Donachie’s cross back across goal.

Premiership 1995-96

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson (right) and assistant manager Brian Kidd holding aloft the Premiership trophy after beating Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium — Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United overhauled Newcastle to claim the 1995-96 Premiership title (John Giles/PA)

However, they won only seven of their last 15 games as United took 40 points from a possible 45 – three of them from an Eric Cantona-inspired 1-0 win at St James’ on March 4 – to claim the title by four.

Arsenal 2 Newcastle 0 – 1998 FA Cup final

Dejection for Newcastle’s Alan Shearer (standing) and David Batty after a 2-0 FA Cup final defeat by Arsenal — Marc Overmars and Nicolas Anelka ruined Newcastle’s FA Cup dream in 1998 (Owen Humphreys/PA)

However, goals from Marc Overmars and Nicolas Anelka either side of half-time saw Arsenal complete the league and cup double.

Man Utd 2 Newcastle 0 – 1999 FA Cup final

Newcastle's Alan Shearer (centre) looks dejected, following the 2-0 FA Cup final defeat by Manchester United — Manchester United beat Newcastle in the FA Cup final on their way to an unprecedented Treble in 1999 (Owen Humphreys/PA)

This time, it was their misfortune to come across a Treble-chasing Manchester United side, with goals from Teddy Sheringham and Paul Scholes doing the damage.

Man Utd 2 Newcastle 0 – 2023 Carabao Cup final

Manchester United's players celebrate victory over Newcastle in the 2023 Carabao Cup final — Manchester United were the victors once again when the sides met at Wembley in the 2023 Carabao Cup final (David Davies/PA)

However, once again they could not reproduce the form which had got them there as Casemiro and Marcus Rashford both struck within six first-half minutes to extend the wait.