10 Newcastle United Cup Runs That Came Close To Ending Their Trophy Drought

Despite assumptions - which have now been added to thanks to another abject FA Cup performance - that cups mean nothing to the current Newcastle United regime, this season almost saw the Magpies make it to Wembley in the League Cup. That appearance hinged on beating Spurs, who had been overcome in the previous two Premier League meetings, so Newcastle United travelled to London full of confidence as they looked to qualify for the semi-finals. Somewhat inevitably, that confidence was misplaced as Spurs ran out 4-0 winners on a miserable night for the travelling Toon Army, many of whom had been convinced the 2014/15 season would end their 45 year wait for a major trophy. Even more inevitably, if Spurs had been beaten, Newcastle would have faced Sheffield United in a two-legged meeting, and would then have faced Liverpool or Chelsea in the final at Wembley, two sides they had defeated a few weeks earlier. It wasn't to be. And despite all the accusations that Newcastle have limited history and few silverware wins, the club has an illustrious, celebrated history, and a big association with the FA Cup in particular. Even though the last major trophy came in 1969, hope has never really died, and with the current owner seemingly casting off the chance to win trophies as a frivolous distraction, now is a good time to look back at the near misses and remember what it actually felt like to come close to winning. Hopefully it won't be long until there's another opportunity, but it's hard to see it right now.

How did that shot from Alan Shearer not go in?

Unfortunately for the Magpies legend - and the travelling Toon Army - Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Marc Overmars and Nicolas Anelka.