Blackburn 1 Newcastle 1 (3-4 on pens): Toon survive huge scare to progress in FA Cup and keep trophy dream alive
EDDIE HOWE’S job prospects are just about safe for a little while longer yet.
Honking Newcastle stunk out Ewood Park but they are now three wins away from that elusive first domestic trophy since 1955.
GettyNewcastle celebrate their FA Cup escape as they won on spot-kicks[/caption]
APNewcastle keeper Martin Dubravka saves the final penalty from Dom Hyam[/caption]
GettyDubravka thwards Hyam, having been Toon’s main man all night[/caption]
GettySammie Szmodics and Co react to Rovers’ shootout woe[/caption]
They may be in the hat thanks to penalties hero Martin Dubravka, but all is not well.
With their league form tanking, the Magpies’ season is still flickering.
Yet Blackburn, with just one Championship win in 13, gave them one hell of a fright and will be kicking themselves they didn’t knock the Saudi-funded Tynesiders out.
Barring Dubravka, the Geordies were rotten here and Howe desperately needs to find the answers if he wants to remain in post long-term.
Anthony Gordon fired them ahead but Sammie Szmodics pegged them back, with Dom Hyan missing the all-important penalty for valiant Rovers.
And so to penalties, with Newcastle’s Fabian Schar slotting the first into the bottom corner.
Dubravka then saved from Szmodics before Pears gobbled up Barnes’ woeful attempt.
Callum Brittain levelled it up but Bruno Guimaraes slotted home to make it 2-1.
GettySzmodics smashed his deserved equaliser, but in vain[/caption]
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ReutersAnthony Gordon rifled home the opener on 71 minutes[/caption]
The pressure was then on Sigurdsson but he made no mistake, with Elliot Anderson and Yasin Ayari both scoring to leave it 3-3.
Newcastle’s Gordon fired down the middle so Dom Hyam had to score, but Dubravka flung himself to his right and tipped onto the post.
Newcastle showed their relief as they celebrated wildly.
Fans – as much as Howe – are desperate for silverware, especially after slipping to 10th in the Prem.
AlamyNiall Ennis and Co hail Szmodics’ 79th minute leveller for Blackburn[/caption]
PAAnthony Gordon celebrates his Newcastle opener[/caption]
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