Relieved Newcastle scrape through by their fingertips

THIS was not the fairy-tale script they had dreamed of but there was still a happy ever after for Champions League-bound Newcastle.

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In truth, the match was a massive anti-climax for the Magpies as Carlos Alcaraz’s 65th-minute winner earned Everton a deserved win on an afternoon of roller-coaster emotions for the Toon Army.

And who would have thought at 6pm yesterday the toast of Tyneside was Manchester United, who ended one of the worst campaigns in their history with a win against Aston Villa that sparked delirium 150 miles away - ensuring Newcastle made the Champions League.

At least two players sank to the turf in despair on the final whistle before being informed favours had been served elsewhere.