Newcastle fans filled London with their optimism

Thousands of Newcastle United fans poured off the trains at King’s Cross station feeling optimistic ahead of Sunday afternoon’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester United at Wembley

An endless stream of Geordie fans poured off the trains from the Northeast into the heart of the capital

There was no doubting the loyalty of the Toon Army, disrupting a quiet Sunday morning at King’s Cross station

Soon the famous London landmarks were in sight for those dressed in black and white for the Toon Army on this very special weekend

Trafalgar Square’s famous lions offer those Newcastle fans a decent target to kick around before the game

Thousands of Newcastle fans had taken over Trafalgar Square on Saturday night and some returned the following day

Newcastle fans, some black and white-faced, enjoy a pre-game drink in the hours leading up to kick-off

It’s one of the best feelings in football – walking down Wembley Way and watching your team play in a cup final. This is where Newcastle fans take the long walk to the famous stadium

Considering the last time Newcastle United played in a final at Wembley – that was the old Wembley – was in 1999, you can forgive those fans for stopping to take a souvenir photo

Some drove down from Newcastle with their own message to go to Wembly [sic] and how they ‘don’t come home for tea’

There’s always a chance to snag a souvenir, as this pin seller outside of Wembley does a roaring trade

This Newcastle fan had amassed a fine collection of badges – including one marking a previous clash against Manchester United in the 1999 FA Cup Final

The black and white clad Newcastle fans certainly appear to outnumber those in Man United red in this shot

A kiss of luck as the Newcastle fans – including this one with a whole head, not just a face, full of color – gather together

The rallying cry when the game starts as tens of thousands of Newcastle fans in one half of Wembley cheer for the team

Black and white flags flutter to create a stunning choreographed show of Newcastle’s end before the start of the final

“Howy United” was the chorus of the Geordie crowds, who have ridden a wave of optimism this season

The kind of frustrated expression that can only mean a referee decision just went against your team

Some proud Geordie ink on display featuring the Tyne Bridge and the Angel of the North on this fan’s forearm

This young fan of Newcastle’s brilliant Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes even tried to copy his facial hair

This fan with a huge NUFC tattoo on his stomach wasn’t remotely bothered by the cool temperatures

A moment of fear when an opportunity begs

A picture that sums up Newcastle’s afternoon as the few chances they carved at Wembley went to waste

Optimism turned to deflation as Manchester United took control of the final with goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford

Newcastle’s 54-year wait for a big silverware continues after Manchester United won the final 2-0

It just wasn’t to be Newcastle’s day when their supporters left Wembley and embarked on the long journey home after their final heartbreak