Wed Oct 02 07:37:42 UTC 2024: ## Newcastle Edge Past Wimbledon in Carabao Cup Thriller
Newcastle United secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over League Two side AFC Wimbledon in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. The match, which was originally scheduled for Wimbledon’s home ground but was moved to St James’ Park due to pitch issues, saw the Premier League side struggle to break down their lower-league opponents.
The winning goal arrived in first-half stoppage time when Fabian Schar calmly slotted home a penalty after Joe Pigott brought down Miguel Almiron.
Eddie Howe’s side, featuring eight changes from their weekend draw with Manchester City, struggled to create clear-cut chances and were frustrated by Wimbledon’s resolute defense.
The win, however, allowed Howe to experiment with new signings, including 21-year-old striker Will Osula, who impressed in the absence of injured duo Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.
The victory sets up a fourth-round clash with Chelsea at St James’ Park later this month.
“It’s job done,” said manager Eddie Howe. “We’re through to the next round, that’s the most important thing in these competitions. It was a very difficult game, and I was frustrated with our attacking play, especially in the first half. We didn’t move the ball quickly enough and weren’t dynamic enough, but the positive was that we defended really well.”
First Piper 