Saint-Maximin’s strike sends Newcastle through in the FA Cup

After squandering a two-goal lead, Newcastle United advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup by way of Allan Saint-Maximin’s extra-time winner.

Despite needing extra time after squandering a two-goal lead, Newcastle United have finally advanced past the fourth round of the FA Cup. The Magpies defeated Oxford United, in a replay after a previous scoreless draw, at Kassam Stadium by a 3-2 scoreline.

Joelinton was able to set up Sean Longstaff for the opening goal in the 15th minute as the midfielder buried a shot from just inside the area. The duo would hook up again as the elder Longstaff sent a long pass forward to the Brazilian striker. Joelinton controlled the ball and finished the play with a calm finish around the Oxford United keeper.

Less than ten minutes after doubling Newcastle’s lead, Joelinton departed the match after dealing with a potential knock on his hip. He was replaced by Allan Saint-Maximin, leaving Steve Bruce’s side with zero true strikers on the pitch or the bench.

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In the second half, Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron, and DeAndre Yedlin tried to get in behind the Oxford defense to find a third, but they were unable to add to the lead. With Oxford pressing the action, substitute Liam Kelly buried a free kick over the wall in the 84th minute.

Newcastle almost put things away a few minutes later, but Sean Longstaff pulled his effort wide from a good position in the area. That miss would prove costly for NUFC. In the last moments of stoppage time, a free kick led to Nathan Holland burying a first-time shot past Karl Darlow to equalize.

During the additional time, Oxford United kept their momentum from the end of regular time and pressed the Newcastle defense. But, they couldn’t break the deadlock. With three minutes left before penalty kicks would decide the match, Saint-Maximin skipped past some Oxford defenders before he blasted a shot into the back of the net. He had deferred to his teammates multiple times before deciding to do it himself when the time was right.

Now, the Magpies get beyond the fourth round for the first time since the 2005-06 version of the tournament when they were defeated by Chelsea in the quarterfinals. They will travel to face West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns. The Baggies defeated West Ham to advance into the fifth round.