A last-gasp header from teenage midfielder Lewis Miley sent Carabao Cup holders Newcastle United into the semi-finals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Fulham at St James's Park on Wednesday night.
Wissa Breakthrough and Swift Fulham Response
The match, played on Wednesday 17 December 2025, saw Newcastle take the lead through a significant moment for summer signing Yoane Wissa. Making his first full start for the Magpies, the forward finally opened his account for the club in the 10th minute. The move originated from a superb cross-field pass by Fabian Schar to Jacob Murphy, whose low cross was parried by Fulham goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte straight into Wissa's path for a simple finish.
Fulham's response was swift, arriving just six minutes later. Captain Joachim Andersen found Antonee Robinson on the left, and his delivered cross was met by a powerful, unchecked header from midfielder Sasa Lukic, who nodded past Aaron Ramsdale to level the score.
Cagey Battle Sets Stage for Late Drama
The remainder of the first half and much of the second was a tightly-contested affair. Bruno Guimaraes forced Lecomte into a save, while at the other end, Ramsdale denied Kevin. Newcastle thought they had retaken the lead in the 65th minute when Andersen turned the ball into his own net, but the effort was ruled out for offside against Jacob Murphy.
The game grew increasingly cagey, with both sides making substitutions. Newcastle's defensive injury woes deepened when Tino Livramento was forced off, replaced by Alex Murphy. As the clock ticked towards 90 minutes, a penalty shootout seemed inevitable.
Miley Emerges as Stoppage-Time Hero
In a final push for a winner, Newcastle won a corner in the second minute of added time. Substitute Sandro Tonali delivered the set-piece into the box, where 19-year-old Lewis Miley rose to flick a clever header that looped over Lecomte and into the net, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Fulham launched one final attack, with Kenny Tete firing over the bar, but Newcastle saw out the remaining moments to secure their place in the final four. The victory provides a perfect response for Eddie Howe's side following their derby defeat to Sunderland at the weekend, keeping their defence of the Carabao Cup firmly on track.
