Newcastle last night gained what they wanted: revenge. But it was far from easy and Kenny Dalglish's team cannot say they delivered the part-timers of Stevenage Borough a lesson.

It took two goals by Alan Shearer, in the 16th and 65th minutes, to beat the side from the Vauxhall Conference, who set up a fascinating finish when Gary Crawshaw scored with a sweet volley in the 74th minute. It was well merited.

The depth of hostility generated by Stevenage's claims and Newcastle's counter-claims was revealed just before kick-off. Having run to the centre-circle to offer conciliatory applause, Stevenage's players were booed by the biggest crowd they have encountered.

The visitors were not intimidated by it. Even without the man who earned them the replay, Giuliano Grazioli, Borough began with three forwards. They saw enough of the ball early for Neil Trebble to embarrass Steve Howie, and for Stuart Beevor to worry Shaka Hislop with a 20-yard shot.

But Newcastle had also gone close early, Philippe Albert hitting the side-netting after two minutes, and their immediate response to Beevor's effort was Shearer's opening goal.

After a quick free-kick by Rob Lee, Alessandro Pistone crossed deep from the left, where Shearer had peeled off his marker. The England centre-forward headed down powerfully beyond Des Gallagher, but Mark Smith made a valiant goalline clearance and it was the linesman, rather than the referee, who ruled it a goal. It must have been a close call, but there were no complaints from Smith or Gallagher.

Thereafter, though, Stevenage kept their shape and composure, and before half-time Newcastle were restricted to long-range shooting from Lee, David Batty and Howey. All these efforts flew wide.

A minute before the break, Dean Wordsworth struck a low drive from 20 yards that was watched anxiously by Hislop as it dribbled past his right-hand post.

The key for Newcastle, if they were going to emphasise their alleged superiority, was the involvement of Keith Gillespie. The winger had plenty of first-half possession but often lacked an outlet. Yet within a minute of the re-start his crossing provided Newcastle with two useful chances.

The first fell to Jon Dahl Thomasson - included because the £3 million signing Andreas Andersson was Cup-tied - but his half-volley sailed over. The second, a free-kick, was met by Shearer, but his header landed softly in Gallagher's grasp.

A few minutes later Shearer had a powerful, curling free-kick acrobatically turned away by Gallagher, although if that suggested Newcastle domination, it should be said that Stevenage's interest was still very much alive.

An hour passed before Shearer got his second, stooping to nod in Lee's chip from three yards. Yet Stevenage refused to collapse and 16 minutes from the end Crawshaw punished Albert's slackness and volleyed in a centre from the substitute Niall Inman. It was no less than they deserved.

Kenny Dalglish refused to end the war of words with Stevenage, as he claimed the non-leaguers would have been charged by the FA if they were a Premiership side.While Dalglish paid some tribute to Paul Fairclough's side for their efforts on the pitch, he continued the verbal conflict between the sides with an outspoken attack off it."On the pitch they've been a credit to themselves, to the club and to the town of Stevenage," said Dalglish."But off it they've got a lot to learn about manners. If they were a Premier League club they would have probably been done up for bringing the game into disrepute."They left a lot to be desired. I think they were totally disrespectful to ourselves and several individuals."Fairclough spoke of his pride in his team. "People talk about heroic performances and it's a cliche but our players were all absolutely heroic tonight."I looked across at their bench when Gary Crawshaw scored for us and I could see fear in the faces on the other side."There was still 16 minutes to go and something might have happened. It didn't, but we know we can be very proud."Newcastle: Hislop, Watson (Barton 22), Pistone, Howey (Beresford 81), Albert, Pearce, Batty, Lee, Gillespie, Tomasson (Ketsbaia 78), Shearer. Subs Not Used: Given, Rush. Goals: Shearer 16, 65.

Stevenage: Gallagher, Dillnutt, March, Smith, Trott, Beevor, Perkins (Fenton 70), Wordsworth (Thompson 72), Crawshaw, Trebble, Stapleton (Inman 34). Subs Not Used: Cretton, Wilmot. Booked: Beevor, Trott. Goals: Crawshaw 74.

Referee: P Jones (Loughborough).