Newcastle laboured to a 1-0 win over League Two side AFC Wimbledon to book their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
In a game that was rescheduled, and then reversed to St James’ Park due to AFC Wimbledon’s unfortunate pitch problems, it took a Fabian Schar penalty to split the sides, who are separated in the league pyramid by 72 places.
Eddie Howe’s much-changed side, with eight swaps from the weekend’s draw with Manchester City, were frustrated by their fourth-tier visitors, and made hard work of things until Miguel Almiron was felled by Joe Pigott in first-half stoppage time.
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Newcastle defender Fabian Schar nonchalantly puts the Magpies 1-0 up against AFC Wimbledon with a coolly-taken penalty
Schar despatched the resulting spot-kick with a calm, composed finish, which ultimately proved decisive, without being altogether convincing.
Newcastle United’s Fabian Schar (left) celebrates scoring the winning goal against AFC Wimbledon
On a more positive note, Howe got to trial the use of 21-year-old striker Will Osula – a £10m summer signing from Sheffield United – in the absence of injured duo Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, who may yet be missing for a number of weeks.
Osula was sharp on the ball, and might give Howe another option in attack, after he was forced to deploy Anthony Gordon as a false 9 against Man City.
AFC Wimbledon were combative and defended well throughout
2023 finalists Newcastle now advance to a fourth-round meeting with Chelsea, which will take place at the end of October.
Howe frustrated by slow tempo
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe:
“It’s job done. We’re through to the next round, that’s the most important thing always in these competitions.
“It was a very difficult game and I was frustrated with our attacking play, especially in the first half we didn’t move the ball quickly enough and weren’t dynamic enough, but the positive was that we defended really well.”
Carabao Cup fourth-round draw in full
Brentford vs Sheffield Wednesday
Southampton vs Stoke City
Tottenham vs Man City
Newcastle vs Chelsea
Man United vs Leicester
Brighton vs Liverpool
Preston vs Arsenal
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
Key dates for rest of the competition
Quarter-final: w/c December 16
Semi-final: w/c January 6 2025 (first leg) & w/c February 3 2025 (second leg)
Final: Sunday March 16 2025
