Habib Beye Watch - Hull - FAC

Well, the term Sweet FA comes to mind, which is exactly what Newcastle got out of the game. Never out of control, the game looked odds on to trundle through to extra time. Newcastle passed the ball well throughout but will rue the squandered chances from a dominant first half display.

The fans turned up in decent numbers and made themselves heard against the healthy showing from the away supporters. But as the second half got underway there was little to crow about. Slick passing gave way to wildly sprayed balls from Nicky Butt and a general malaise meaning that the front two never got the support they needed. Xisco who showed his best 45 mins for the club was anonymous before being withdrawn for Carrol. It was quite the reverse for Cousin though, who did nothing but score in the 81st minute.

From our vantage point the goal was avoidable, much like Bellamy's a few days earlier. This time it was N'Zogbia who switched off, missing a tackle and faling to get back into position before Hull passed it in the box to Cousin who had the simple task of slotting home passed an exasperated Given.

Newcastle went on to pay for a number of missed chances and as the fans sang, nobody really beleived that with 9 minutes on the clock we were going to get anything less than a broken heart. We may have injuries, but this was arguably 3 people away from our best 11. God help us!