Half time: Newcastle 0 Porto 0

90 mins Reabciuk shot 0-1

Full time: Newcastle 0 Porto 1

Newcastle's hopes of reaching the Premier League International Cup Final ended at Gallowgate on Thursday evening, as the defending champions progressed to the final after netting the only goal of the tie in the last seconds.

A tight game with few genuine scoring opportunities for either side looked set for extra time until goalkeeper Nathan Harker blocked a shot from Luiz Palmares - but couldn't prevent Oleg Reabciuk sweeping in the rebound at the Leazes End to set up a final against Arsenal for the visitors.

That was tough luck on the hosts, who produced their best display for some time and made up in commitment what they lacked in composure and firepower. 

Following a cagey opening half hour, Porto twice looked like making the breakthrough: Harker quickly off his line to block Santiago Vera's effort before the same player missed his kick when played in by Madi Queta. 

United should have gone in ahead at the break, when Dan Ward miscued in front of goal after good work from Callum Roberts, but that was an all-too rare venture into the Porto box for the black and whites.

Porto custodian Diogo Costa palmed away a dangerous 66th minute corner from Dan Barlaser, while at the other end a stranded Harker was relieved as Queta's effort from distance went just wide seconds later.

The introduction of Mo Sangare from the bench saw United threaten more, but sole striker Luke Charman laboured all night for little reward and among with a number of his colleagues was exhausted by the end.

The manner of the goal was disappointing, but Porto looked the better prepared for extra time and would surely have settled matters before the shootout.

All the brave effort by United couldn't disguise that they lack individual talent and offensively have very limited options. Their passing and control was better tonight than of late, but still mostly uninspired.

Having exited the Premier League Cup last week and sitting in a lowly league position, Newcastle's final opportunity of silverware is now the Northumberland Senior Cup against Morpeth Town.

However the Northern League side will pose a genuine threat, despite a backlog of league and cup fixtures that is starting to become unmanageable. 

Biffa