SILVA STAR FOR PEPT

Deflected double keeps Guardiola's Treble hopes alive

- Steve Bates

BERNARDO SILVA kept Manchester City's dream of backto-back Treble glory on track as Newcastle went down with a whimper.

The promise of a fiery cup contest turned into a damp squib in the Manchester rain as City eased into the FA Cup semi-finals at a canter to book another Wembley day-out.

Midfield maestro Silva inflicted the damage with two deflected goals in little more than half an hour to make it another trophyless season for the Toon, who have not celebrated domestic silverware since 1955.

To have any chance against City you need perfection or something near it. But Newcastle were miles off being a competitive force at The Etihad and a season which offered plenty is now petering out in disappointing fashion.

City, though, headed into the international break with another convincing statement of intent.