In a dramatic FA Cup fifth-round encounter at St. James’ Park, Danny Welbeck’s extra-time strike secured a 2-1 victory for Brighton & Hove Albion, knocking Newcastle United out of the competition.
Newcastle started strong, taking the lead in the 22nd minute when Alexander Isak confidently dispatched a penalty-his 57th goal in 98 appearances across all competitions. However, Brighton responded just before halftime, with Minteh Yakubu finding the net in the 44th minute to bring the game level.
The second half was a tense, hard-fought battle, with both teams desperate to gain the upper hand. Tariq Lamptey and Carlos Baleba received yellow cards, and Lamptey’s second booking saw Brighton reduced to ten men.
Newcastle soon suffered the same fate when Anthony Gordon also picked up a second yellow, leaving both sides with ten men for the final stretch.
Newcastle thought they had found the winner when Fabian Schär scored, but his effort was disallowed; mirroring an earlier denied goal for Isak.
With the match seemingly destined for penalties, Brighton found their hero in extra time. Danny Welbeck stepped up in the 114th minute, rifling home the decisive goal to send the Seagulls into the next round, crushing Newcastle’s hopes of FA Cup glory.
