Newcastle United are on the cusp of history - and don't the supporters just know it. Not to be deterred by the 600-mile round journey, on a cold and blustery winter evening, the diehard Geordie faithful flocked to the south coast in their droves - sensing they were in for a night that will live long in the memory.
Fortunately Joelinton's six-yard tap-in made all those long bus, train and car journeys worth it for the 3,200 away supporters in attendance. It wasn't pretty but Newcastle, once again, found a way to win.
A boatload of chances came and went before a moment of eye-catching confidence from Alexander Isak flipped the tie on its head. The Swede, brought off the bench in the 67th minute, celebrated in style by hurdling the advertising boards to fully get amongst the 'limbs' on display in the away end.
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Newcastle are now just 90 minutes away from the big time: A cup final at Wembley Stadium. This fan base, who spent years fruitlessly praying for change, are finally being rewarded for their patience and unwavering support.
For many, the job is done. A 1-0 win cannot fathomably be overturned by Southampton in the reverse fixture, where 52,000 ecstatic fans will roar the team over the line. But for Eddie Howe, of course, the job is not finished.
“I’m not thinking of the final, I’m thinking of the semi-final,” said Howe. Isak, Allan Saint-Maximin and Bruno Guimaraes all echoed the same sentiment in different post-match interviews too.
But fans are already dreaming - just as Howe urged them to just a matter of weeks ago. Even if the worst happens and the Magpies squander their one goal advantage next week, or get to the final and lose, the entire fan base knows Newcastle are righting the wrongs of yesteryear in quick fashion.
"We can do anything," Howe said after the Boxing Day win over Leicester. "The season is still young enough for all possibilities to exist for us. I want the fans to believe we can do anything."
Howe has his wish - with the overwhelming feeling on Tyneside being that a Wembley victory on February 26th is a real possibility. Never before has the newest generation of Newcastle fans been able to enjoy this type of moment.
The demand for semi-final tickets was astonishing, with tens of thousands stuck in an online queue to try and nab a seat for next week's second leg on Tyneside. It will be a messy scramble for a golden ticket to the capital next month should the opportunity arise.
However, it isn't just the loyal Newcastle fan base excited by the current league and cup position - even outsiders are beginning to take note of the club's meteoric rise. After seeing all four of their February fixtures changed for television purposes, Howe's side will now be on TV another three times in March after Wednesday's Premier League announcement.
Home ties against West Ham United and Liverpool, as well as the away game at AFC Bournemouth, will all be shown on Sky Sports. The clash with Brighton will be on BT Sport.
March sees Newcastle take on Manchester City, Wolves and Nottingham Forest with all fixtures chosen by UK broadcasters. It's hardly a surprise the television companies are suddenly interested in showcasing Newcastle to a wider audience.
Unbeaten in the league since August, 10 clean sheets on the spin for Nick Pope, a club united from top to bottom and the eyes of the Premier League firmly on them. No wonder Newcastle fans are enjoying a moment not seen for quite some time.
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