Newcastle are through to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup with a hard-fought victory over Bournemouth at St James’ Park.
Adam Smith’s own goal proved decisive for the home side, the defender inadvertently headed past Cherries goalkeeper Mark Travers from Kieran Trippier’s superb delivery.
It was no more than Eddie Howe’s side deserved with the home side creating most of the goal scoring chances.
Newcastle will find out who they meet in Thursday evening’s draw.
Magpies boss Howe included goalkeeper Nick Pope, full-back Trippier and forward Callum Wilson, who was part of England’s World Cup squad in Qatar, in the starting XI against Howe’s old club.
Switzerland defender Fabian Schar and Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes also started for the home side, who looked close to full strength in the first competitive outing for both clubs since November 12.
In front of a crowd of 51,579, Newcastle repeatedly came close to breaking the deadlock in the first half with Trippier, Schar, Miguel Almiron and Wilson going forward, the latter also having an effort ruled out for offside.
Gary O’Neil’s determined and disciplined Bournemouth side will be a bit unlucky though after not making the most of their few clear-cut chances.
Wales striker Keifer Moore headed wide when well placed, substitute Jack Stacey forced Pope into a fine save, and Dominic Solanke also had a late effort superbly saved by the Newcastle goalkeeper.
However, it ensured a fourth quarter-final appearance for Newcastle since 2014–15, having beaten the finalists in the 1975–76 season.
