Keegan's sad exit

The opening few minutes probably passed Keegan by as his took up his position in the dug-out, but his First Division leaders began with real conviction. Eyal Berkovic directed play from his advanced midfield position and, had it not been for the alarming inaccuracy of Darren Huckerby's crossing, their early efforts might have amounted to more than a wild volley from Danny Tiatto.

Newcastle responded in a similar vein, Laurent Robert forcing a fine save from Weaver, but it was only when Dunne was dismissed that Bobby Robson's side began to gather pace.

It was a foolish act from a notoriously foolish young man, and he deserved City's ninth red card of the season for what could only be described as a rugby tackle on Craig Bellamy.

With only 29 minutes of the first half gone, City were suddenly facing quite a challenge. They escaped the initial danger, Alan Shearer sending his shot from a short free-kick into the City wall.

A further sigh of relief followed Bellamy's disallowed goal, but it was to City's credit that they tried too hard to inflict the first blow when it might have been more sensible to fight for a replay.

Their reward nearly came seconds before the break, Huckerby's one-two with Berkovic almost resulting in a goal for the former Newcastle striker. Shay Given was beaten, but Huckerby's shot was wide. It turned out to be the end of Huckerby's involvement, Dunne's exit persuading Keegan to swap a forward for a defender at the start of the second half.

Richard Edghill joined the action in Huckerby's place and made an immediate impact, his pass sending Shaun Wright-Phillips into the Newcastle penalty area with only Given to beat. Sadly for the youngster, Given pulled off a magnificent save.

Weaver performed with equal enthusiasm in the opposite goal, saving bravely at the feet of Aaron Hughes, but the England Under 21 goalkeeper has always been prone to the occasional rush of blood and so it proved last night.

Why Weaver felt it necessary to leave his area in pursuit of a Gary Speed ball is something Keegan no doubt asked him afterwards. In challenging Solano the ball bounced off Weaver's knee, over his shoulder and left him stranded and the Peruvian winger facing an empty net.

From there Newcastle grew in confidence, Robert threatening with a free-kick before Bellamy saw a shot cleared off the line.

At the end, Robson embraced Keegan with a fatherly hug. As a player, Keegan left behind his No.7 shirt and, as a manager five years ago, his legacy, albeit in the most acrimonious of circumstances.

Last night he lost a football match, but not his spiritual home.