Joe Willock’s decisive strike in the dying moments propelled Newcastle United into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, edging out Championship side Millwall by a solitary goal. The match, played at Millwall’s The Den, turned into a tense, low‑scoring affair that saw both teams create chances but struggle to find the back of the net until the final minutes. The opening stages were dominated by the visitors.
Newcastle pressed high and, early on, Jacob Murphy curled a shot that sailed harmlessly over the bar. The encounter marked the first meeting of the two clubs since 1993, adding a touch of historic intrigue to the proceedings. Millwall, however, were not mere spectators. In the 15th minute, debutant goalkeeper Filip Marschall made an early impression by parrying a Willock effort, the ball ricocheting into the path of left‑back Elkan Baggott rather than the on‑looking Yoane Wissa.
This early save underscored the resilience of the Millwall defence. Sven Botman provided a brief glimmer of hope for Newcastle when he rose to meet Murphy’s corner, directing a header narrowly over the far post. Millwall responded with a rare foray beyond their own half, culminating in a first‑half chance for the home side.
A cross from Baggott found Lyndon Dykes, whose hooked effort was comfortably collected by Millwall’s new goalkeeper, Lukas Hornicek. Set‑pieces became a recurring theme for the Lions; a free‑kick delivered by Camiel Neghli was met with a soaring header from Caleb Taylor that drifted just wide of the post.
The visitors enjoyed a spell of possession and came close again when Fabian Schar unleashed a long‑range effort that took a heavy deflection, rattling the side‑netting before Marschall was left stranded. The half‑time whistle blew with the score locked at 0‑0, despite Newcastle’s greater share of the ball and several half‑chances.
The second half began brightly for Millwall. Within two minutes of the restart, Jenson Metcalfe smashed a powerful strike that flew just over the bar, signaling that the home side would not be content to sit back. A subsequent free‑kick from Metcalfe produced a header from captain Jake Cooper, which drifted wide, further emphasizing Millwall’s intent to threaten from dead‑ball situations. Newcastle found it difficult to impose a clear rhythm after the break.
Harvey Barnes managed only the Magpies’ second shot on target in the 65th minute, a tame effort that Marschall saved with ease. In response, manager Matthias Jaissle introduced fresh legs, bringing on Anthony Elanga and the deadline‑day signing Matías Fernández‑Pardo, hoping to unlock the stalemate. Yet Millwall’s centre‑back pairing of Cooper and Caleb Taylor held firm, repelling wave after wave of Newcastle attacks. The most promising moment for the Lions came in the 79th minute when substitute Tairyk Arconte broke free from Tino Livramento and unleashed a shot that struck the near post before rebounding harmlessly.
The near‑miss heightened the drama, but Newcastle’s defence weathered the scare. Nine minutes from the final whistle, the decisive moment arrived.
Lewis Hall delivered a low ball into the six‑yard box, where Willock timed his run perfectly and flicked the ball into the net, sealing a 1‑0 victory for Newcastle. The goal not only broke the deadlock but also ensured the Magpies kept a clean sheet and advanced to the next round. Post‑match reactions highlighted the significance of the win.
Newcastle defender Lewis Hall told Sky Sports, "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." Midfielder Joe Willock added, "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." Manager Matthias Jaissle reflected on the performance, stating, "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 secured Newcastle’s progression but also provided a morale boost for a squad undergoing a period of transition under Jaissle’s leadership.
With new signings integrating and the tactical philosophy still taking shape, the win offered a tangible sign that the team can compete in knockout football despite early‑season growing pains. Looking ahead, Newcastle will turn their attention to the next round, where they will face Leeds United, a test that promises to further assess the squad’s depth and adaptability. Overall, the match was a showcase of disciplined defending, opportunistic attacking, and the fine margins that decide cup ties. Millwall, despite the loss, displayed moments of quality and gave the visitors a stern test, particularly through set‑piece threats and the spirited performance of their teenage midfielder Regan Anderson, who became the club’s second‑youngest ever player.
The game encapsulated the excitement of the Carabao Cup, where underdogs can challenge established sides, and where a single goal – in this case Willock’s late flick – can dictate the narrative. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m!
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