Alan Tait took over as Newcastle Falcons coach at the end of last season

Newcastle coach Alan Tait believes that reaching the final of the LV= Cup will provide a "massive lift" to team spirit as they bid to stay in the Premiership.

Friday's last-gasp 21-20 semi-final victory at Harlequins was the Falcons' third win in a row.

And Tait admitted: "We have to look at our main priority in the Premiership.

"But it's a great honour to play in finals and we have worked really hard. I am sure this will give a massive lift to the club."

After beating relegation rivals Leeds, then producing a sensational second-half performance to see off Quins 33-18 at Kingston Park a week ago, Tait's men have moved seven points clear of danger with seven games left.

But pulling off a second successive win against Quins, thanks to Tame Tu'ipolutu's stoppage time try, has set up a final on Sunday week (20 March) at Franklin's Gardens against the winners of this Sunday's second semi between Gloucester and Newport Gwent Dragons.

And that set up Newcastle's first appearance in a final since winning the Powergen Cup in 2004.

We won it with a try worthy of winning a game of rugby Newcastle coach Alan Tait

"You can count on one hand as you go through your career the amount of times you win a game like that," said Tait.

"They had thrown everything at us. I had hardly sat in my seat and they were 7-0 up and Ugo Monye dropped a scoring opportunity as well.

"You ride your luck but I have to praise our lads for the effort they put in, they never say die. They have really battled.

"I feel for the Harlequins boys because it is a hard pill to swallow.

"But we didn't win it with a penalty. We won it with a try worthy of winning a game of rugby."

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