Newcastle United beat League Two outfit Wimbledon 1-0 to make it to the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.
Manager Eddie Howe had made eight changes to the team that held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw last weekend. Only Joelinton, Harvey Barnes and Fabian Schar kept their first-team spots in Tuesday’s game, while William Osula was handed his full debut.
Wimbledon defended well in the first-half, limiting their opposition to a few chances only.
However, the Magpies broke the deadlock just before the interval when they received a penalty after Miguel Almiron was fouled in the box by Joe Pigott.
Fabian Schar stepped up to take the spot kick and calmly converted to put his side 1-0 ahead.
Newcastle failed to extend their scoreline in the second half, but they cruised to a comfortable victory in the end.
The result means the Tyneside club will now face Chelsea in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup at the end of the month.
Former Scotland international Pat Nevin praised Eddie Howe’s team for controlling the game but also said he felt sorry for Wimbledon because they fought well.
Pat Nevin told BBC Sport: “Newcastle were the better team, they controlled the game, they had a few chances, they never looked like losing it. However I felt sorry for Johnnie Jackson.
“A crazy week for the new version of the crazy gang but they fought, they battled, they have got some great personalities in that team”.
It wasn’t a convincing performance from Newcastle who struggled to create many goalscoring opportunities.
However, they will be happy to secure a comfortable victory that ensured their progress to the last 16 of the domestic competition.
Fabian Schar was the standout performer as he provided the vital goal for the Magpies.
The central defender also had 107 touches in the game and boasted over 90 percent pass accuracy. He also registered three interceptions, two clearances and a tackle.
Stats from Sofascore
