Joe Willock delivered a decisive late strike that propelled Newcastle United into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, edging out Championship side Millwall 1-0 after a tense, hard‑fought encounter at The Den. The Magpies, who had been rattled early on by a near‑miss from Tairyk Arconte that clanged against the post, finally broke the deadlock with just nine minutes remaining, thanks to a well‑timed flick from Lewis Hall that Willock turned into the net. The match began with Newcastle asserting early pressure, but Millwall soon threatened to overturn the odds. In the opening minutes, Jacob Murphy sent a curling effort over the bar, marking the first competitive meeting between the two clubs since 1993.
Millwall’s young debutant goalkeeper, Filip Marschall, was tested in the 15th minute when Willock’s initial attempt was parried into the air, only to fall to left‑back Elkan Baggott rather than the waiting Yoane Wissa. Sven Botman rose to meet a Murphy corner, heading the ball narrowly wide at the far post, while Millwall’s own set‑piece danger manifested when Camiel Neghli’s free‑kick found Caleb Taylor, whose header skimmed just outside the frame. The Lions also introduced 15‑year‑old midfielder Regan Anderson, making him the club’s second‑youngest ever player, but the Magpies held their composure despite the youthful surge. The first half saw several chances on both sides.
A long‑range effort from Fabian Schar was deflected and rattled the side‑netting, leaving Marschall stranded. Millwall’s lone half‑time opportunity came when Lyndon Dykes connected with a cross from Baggott; his hooked shot was comfortably gathered by Lukas Hornicek. The score remained 0‑0 at the break, with both teams trading possession but failing to create a clear opening.
The second half opened brightly for Millwall. Within two minutes, Jenson Metcalfe unleashed a powerful strike that sailed just over the bar, followed by a free‑kick that saw captain Jake Cooper’s header drift wide. Newcastle struggled to assert dominance, though Harvey Barnes managed the Magpies’ second on‑target attempt in the 65th minute; his effort was easily saved by Marschall.
Manager Matthias Jaissle responded by introducing Anthony Elanga and recent signing Matías Fernández‑Pardo, hoping to inject fresh impetus. However, Millwall’s central defensive duo of Cooper and Caleb Taylor repelled wave after wave of Newcastle attacks. In the 79th minute, Arconte broke free from Tino Livramento, only to see his shot rebound off the near post, providing the closest brush with a goal for the home side.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 81st minute. Lewis Hall delivered a low cross into the six‑yard box, and Willock, timing his run perfectly, flicked the ball past a scrambling Marschall into the net. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the visitors and effectively sealed the match.
Post‑match, Lewis Hall praised the new coaching staff in an interview with Sky Sports, noting the shift in atmosphere: "There was a lot of negativity before everything happened and as soon as the gaffer came in, he's been top, as well as all of the coaching staff. The way he's got us playing is amazing and I can speak on behalf of everyone – we're really enjoying playing under him. We knew it was going to be tough. Whenever you come away in the cup, anything can happen, so we're really proud of the win and to keep a clean sheet as well." Willock reflected on the team's performance, emphasizing the importance of capitalising on chances: "We had a lot of chances in the first half, but we said at half‑time that we needed to take our chances.
Thankfully, in the second half we did, we got a goal and won the game. We won this competition before so it's very important to us. We've got a new coach and a lot of new players and we wanted to start the season well. I feel like we started it really well.
We need to continue, and this was a big game in keeping that momentum." Jaissle, speaking to Sky Sports, expressed satisfaction with the collective effort: "We're really happy. Job done. It's never going to be easy here at Millwall in a cup match, so we knew about that challenge and we faced it. It was about patience, but also being passionate, being tough, collecting the second balls and being efficient in front of their goal.
We used the chance and therefore I'm really proud. We matched the physical challenge quite well and made a step in the right direction compared to the first half against Bournemouth. We brought the fundamentals onto the pitch, therefore I'm pleased.
Joe is doing an excellent job. Since we joined, already in pre‑season, you saw that there is potential.
I'm really happy with the start so far. I think we show unity on the pitch and off the pitch already after such a short amount of time. But again, we are realistic.
We're happy, we're grateful for that start and now the focus is already towards Leeds. I love it – English football. Coming out for an evening match and knowing that atmosphere is something you dream about.
It's a privilege." The victory not only advances Newcastle to the next round of the Carabao Cup but also provides a morale boost for a squad integrating new personnel under Jaissle's leadership. With the win secured, the Magpies now set their sights on the upcoming clash with Leeds United, hoping to build on the resilience and tactical discipline displayed against Millwall.