IN front of a packed out Darwen End, Newcastle United’s evolution hit the buffers in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.

Having delighted their travelling army of supporters by climbing off the canvas to salvage their unbeaten record with two stunning injury time strikes, a last gasp Gael Givet header wrecked United’s Wembley dream.

After all that had gone before – the remarkable resolve, the adrenaline- fuelled extra time forays – it felt curiously numb when the death rites were served on the unbeaten record at 10.35pm.

It has been a Carling Cup run has certainly not been for the faint of heart.

Sammy Ameobi sunk Scunthorpe in extra time, Fabricio Coloccini chopped down Nottingham Forest at the death and now this – a most unlikely, incredible salvage job that was ruined by a momentary defensive lapse.

At least there are positives to take from the end of both the Carling Cup dream and the unbeaten record.

For while we knew the class of 2011 had resolve, few knew about the resolves of spirit that they dredged to bounce back from a two goal deficit when the clock ticked around to the 92nd minute. Danny Guthrie’s drive was crisp and true but after a match in which United were second best for long periods, it seemed like no more than a consolation.

Then came a sumptuous 95th minute free-kick from Yohan "Dreamboat" Cabaye that soared past Mark Bunn to send the bench and away end into raptures. Job done? Not even slightly.

Morten Gamst Pederson’s deflected free-kick was cancelled out by a controversial Peter Lovenkrands penalty before the dramatic, damning conclusion that saw Givet stoop low to send United tumbling out.

Few could have foreseen the drama that was to unfold before the game.

Certainly not the locals who boycotted the game in a further protest against unpopular boss Steve Kean.

More fool them, for they missed a bright start from their side that conjured an opening goal in the first five minutes.

They had threatened before then – Junior Hoillet’s smart speedy break down Newcastle’s right hand side resulting in a cross that required evasive action from debutant Davide Santon to prevent a Rochina opener.

The former Barcelona winger had scored in both previous rounds for Rovers and rocked United a couple of minutes later with a fine strike after Hoilett – again – had teed up Martin Olsson to terrorise defender Danny Simpson.

Behind for only the fourth time this season, United’s response was almost immediate.

Hatem Ben Arfa’s slide rule pass slipped the offside trap but the advancing Demba Ba cracked the upright when he seemed odds on to restore parity.

Still, United were wobbling.