Brighton secured a dramatic 2-1 extension victory over Newcastle in St. James’ Park to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
Danny Welbeck’s beautifully designed end in the 114th minute sealed the victory for the seagulls and punished Newcastle for missed opportunities in an incredibly entertaining competition.
The match started with a high pace, and both sides strived to sit on the driving seat.
Newcastle took the lead almost early when Alexander Isak’s header was blocked by Adam Webster and sailed his tracking over.
Brighton reacted with his own chance when Joao Pedro came into the box, but was stopped by Dan Burn.
The breakthrough took place in the 22nd minute when the former Newcastle winger Yankuba Minteh clumsy Tino Livramento brought down into the penalty area.
Referee Anthony Taylor did not hesitate to award the penalty, and Isak rose to confidently send the stain kick into the upper corner and to give the hosts the lead.
It is Danny Welbeck’s world, we only live in it.#Emirates facup pic.twitter.com/efibjnp2cz
– Emirates FA Cup (@emiratesfacup) March 2, 2025
Newcastle continued to push forward after the opener, and Isak thought that he had doubled its advantage with a brilliant first finish, just to have the goal for the sidelines.
Brighton tried to create clear opportunities, but grew into the game when half -time approached.
Their persistence paid off in the 44th minute when Joao Pedro played a perfectly weighted penalty for Minth. The Gambische Wing player stayed on his head and hit Martin Dubravka past, his shot let Kieran Trippier on his way.
Out of respect for his former club, Minteh refused to celebrate his old fans.
The second half was even more a fight, with both teams pressing for a winner. Newcastle had several options, especially when Joe Willock did not contact a cross that only needed a simple grade to convert.
Brighton also had chances, and Joao Pedro forced Dubravka strong rescue.
The game took a dramatic turn in the 83rd minute when Anthony Gordon was sent by Newcastle for a moment of madness.
After an offside decision, the winger Jan Paul van Hecke pushed into his head and asked the referee to swing a straight red card.
FT: What a victory in the FA Cup! 🤩
(1-2) 📲 #Newbha // #Bhaff 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/prtniuclhm
– Brighton & Hove Albion (@officialbhafc) March 2, 2025
Brighton wanted to use her numerical advantage, but Tariq Lamppty’s discharge in the stop time for a second bookable crime did the competitive area again.
With the score at 1: 1 after 90 minutes, the additional time was on the cards. Both teams seemed to be shaken, but continued to fight for a winning goal.
Newcastle came to an excruciatingly close in the 118th minute when Dan Burn’s powerful drive flashed only a few centimeters from the long contribution. But just a few moments later, Brighton delivered the killer blas.
Solly March found space on the right flank and played a perfectly time -controlled ball through ball to Welbeck, which had stayed on his head.
The English international showed a great serenity and raised the ball over the Onushing Dubravka to complete the turnaround for visitors.
Newcastle was desperately looking for a balance in the dying moments, but her efforts remained too short. When Willock fired a speculative shot in added time, Eddie Howes summarized the frustrations of the magpies to the touchline.
Brighton held out in the last seconds to secure her place in the quarter -finals and had Newcastle exposed to her missed opportunities and disciplinary problems.
The seagulls are now still marching in the FA Cup, while the magpies will have to resume Liverpool in two weeks in two weeks in front of their EFL Cup final, even though they now have to do so without the suspended Gordon.
