Yes, it may "only" have been in the League Cup, but after 21 visits of varying ineptitude and misfortune since our last victory at Stamford Bridge, we'd despaired of it ever happening again. 

Please excuse us then the joy verging on euphoria that accompanied our progression in a competition we've previously advocating exiting from at the earliest possible opportunity. 

To finally walk out of this place as winners was a milestone for those fans present and to have achieved it in such a manner in a proper competition was equally satisfying. To be quite frank, we'd have glorified in a 4-3 success here against a combined showbusiness/pensioners XI. At conkers.    

After managing to score as many goals in five first half minutes as they'd managed here in their previous ten visits, United even contrived to go 3-1 up before remembering who they were and missing two great chances to surely seal the win - through Shola Ameobi and Peter Lovenkrands. 

Playing this game on the anniversary of our 5-5 draw at nearby QPR (a game we led 4-0 at half time) provided a timely reminder of Newcastle's undimmed ability to self-harm and a two goal lead duly became a one goal lead, before a penalty three minutes from time that was inevitably scored. 

Have two consecutive games ever provided a starker contrast between a justifiable penalty not awarded and a complete fabrication rewarded? Saturday saw Andre Marriner fail to see Kevin Nolan comprehensively having his legs swiped, while tonight Phil Dowd pointed to the spot after Alex crumpled in the vicinity of Cheick Tiote and Mike Williamson - although a prevailing south westerly breeze seemed to be the main culprit. Don't introduce technology, just don't give whistles to idiots.

So, 3-3 with just three minutes left, with Chelsea having fielded just ten men since Benayoun limped off shortly after his side's third sub had been utilised. And with Ancelotti's side striking the woodwork shortly after the equaliser, Newcastle's best chance of a victory here since Jim Smith was in charge looked in grave danger of becoming another "if only" moment.

But in the way that Saturday's Goodison game somehow evened itself out - Fellaini howking Williamson but staying on to miss his side's best chance of a last-gasp equaliser - then this match was to play out in similar fashion, penalty thief Alex failing to stop Shola converting a match-winning header. That blow finally drained the life out of Chelsea and United held that lead through six minutes of added time, avoiding extra time and the prospect of penalties.

If Chelsea's numerical disadvantage seemed familiar, then a similar misfortune had befallen them during an FA Cup Fifth Round tie at SJP in February 2005. That was the day that then-boss Jose Mourinho responded to trailing 0-1 at half time by making three substitutions. 

That backfired on him within minutes though as Wayne Bridge was stretchered off, with two other players limping through the remainder of the game when they would otherwise have been replaced. Newcastle won that 1-0, to end slack-jawed speculation about a quadruple trophy bid - as was the case again in 2010. 

Sympathy of course is in short supply from the fans of a club who themselves are no stranger to hard luck stories - Steven Taylor limping off for treatment seconds before Arsenal went 2-1 up at SJP back in March 2009 is still fresh in our minds. It's just one of those things; unfortunate but not the result of anything malevolent from a black and white perspective. Anyway, that 2005 FA Cup victory was payback for the sharp practices of that 2000 Wembley Semi Final loss wasn't it? NUFC.com - Grudges R Us.

Putting aside the wow factor of the result, there was much to be pleased about from United in this game. Aside from a shaky start during which they gifted Chelsea a goal, the attitude and ability a much-changed Newcastle side showed here lent credence to the thought we've finally added depth to the squad, not just given some bairns shirt numbers in the 30's and 40's. There may have been some unusual scoring patterns, but Asian bookies weren't involved, just some honest endeavour.

By the time United return here next May for the final away game of the season (FA Cup Final commitments permitting - it's scheduled for the same day), then Chelsea could well be waving the Premier League trophy, or preparing for a Champions League final. 

On the back of two encouraging performances and results from two different Newcastle teams in five days though, there's renewed confidence that our next scheduled visit to Stamford Bridge won't be quite the orgy of misery that Villa Park 2009 was. 

After a lifetime of disappointment though, you wouldn't rule it out....Old Trafford away in the Fourth Round anyone?

Biffa