Lewis Miley's Dramatic Late Header Sends Newcastle Through

NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND — The floodlights of St. James' Park illuminated a pulsating Carabao Cup encounter as Newcastle United secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Fulham deep into stoppage time. The Geordie faithful roared their approval as Lewis Miley's 92nd-minute header sent the Magpies through to the next round, capping a night where Newcastle dominated possession at 61.2% but needed until the final moments to break Fulham's stubborn resistance.

The match exploded into life within the opening 16 minutes, delivering three goals that set the tone for an absorbing cup tie. Yoane Wissa gave Newcastle the perfect start in the 10th minute, prodding home a right-footed effort from very close range to the bottom right corner. The lead lasted just six minutes. Sasa Lukic rose unmarked to meet Antonee Robinson's cross from the left, directing a precise header from the centre of the box into the bottom left corner to stun the home crowd. The visitors' celebrations had barely subsided when the pattern of the match became clear—Newcastle would dominate, but Fulham possessed the quality to hurt them on the break.

The tactical battle saw Bruno Guimarães and Jacob Ramsey control the midfield for Newcastle, constantly probing for openings against a disciplined Fulham backline marshalled by Jorge Cuenca. Benjamin Lecomte emerged as Fulham's hero between the posts, producing four vital saves to deny the hosts repeatedly. Harvey Barnes tested the French goalkeeper with a well-struck effort in the 59th minute, while Tino Livramento saw his attempt from the left side of the box turned away six minutes later. Kenny Tete and Sander Berge worked tirelessly to shield their defence, though Newcastle's attacking waves grew increasingly relentless.

Newcastle created more chances throughout, registering 14 shots to Fulham's six, with six efforts on target compared to the visitors' three. The Magpies pinned Fulham back for long stretches, yet the clinical edge eluded them as the clock ticked toward full-time. Jacob Murphy and Joe Willock saw efforts blocked or saved, while the introduction of Sandro Tonali and Nick Woltemade in the 72nd minute signalled Newcastle's intent to find a winner. The statistics told the story of dominance, but Fulham's defensive resolve threatened to force extra time.

The turning point arrived in the 91st minute when Newcastle won a corner on the right. Tonali's delivery arced perfectly toward the near post, where Miley timed his run to perfection. The young midfielder launched himself at the ball, his header from the left side of the six-yard box arrowing into the top right corner beyond Lecomte's despairing dive. St. James' Park erupted as Miley disappeared beneath a pile of jubilant teammates, his first goal of the evening proving to be the decisive blow in a match that had threatened to slip away from the hosts.

Looking ahead, Newcastle United will travel to face Chelsea on December 20, while Fulham host Nottingham Forest on December 22.