Joelinton sinks Saints to put Newcastle in sight of League Cup final

Eddie Howe warned Newcastle not to get carried away after they moved within touching distance of the League Cup final with a 1-0 win against Southampton in Tuesday's semi-final first leg.

Joelinton netted in the second half at St. Mary's to put Howe's side on the brink of their first domestic cup final since 1999.

Southampton's Duje Caleta-Car was sent off in the closing stages as a feisty clash boiled over.

Nathan Jones' team, bottom of the Premier League, felt hard done by after Adam Armstrong's equaliser was disallowed by VAR for handball.

But Newcastle can book their long-awaited trip to Wembley in the second leg at St. James' Park on January 31, with the winner facing Manchester United or Nottingham Forest in the final.

Joelinton's second-half strike puts @NUFC firmly in the driving seat at the halfway stage in the tie ??#EFL | @CazooUK pic.twitter.com/oiYKCUYtw8

Forest host United in the first leg of their semi-final on Wednesday.

Howe isn't taking anything for granted yet, however.

"It's been a good day but there's still a long way to go in the tie. Pleased to win, that was our aim, but we know 1-0 is delicate," Howe said.

"It was a tough game. I thought both teams had their moments. Nothing is decided. We go back to St James' with our fans behind us."

Admitting Newcastle were fortunate to avoid conceding Armstrong's disallowed equaliser, Howe added: "I thought it was a goal. Very pleased to see VAR intervene."

Newcastle are enjoying a renaissance this season thanks to Howe's astute leadership and the financial investment of the club's Saudi-backed ownership group.

The Magpies sit third in the Premier League and are making their first domestic semi-final appearance since 2005.

Underlining Newcastle's new, confident attitude,