Allan Green reporting from Old Trafford (47")

Alan Shearer seems to have taken personal responsibility for ensuring that Newcastle United appear in the FA cup final for the first time since 1974.

Although he has found goals hard to come by in the Premiership since his return from injury, he had scored four times in Newcastle's cup run before the semi-final against Sheffield United. And it was Shearer who scored the only goal of the game as Newcastle edged past their plucky opponents.

A pulsating first half ended goalless. But although Newcastle dominated the possession and had the bulk of the chances, Sheffield United could easily have scored.

The Magpies' best chances fell to Andreas Andersson, but the Swede, who has failed to score since his £3m move from AC Milan, kicked the ground instead of the ball as he shaped to shoot home.

Andersson then made another mess of things when put through on goal. With only Blades' keeper Alan Kelly to beat, he decided to pass the ball vaguely in the direction of Keith Gillespie, giving Roger Nilsen plenty of time to clear.

The two best chances of the half came at each end within a minute. First Sheffield United were unlucky not to take the lead as Nicky Marker's header flew narrowly over. Seconds later, Gary Speed's header hit the post after a pinpoint cross from Gillespie.

The second half started as the first had finished, with Newcastle dominating possession and Sheffield United attacking on the break.

Wayne Quinn had an excellent chance to put the Blades ahead. Put through on goal, he shot powerfully, but Shay Given stood up and beat the shot away.

But a goal was certain to come, and in the 60th minute Shearer rose to meet a cross from John Barnes. Kelly got a hand to his powerful header but Shearer reacted quickest to fire in the loose ball.

Newcastle's delight was obvious, and they visibly relaxed, but Sheffield United refused to lie down, and with just a minute left Given again made a vital stop from Quinn, tipping away his goalbound header.

Newcastle's victory almost certainly ensures them European football next season as their FA Cup final opponents, Arsenal are likely to finish first or second in the Premiership and qualify for the Champions league.

It also adds spice to their Premiership match next Saturday, an FA Cup Final rehearsal against Arsenal at Highbury.

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