Newcastle avoid an upset, advance to the Carabao Cup quarterfinals

Newcastle United trailed most of the match, but a late equalizer and an edge on penalty kicks sends them through.

Newcastle United entered their Carabao Cup Round of 16 matchups as decided favorites over League Two side Newport County. But, the underdogs would take Steve Bruce’s side to penalty kicks before the Magpies were able to secure the win and avoid a massive upset.

Newport got on the board early at Rodney Parade. their home ground. A blast off the crossbar fell to Tristan Abrahams and his shot got past Mark Gillespie. It was a poor goal to concede by the Newcastle United keeper.

Jacob Murphy would be the primary action man as Newcastle searched for an equalizer. He tested Nick Townsend with some quality strikes from distance and was energetic on the ball going forward.

But, Murphy wouldn’t find the equalizer. That honor went to Jonjo Shelvey, who curled a lovely shot inside the far post in the 87th minute. The late goal forced the match to go into penalty kicks.

Each goalkeeper made a save in the first five shots for each side, but Brandon Cooper sailed his chance in sudden death after Sean Longstaff converted. Joelinton was the only NUFC player to miss from the spot.

In the win, Newcastle United had a massive edge in shots, 27-12, with ten going on frame compared to two for Newport. But, it was a very disappointing performance from a Premier League side against a club in the fourth division.

Now, the Magpies are back in the quarterfinals for the first time since the 2016-17 season. That year, they blasted Preston North End, 6-0, in the Round of 16 before losing to Hull City on penalty kicks.