Newcastle have revenge after opportunity after Wimbledon win

But cup success undoubtedly would, and while the Magpies still have a long way to go in the Carabao Cup – and a testing tie against Chelsea in the fourth round – their dreams of silverware are still alive in a competition that has been kind to Eddie Howe since he took charge on Tyneside.

Unlike PSG last year, League Two Wimbledon made life extremely difficult for Newcastle, but Howe’s side deservedly progressed last night, even if they needed a helping hand and the award of a soft penalty on the stroke of half-time that was despatched coolly by Fabian Schar.

That came after 45 minutes of frustration and was followed by 45 minutes of largely uneventful action. Wimbledon will head for home having not managed a single shot on goal. But the Dons still emerged with credit after an incredibly difficult week for the League Two club, sparked by the flooding that caused a sinkhole to appear in their Plough Lane pitch and force the postponement of the initially scheduled tie last week.

More than 1,500 Wimbledon supporters made the trip and held aloft a banner: ‘Thank you Toon, thank you everyone’ – a show of thanks to the football world, and in particular Newcastle, for their support. More than £120,000 has been raised in the last seven days, including a £15,000 donation from United.

Amid the immense difficulties for Wimbledon, a bond has been formed with Newcastle – who ensured this third round tie could still go ahead after offering to play host on Tyneside.

But after their support off the pitch, Newcastle had to ensure they took care business on it. And while Howe made the changes he’d hinted at – eight of them in total – the side was still strong. Tino Livramento, Emil Krafth and Lloyd Kelly joined Fabian Schar in defence defence, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff came into the midfield with Joelinton and Harvey Barnes and Miguel Almiron were supporting full debutant Will Osula.

It was, in short, a team that should have always had far too much for their League Two visitors, who had only once before reached this stage of the League Cup.

But Wimbledon didn’t plan to roll over. They were organised and resolute in the early stages and despite having less than 20% of possession in the opening quarter of an hour, they didn’t allow Newcastle a single shot on goal. Almiron did have the ball in the net for United but was too eager to meet Schar’s long forward pass and had strayed offside. Osula beat the offside trap but got the ball caught under his feet. Longstaff had Newcastle’s first shot on target but it was easily saved.

The Wimbledon fans were enjoying themselves: ‘Premier League, you’ve having a laugh’, they chanted. Barnes almost showed a moment of Premier League quality when he cut in from the left and curled just wide of the far post. Almiron then got the timing of his run right to meet another raking Schar pass but lacked composure and lashed over.

An impatient cry from the home fans just after the half hour mark told of Newcastle’s lack of intensity. Visiting boss Johnnie Jackson turned to his bench satisfied after another attack ended with the ball rolling harmlessly into the hands of keeper Goodman.

His opposite number Dubravka had been a passenger until a painful collision with Wimbledon striker Omar Bugiel. Both John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachodimos were sent to warm-up and, the day after Howe admitted he was in an “unusual” situation when it comes to goalkeepers, Vlachodimos – who hadn’t been named in a matchday squad prior to Wimbledon’s visit – did at least learnt that he was third choice keeper when he got the nod to replace the injured Dubravka at half-time.

By that stage Newcastle were 1-0 up, Schar coolly converting his penalty, the award of which left Jackson fuming and resulted in the Wimbledon boss waiting by the tunnel at half-time to make his feelings known to referee Darren Bond.

Schar was Newcastle’s matchwinner and best performer, a reminder – even on a low-key night like this – of his importance to Howe.

Despite getting their noses in front, Newcastle’s boss still felt the need to introduce captain Bruno Guimaraes at half-time. And just 15 minutes later Anthony Gordon was called from the bench.

Wimbledon showed no ambition to force their way back into the tie and spent the second half defending but did a good job of at least ensuring Newcastle couldn’t add to their advantage. The hosts had their moments but only three of their 16 shots were on target.

Osula worked hard but nothing really dropped for the striker in the box. He will, though, undoubtedly benefit from his first run out in black and white.

With Alexander Isak expected to be sidelined until after the international break, Gordon will likely lead the line on his return to Goodison Park this weekend.

A positive result there and Newcastle will head into the second international break of the season in good shape. They’ve responded to their Fulham setback with a confidence building draw against Manchester City and safe progress in the cup.

And in the next round of the Carabao Cup comes an opportunity for the Magpies to avenge that frustrating defeat at Chelsea in the quarter-final last year when United came within seconds of reaching the last four.