Miley Sends Newcastle into Carabao Cup Semifinals

Late drama at St James’ Park

Lewis Miley was the unlikely hero as his stoppage-time header fired holders Newcastle into the Carabao Cup semifinals with a dramatic 2-1 win over Fulham. The 19-year-old struck in the second minute of added time to spare the Magpies a penalty shootout and deliver a timely response after their derby defeat to Sunderland.

Newcastle made a fast start and took the lead inside 10 minutes. A brilliant cross-field pass from Fabian Schär released Jacob Murphy on the right, and his low delivery was parried by Fulham goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte straight into the path of Yoane Wissa, who stabbed home his first goal for the club.

Fulham hit back quickly

Fulham responded well and were level just six minutes later. Captain Joachim Andersen picked out Antonee Robinson on the left, whose inviting cross found Sasa Lukic arriving unmarked to head past Aaron Ramsdale. It was a deserved equaliser after a confident opening spell from the visitors.

Both sides created chances before the break. Wissa mistimed a header at one end, while Ramsdale was forced into action to deny Fulham at the other. Newcastle pushed for a second goal through Bruno Guimarães and Murphy, but Fulham defended stubbornly.

Tense second half with few openings

The second half was tight and cautious as neither team wanted to concede. Harvey Barnes forced a low save from Lecomte, while Fulham came close through Emile Smith Rowe. Newcastle thought they had regained the lead when Andersen turned Murphy’s cross into his own net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Eddie Howe introduced Sandro Tonali and Nick Woltemade in search of a breakthrough, though Newcastle suffered a setback when Tino Livramento was forced off injured, further stretching their defensive options.

Miley delivers the decisive moment

As the match drifted toward penalties, Newcastle pushed forward once more. Guimarães saw a cross cleared and Miley forced a save from Lecomte, earning a corner. From Tonali’s delivery, the teenager flicked a looping header into the net, sending St James’ Park into celebration.

Fulham had one last chance through Kenny Tete, but Newcastle held firm to secure their place in the final four and keep their Carabao Cup defence alive.