Newcastle United took on Fulham this Saturday with a trip to Craven Cottage in the fourth round of the FA Cup. United were hoping to progress in order to continue a good cup run to lift supporters spirits after a relatively underwhelming season so far. After an empathic win over Tyne and Wear rivals Sunderland in the previous round at the beginning of the month, there were lots of positives to be taken. The encounter looked promising for an exciting match, with both clubs experiencing a similar season in the Premier League, with Newcastle sitting in 10th position and Fulham in 13th. However, the Toon’s record was more favourable against their London counterparts, with United winning 47% of the previous matches in the fixture.

The extensive injury list shows little sign of improvement, to the dismay of the Geordie faithful and Eddie Howe, with several long-term members, including Joelinton and Nick Pope, still unavailable. However, the return of Jacob Murphy to the starting lineup after a shoulder injury surely brought some smiles to the Mags’ fans when reading the team sheet. Recent transfer speculation continued, with Miguel Almiron a noteable absentee from the matchday squad. But the main attention was on the eleven names beginning the game, with Martin Dubravka playing his 11th consecutive game. A strong defensive unit consisted of Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Fabian Schär, and Kieran Trippier, despite circulating rumours hinting at a move away. Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, and Lewis Miley offered a lot of creativity in midfield, looking to play forward to Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, and Jacob Murphy—a dangerous-looking line of attack.

As for the Cottagers, Marco Silva opted for a heavy rotation of seven players from their midweek match with Liverpool. A 4-2-3-1 formation was made up of cup goalkeeper Marek Rodrak, Antoine Robinson, Issa Diop, Tim Ream, and Kenny Tete. Sasa Lukic and Harrison Reed looked to protect the Fulham defence and break through Harry Wilson, Andreas Pereira, and Bobby Reid, who would be hoping to utilise striker Rodrigo Muniz.

Both teams started poorly, with substandard touches and sloppy passes being a common theme of the opening 15 minutes. It wasn’t until the 14th minute that an opportunity of real danger was presented to either team, as a scramble after a Trippier corner led to a strong, low shot from Gordon on the edge of the box being dragged narrowly wide.

Just two minutes later, an excellent diving save from Dubravka was able to deny Muniz’ sidefoot attempt after Newcastle lost the ball in midfield and Fulham were able to counter dangerously.

The following 20 minutes were quiet, with chances proving to be hard to come by, until Muniz was able to get a strong shot away after a good cross by Robinson, which was deflected wide through Botman.

Shortly after, another scramble in the Fulham box led to the ball deflecting onto Bruno’s arm, which appeared to be in a natural position, before landing perfectly at the feet of Longstaff, who fired it goalwards with a first-time hit as it bounced. A review from Tony Harrington as VAR confirmed the contact with the ball and Bruno’s arm was unintentional, and the goal stood, meaning Newcastle took the lead in the 39th minute. 0-1!

Newcastle fans breathed a brief sigh of relief as they thought they’d doubled their advantage after Murphy’s shot was smashed into the back of the net, but the flag was raised promptly after and the goal was ruled out.

The second half began with Newcastle unable to get a grip of the ball, with Fulham able to control the majority of possession and tempo. However, after being unable to capitalise on any chances created, the Mags were able to take a chance. A corner swung in by Trippier in the 62nd minute was met by a powerful, downward header by Botman. Rodak was able to get two palms on the ball but pushed it straight back into the path of an onrushing Burn, who was able to swing and strike the ball into the back of the net from only a few yards out. 0-2!

After Howe’s men increased their advantage against the run of play, Fulham began to appear discomposed, and possession switched as Newcastle dominated the ball. The search for a third continued, but few chances were produced as Fulham were persistent in their defending.

The travelling Geordies ensured their voices were heard as they sang out to their team, who were still searching for a third goal to finish the game and assure their place in the fifth round. However, the best chance fell to the home side, as substitute Jimenez beat Botman to a header, but he was unable to find the target, and the ball flew just over, missing the chance to get back in it with ten minutes of the match remaining.

The Magpies were able to manage the final stretch effectively, controlling possession comfortably in their own half. With six minutes added on at the end of the 90, it looked like Newcastle were going to be able to hold onto the clean sheet. A last chance fell to Fulham substitute Cairney to pull one back for the Cottagers, as he found himself with time and space in the box, but the shot was poor and curved away from Dubravka’s goal.

The match was brought to a close, which was met with an enthusiastic cheer from the travelling Black and White army, who, despite seeing their team looking poor at points, were delighted to have secured a place in the fifth round, where they’ll face either Blackburn Rovers or Wrexham away from home. Up next for the Magpies is a trip to the midlands against Unai Emery’s high-flying Aston Villa, who have been impressing with their overachieving season—a tough test for Eddie Howe’s men, who will be desperate for a crucial three points in order to remain in the top half of the table.