Having watched the first team gain promotion back to the top flight, Newcastle's second string remain on course to emulate that achievement.

A deserved victory over Fulham at St. James' Park on Monday means that Peter Beardsley's side stand just one win away from ending a three season exile away from the elite, since a league re-organisation left us in the lower group.

United opened brightly against a Fulham side they'd beaten 3-1 a month ago and took a sixth minute lead when Haris Vuckic's perfect pass allowed Jamie Holmes to shoot into the Leazes net.

Vuckic then looked to have repeated the feat ten minutes later when releasing Dan Barlaser, but his low effort curled against the post and away from goal.

The hosts doubled their lead in the 35th minute when a Holmes corner was emphatically headed home by Stuart Findlay but only a fine block by his defensive colleague Owen Bailey prevented Fulham from scoring in first half added time.

A decent display by Matz Sels kept the visitors at bay when they pushed on after the break, one vital stop seeing him rush off his line to deny George Williams as the Fulham forward bore down on goal in the 70th minute.

A couple of late half chances came and went for the Magpies, substitute Lewis Cass curling his effort the wrong side of the post, but there were to be no late scares despite six minutes of added time. 

The other playoff semi-final tie saw West Ham beat Wolves 2-1 at Molineux on Monday thanks to a penalty in second half added time - an outcome that means Newcastle enjoy home advantage in a one-off final against the Hammers on Tuesday week (13th) at SJP.

The boys in claret and blue should have no problem locating the venue, visiting Gallowgate twice in March - for a 0-0 league draw and a Premier League Cup tie that we eventually won 4-3 in extra time.

PS: Playoff final success for Newcastle would see them rub shoulders with the likes of Arsenal, Spurs, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United next season - in addition to our wearside brethren.

Already assured of promotion are PL2 Division Two champions Swansea City, while Southampton are officially relegated and will be joined by Reading - barring an improbable goal swing in the final game.

Biffa