Lewis Miley strikes late as Newcastle edge Fulham in Carabao Cup quarter final | OneFootball

Newcastle edge Fulham in late Carabao Cup drama

Newcastle’s relationship with the Carabao Cup continues to feel purposeful and oddly intimate. On a cold night at St James’ Park, when tension crept steadily towards penalties, it was a teenager who provided clarity. Lewis Miley, still learning the boundaries of senior football, rose at the near post in stoppage time to head Newcastle past Fulham and into the semi finals. The holders won 2-1, a scoreline that reflected persistence more than polish.

This was meant to be a night of reassurance after a bruising derby defeat at the weekend. Instead, it became something more revealing. Newcastle were uneven, occasionally vulnerable, but emotionally engaged. Fulham, organised and quietly confident, sensed the opportunity to frustrate a side still finding its footing. For long spells, they succeeded.

Early promise and familiar flaws

Newcastle began with intent. Yoane Wissa, making his first start since returning from injury and since completing his £55m move from Brentford, brought energy and sharpness. When Jacob Murphy’s first time cross was only partially dealt with by Benjamin Lecomte, Wissa reacted quickest, bundling the ball home from close range.

The lead did not settle Newcastle. Defensive uncertainty crept in, particularly down the right, where Antonee Robinson found space to deliver. His cross picked out Sasa Lukic, unmarked, and the Fulham midfielder powered a header past Aaron Ramsdale. It was a reminder that Newcastle’s structure, disrupted by injuries and rotation, remains fragile.

Fulham were comfortable for spells after the equaliser. Newcastle had the ball but little rhythm. Bruno Guimaraes tested Lecomte with a swerving effort, Harvey Barnes forced a low save, and Miley himself was denied late on. Still, the sense lingered that the night might drift towards penalties.

Lewis Miley and responsibility beyond years

Miley’s contribution extended far beyond the decisive moment. With Newcastle stripped of full backs, he filled in at right back, a role far removed from his natural instincts. He did so without fuss, covering ground, making sensible decisions, and never retreating from responsibility.

When Sandro Tonali swung in a corner deep into stoppage time, the moment seemed almost preordained. Miley attacked the space, glanced his header home, and was swallowed by noise. It felt significant, not simply because of the goal, but because of what it represented. Trust, opportunity, and a young player answering a call.

Eddie Howe needed that response. Supporters had sung his name throughout, understanding the context even if the frustration of recent days lingered. This was not redemption, but it was reassurance.

Fulham left with familiar regrets

For Fulham, the ending carried a sense of deja vu. Just weeks earlier, they had conceded a late winner at the same ground in the Premier League, again by 2-1. This time, the stakes were higher. A place in the EFL Cup semi finals had been within reach.

Marco Silva will regret missed counter attacking opportunities, particularly one first half moment when Kevin failed to find the in form Harry Wilson, leaving the Fulham manager doubled over on the touchline. Yet there was resilience here, especially given the absence of Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze, all away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Fulham depart with disappointment but not discredit. Newcastle move on, reminded once more that this competition continues to bring out something essential in them.