By Chris O'Brien
April 14 2005

Newcastle United will go into Sunday's F.A Cup semi-final on a major low after throwing away their chances of Uefa Cup glory in Lisbon. 2-0 ahead on aggregate, with a crucial away goal, the Magpies conceeded four goals in the last 50 minutes of the two-legged tie.

Newcastle United's Uefa Cup dreams have been shattered only days before the Magpies take on Manchester United in the semi-final of the F.A Cup. Seeking a cup double, Graeme Souness's side took a narrow 1-0 lead to Lisbon, but when Kieron Dyer gave the visitors a first-half lead, the tie looked dead and buried.

However, Marius Niculae gave the Portuguese outfit a glimmer of hope, and Newcastle laid down completely in the second-half as the hosts secured a 4-1 win on the night to eventually cruise through on aggregate. The Lisbon goals came from Sa Pinto, Beto and Fabio Rochemback with Newcastle's defensive frailties more than evident.

The men in black and white trudged off the field looking despondent in a result that will surely leave them demoralised just in time for the weekend's Millennium Stadium outing. A major trophy doubt dating back to 1969, bar a Texaco Cup triumph in the early 70's, continues and a dismal season for the St.James' Park outfit continues.

Roll on Sunday.