Seven things you might have missed from the FA Cup third-round replays

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There were three matches played out tonight in the FA Cup third round, with replays needed to separate six teams as they looked to progress to the next round of the competition.

Blackburn Rovers hosted Newcastle United after the two sides draw 1-1 at St James’ Park with a late Matt Ritchie penalty keeping the Premier League side’s name in the fourth round draw.

After Newcastle took an early two-goal lead, Blackburn fought back to 2-2 before half time. Neither side could find a winner in 90 minutes as the match entered extra time. However, it was the Premier League outfit who finished off winners, with two goals in extra time ensuring the match finished 4-2.

Stoke City were also involved in tonight’s FA Cup action after they drew 1-1 away to Shrewsbury Town. Like Newcastle, they found themselves 2-0 up, only for Shrewsbury to completely turn things around – scoring three times in 10 minutes – to secure an impressive away victory for the League One side and a shock defeat for Nathan Jones’ side.

Fellow League One high-achievers Luton Town – who played tonight without Jones in charge after his switch to the Potters – followed their creditable 0-0 draw away to Sheffield Wednesday in their previous battle with a well-fought but an ultimately disappointing 1-0 defeat to their Championship opposition.

Here are seven things you might have missed from tonight’s FA Cup third-round replay action.

What a turn around by Shrewsbury

With Stoke City 2-0 up after 70 minutes, at home and strong favourites to progress into the FA Cup fourth round, few would have put money on Shrewsbury fighting back and claiming a shock win this evening.

Well, football is a funny old thing and that is exactly what happened. James Bolton scored in the 71st minute to give his side a chance before a 77th-minute penalty was coolly converted by Fejiri Okenabirhie.

Midfielder Josh Laurent was the man who made himself a hero after shot from close range found the back of the net and completed the incredible turnaround.

Former Hull City defender Sam Ricketts is the manager at Shrewsbury Town and although he would have experienced many highs in his career to date, tonight’s result will be right up there for him, at least among his managerial achievements to date.

A night of first goals 

Stoke City striker Tyrese Campbell scored twice on his senior debut for the Potters, putting the Championship side ahead after 20 minutes of play.

16 minutes later, Campbell got his second with a well-taken volley which showed those in attendance that the 19-year-old certainly has some potential. His dad, a certain Kevin Campbell of Arsenal and Everton fame, will be an extremely proud man tonight.

Elsewhere, there was a first Newcastle goal for Longstaff this evening who didn’t have to wait long in tonight’s match to get his name on the scoresheet.

Newcastle’s second goal of the evening came courtesy of young winger Callum Roberts, with the 21-year-old making his full senior team debut this evening.

Neat work from Jacob Murphy down the right allowed the former Norwich City winger to cross the ball in for Roberts who tucked away his first and Newcastle’s second of the evening with a coolness that will please the Geordies.

An early Newcastle United goal

Sean Longstaff – who has had two brief Premier League outings so far this campaign – helped Rafa Benitez’s side off to a great start at Ewood Park with a 25-yard-strike before a minute had been played.

Just 56 seconds into the match and Newcastle were 1-0 up away to Tony Mowbray’s Championship side.

Admittedly, it was deflected and Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper David Raya had little chance as the ball hit the other side of his goal but the goal will do Longstaff – who is highly thought of up in the north – a world of good.

Luton struggle without their number one guy

Luton Town knew they would be in for a tough evening against Sheffield Wednesday before the departure of manager Nathan Jones to Stoke.

They did well to contain the Championship side throughout the entire first half, with Luton having their fair share of possession and half chances.

However, Sheffield Wednesday were 1-0 up less than two minutes into the second 45, with club striker Atdhe Nuhiu converting a left footed shot into the top right corner.

The score remained at 1-0 and Sheffield Wednesday are the side who will have to go to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in the next round.

Jones first outing at Bet365 Stadium

Just six days ago, Jones decided to move 125 miles north to preside over matters at Stoke City.

Relegated last season, the Potters have disappointed this season and are currently eight points off the play-off places, hence the decision to get rid of former manager Gary Rowett.

After a poor performance away at Brentford – where Jones’ side lost 3-1 in his first match in charge – tonight’s performance, albeit against a lower league side, was a match that Jones was expected to win and for a long time it was looking that way until a late Shrewsbury turnaround.

Stoke have now conceded six goals in two games in Jones’ first two matches in charge.

Jones will not only have to perform fast to get Stoke back involved in the playoff race but also convince his new side that a home match against Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup fourth round wasn’t as enticing as it seemed.

Bad news for Lascelles 

The Newcastle United captain came on as a substitute in tonight’s match against Blackburn after the Geordies sacrificed an early two-goal advantage.

However, shortly after the second half began, Lascelles reached for his hamstring, indicating that he needed to leave the pitch.

He was eventually replaced by Issac Hayden but the main concern will be how long their main man will be absence from first-team action for.

With a key match at home to Cardiff City coming this Saturday, this is not good news for those in black and white.

A loyal Geordie scores against the Geordies

Having left St James’ Park in search of first-team action elsewhere, Adam Armstrong lined up against his former side this evening in the blue and white colours of Blackburn Rovers.

Poor defending from Newcastle in contrast to some good play from former Sunderland striker Danny Graham resulted in Armstrong scoring from close range and dragging the hosts back into the match at 2-1 after 33 minutes.

Armstrong only made 21 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle without scoring, but the life-long Newcastle United fan couldn’t bring himself to celebrate despite getting his seventh goal of the season to date.

The post Seven things you might have missed from the FA Cup third-round replays appeared first on Squawka News.



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