Blackburn 1-1 Newcastle (3-4 on pens): Dubravka bails out below-par Mags
An unconvincing performance saw Newcastle need extra time and penalties to beat Championship strugglers Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup Fifth Round.
Anthony Gordon’s second half goal was cancelled out by a Sammie Szmodics tap in before penalty hero Martin Dubravka was the difference in the shootout. It wasn't pretty and the performance was a concern after we hoped for a real response to Saturday's beating at Arsenal, but we're into the quarter finals!
Eddie Howe made five changes from the team that were humbled in the capital, with Joe Willock making a long-awaited return to the starting line-up.
Newcastle were frustrated by dogged Rovers defending throughout the first-half and were hit on the break a few times. Championship top scorer Szmodics came the closest to breaking the deadlock in the first 45 minutes.
Howe’s Mags were never really close to scoring in the first-half and the final ball was always lacking, including uncharacteristically poor passing from Bruno.
A 60th minute goal mouth scramble could not even find the net for the Toon on what seemed to be heading towards a frustrating end to the game.
The Geordies kept knocking on the door and Gordon had several chances, culminating in the deadlock being finally broken. A lofted ball from Trippier through for Almiron on the right sent him beyond the defenders.
Almiron stayed composed and rolled it back for Gordon who slotted it home to a collective breath of relief from Magpies everywhere.
It felt like a huge goal, but it was a short lived relief. Blackburn were not giving up on the tie and Markanday forced a stunning save from Dubravka, who turned the ball onto the bar with Szmodics there to tap the ball in on the rebound.
And so extra time beckoned and the game stretched to a proper end-to-end cup tie. Although, the fact Blackburn were still in it at this point was particularly disappointing given their league standing.
Pears had a fine evening between the sticks for Rovers, making some top notch saves in extra time, including a frustratingly good double to deny Gordon and then Longstaff. Saying that, both really should've scored.
The Toon could have won it in the 20th minute of extra time after some brilliant footwork from Gordon in the box set the ball up for Bruno. He smashed the ball off a defender on the line and Barnes shanked the ball wide from a tight angle.
But penalties were needed and the lottery was decided by two crucial saves from Dubravka who stopped Szmodics and Hyam’s spot kicks after Schar, Bruno, Anderson and Gordon all converted in front of the travelling Toon Army.
So, we progress to the quarter final after a 4-3 penalty shootout win. Another unconvincing display, but we're into the hat and one win away from the semis at Wembley.
The draw will take place at 7pm on Wednesday February 28.
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