Sports
REPORT – Newcastle United 0-1 Cambridge United: U’s pull-off huge FA Cup upset at St James’ Park

Newcastle United are out of the FA Cup in the Third Round following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to League One Cambridge United at St James’ Park, after inspired performance from U’s goalkeeper Mitlov.
The home side had plenty of opportunities to find the net but lacked the desire, quality and energy to make the pressure pay in what was one of their most embarrassing performances to-date. The Magpies were wasteful in attacking areas after putting in a very average performance against a very average opposition.
Once the hosts were unable to find the net in the opening stages, everything pointed towards a classic FA Cup upset and the visitors didn’t disappoint. Newcastle once again helped to provide the classic upset and given the fact they clearly tried to win the game, naming as stronger line-up as possible, this one feels extremely embarrassing.
United created 22 chances but could not find a away past the minnows and lacked the desire to get the victory.
The fans deserved so much more on the day. The result doesn’t matter as much if the Magpies are able to beat fellow strugglers Watford in the Premier League next weekend but the performance on Saturday afternoon was anything short of pathetic – especially given Howe named his strongest side possible and gave a debut to new signing Kieran Trippier.
The FA Cup was undoubtedly low on the list of priorities for the Toon but the performance and result this afternoon shows just how poor the current squad is and outlines the importance of bringing in more major reinforcements in January.
The home side desperately missed their star striker Callum Wilson, who is set to miss the next eight weeks due to his calf injury sustained in the 1-1 draw with Man Utd.
Howe will need to bring in a replacement striker to replicate the form of Wilson in front of goal and score some important goals between now and the end of the season.
Kieran Trippier played his first game in the black and white stripes in front of a sell-out crowd at St Janes’ as fans expected a comfortable victory. Trippier was one of the best players on the day and showed his quality at times but fans at SJP were left disappointed by the overall result and performance.
HOW IT HAPPENED
With Trippier and Ryan Fraser down one side and Jacob Murphy and Matt Ritchie on the other, the Magpies looked to attack the flanks early on.
Mitov’s inspired form in the Cambridge net kept the U’s in the game and enabled them to get into half-time at 0-0 – perfectly set up to give it a real go in the second period.
The Bulgarian ‘keeper made three exceptional stops to prevent Howe’s side from taking the lead, including a ridiculous save from Murphy’s drilled volley which was headed for the top corner.
Newcastle had the ball in the net after Schar tucked in from close range, following a rebound from Matt Ritchies effort on goal which deflected to the feet of the onrushing Swiss international. However, Schar was clearly offside and the celebrations were cut short.
The scores were level at the break as Newcastle struggled to make their pressure count. Allan Saint-Maximin was unable to replicate his performance against Man Utd last time out and struggled to make an impact, despite his best efforts.
Joelinton was played higher up in attacking areas and struggled to match his recent form as the Brazilian lost possession on a number of occasions.
Winger Jacob Murphy thought he had given the home side the lead with a decent touch and finish after Schar’s throughball, but the flag was up.
The visitors took the lead in the 58th minute when the ball fell to the feet of Ironside after Schar headed off the line. The 28-year-old made no mistake in front of goal when he turned and shot into the back of the net.
Newcastle pushed for an equaliser and thought they had it went Joelinton’s headed effort looked bound for the back of the net, before Mitlov dived to his right to parry over – another brilliant piece of work.
The home side huffed and puffed but couldn’t find the equaliser as Cambridge sat in two banks of four, challenging the Magpies to break them down which they could not do. The hosts didn’t have the heart nor the quality to beat a League One side, which doesn’t bode well for the vital upcoming Premier League fixtures.
Unfortunately the performance represented one similar to those at the beginning of the campaign and Howe’s side will need to improve massively when Watford visit next Saturday – a must-win game for both sides who are looking to avoid relegation.
Sean Longstaff was extremely poor in the centre of the park and may well have played his last game for the club, with increased interest from Everton to bring him to Goodison Park. He has been a good servant and would likely feature regularly if the club are relegated to the Championship, however his performance today shows just why many fans feel he should be sold to make way for a higher quality replacement.
The Cambridge fans were fantastic all-game and the 5,000 travelling supporters added to the magnificent atmosphere on Saturday afternoon at SJP. For many younger fans it was their first experience and they won’t have fond memories of the result – hopefully better times are ahead.
Newcastle face a critical game at home next time out and will need to win to bolster their chances of retaining Premier League status come the end of the season. Howe will be left disappointed by the performance today and will be hoping his side can bounce back instantly and put in a much improved display against Watford.
MANAGERS COMMENTS
Newcastle Manger, Eddie Howe:
“We are desperately disappointed. We really prepared well for this game, and we played a very strong team. But ultimately, we found a goalkeeper in superb form and a team that defended for their lives, and we couldn’t break them down.
He added:
“We did have some good moments, but we lacked that killer instinct that every team needs. Then, when you don’t put the game to bed, there’s always a chance you leave yourself open, and, unfortunately, one of those moments cost us the game.”
PLAYER RATINGS
Dubravka (5), Trippier (6), Krafth (5), Schar (5), Ritchie (6); Shelvey (6), Longstaff (4) Joelinton (5), Murphy (6): Fraser (6), Saint-Maximin (5)
Subs: Almiron (4), Willock (5), Manquillo (6)
Post-match thoughts? How disappointed were you with the performance? Did you enjoy seeing new signing Trippier?
Will Howe’s side bounce back next weekend against Watford?
Join in the conversation and have your say…
Featured
Sunderland AFC has announced the departure of Head Coach Tony Mowbray

