A stoppage-time header from local teenager Lewis Miley propelled Carabao Cup holders Newcastle United into the semi-finals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Fulham at St James' Park. The 93rd-minute winner lifted the gloom that had settled on Tyneside following Sunday's dismal defeat to rivals Sunderland.
A Tense Response to Derby Defeat
The atmosphere at kick-off was heavy with tension following what manager Eddie Howe had termed a "huge disappointment" in the loss at the Stadium of Light. Captain Bruno Guimarães had acknowledged in his programme notes that the team needed to make amends, with progression in the competition they won in March seen as paramount.
Despite their intent, Newcastle made a tentative start, hampered by defensive injuries that saw 19-year-old Miley deployed at right-back. Fulham capitalised on this uncertainty when Yoane Wissa, making his first start for the club, tapped home after just ten minutes. Benjamin Lecomte could only parry Jacob Murphy's cross into the path of the forward for a simple finish.
Fulham's Lead Short-Lived
The visitors' advantage lasted barely five minutes. Antonee Robinson delivered a superb cross from the left, and an unmarked Saša Lukić powered a header past Aaron Ramsdale to level the score. As the relentless rain eased, Newcastle began to find some rhythm, with Miley and Tino Livramento moving into midfield to help control possession.
Bruno Guimarães forced Lecomte into an unconvincing punch with a powerful drive, and Murphy had a close-range shot blocked by Sander Berge as the Magpies pressed. The second half began cagily, with both sides struggling to create clear openings, though Lecomte's handling remained suspect.
Miley Emerges as the Local Hero
With the game seemingly destined for penalties and the crowd's nerves fraying, Eddie Howe turned to his bench, introducing Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon. Fulham, well-organised under Marco Silva, remained a threat on the counter-attack.
The breakthrough finally came in the third minute of added time. From a corner delivered by substitute Tonali, Lewis Miley rose highest to head past Lecomte, sending the home support into delirium. The goal from the Stanley-born teenager secured Newcastle's place in the last four and provided a vital tonic after a difficult week.
The victory keeps alive Newcastle's defence of the Carabao Cup, a trophy that ended a 56-year wait for major silverware just nine months ago. The focus now shifts to the semi-final draw and a chance to return to Wembley.
