What started as a stroll towards Wembley ended with nerves frayed. It wouldn't be a cup semi-final without some of that. And it certainly wouldn't be Newcastle.
Two goals up in a little over 20 minutes after Sean Longstaff, a Geordie, scored his first home goals for four years, Newcastle's progression to their first cup final since 1999 seemed secure.
Eddie Howe's team were three ahead in the tie against a Southampton side that didn't necessarily look overawed by the challenge, just nowhere near good enough. Not just for this but also for the Premier League.
MATCH FACTS
NEWCASTLE (4-3-3) Pope 7; Trippier 7, Schar 6, Botman 6, Burn 6; S Longstaff 8, Guimaraes 7, Willock 7 (Saint-Maximin 61min 6); Almiron 6.