A year on from Newcastle’s, Eddie Howe’s side negotiated an all-together different challenge to edge into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a hard-fought win over Wimbledon......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
The League Two side did a much better job of coping with Newcastle than Luis Enrique’s superstars managed 12 months ago.
But Fabian Schar’s penalty in first-half stoppage time ensured a safe passage with the club now having the opportunity for Carabao Cup revenge when they host Chelsea in the fourth round.
Newcastle looked set to reach the semi-finals last season only to be stung by a stoppage time Mykhailo Mudryk equaliser when the sides met at Stamford Bridge in the last eight, with.
It was one of Howe’s most frustrating nights as Newcastle manager, with the Englishman desperate to be the one who ends the long wait for silverware on Tyneside. And that dream is still alive thanks to Tuesday night’s scruffy success.
The fixture was scheduled to be played at Wimbledon last week but torrential rainfall caused the River Wandle to burst its banks, resulting inon the Plough Lane pitch.
More than £120,000 has been raised by Wimbledon supporters in the week since, including a £15,000 donation from Newcastle – prompting the 1,500 fans who travelled to the North East to unfurl a banner thanking their hosts for their support.
But Newcastle’s goodwill did not stretch to letting the League Two side advance – though Howe’s side were made to work against their lowly opponents.
Indeed, had it not been for the award of a soft penalty after Miguel Almiron had gone down under the challenge of Joe Pigott, the visitors would have been deservedly level at the break.
Prior to Schar’s cool opener from the spot, Newcastle had enjoyed more than 80 per cent of possession but struggled to turn their dominance of the ball into clear-cut chances against Johnnie Jackson’s resilient visitors.
Such was Newcastle’s struggle, Howe turned to his bench and Bruno Guimaraes – a player who has been on PSG’s radar in the past – at half-time, and just 15 minutes later Anthony Gordon was introduced.
United’s superstars could not force a second goal but their victory was never in doubt, with Wimbledon not managing a single shot on target.