The Club expressed gratitude to Tony and his assistant Mark Venus for their positive contributions over the past two seasons, stating that they will always be welcome back at the Stadium of Light and wishing them success in their future endeavors.
Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman praised Tony’s impact, acknowledging his high regard among players, staff, and supporters. Speakman highlighted Mowbray’s role in guiding the team to the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs and his significant contribution to team development. He emphasized that while a difficult decision, it aligns with the club’s ambition and strategy.
Emphasizing the commitment to their long-term strategy for sustainability and success, Chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus thanked Tony for his hard work and affirmed the club’s focus on implementing a high-performance culture and a strong playing identity.
The club reiterated the importance of fan support in their progress and invited supporters to the Stadium of Light during the festive period and into 2024.
During the interim period, Mike Dodds, supported by the existing coaching team, will oversee the first-team’s training and match preparations until the appointment of a new Head Coach is finalized.
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See our Interview with Newcastle United Youtuber Adam Pearson after he wound the Sunderland fans up following the news of the derby…
Click the image below to watch the video…
See the full video below…
See our thoughts on the draw….
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Featured
Newcastle United Fans Attacked in Paris by PSG fans – Trapped in pub!

Footage tonight has emerged of PSG fans corning Newcastle United fans in a pub and attacking them in a scary video. This follows news that police had informed Newcastle fans that attacks were possible which lead to at least one pub having to close at 10pm due to this.
We don’t have any details on what happened after the video and this is a breaking news story, follow us on social media to stay fully up to date.
You can see the video here:
YouTube – North East Updates (follow channel for more – won’t open video unless you have an account and over 18) – https://youtube.com/shorts/Uo_2G1WEuWg
X (formally Twitter) https://x.com/SupportersNufc/status/1729269902056493085?s=20
Newcastle fans who would you like to see be brought in or who is most realistic – follow for all Newcastle United news – Newcastle Supporters Worldwide
There will be videos added tomorrow both before and after the PGS game on the North East Updates Youtube channel – follow the channel to stay fully up to date and see below for previous NUFC vs PSG videos…
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PSG Fans arrive at Newcastle Upon Tyne and are met by Newcastle United fans ahead of their Champions League tie (which ended in a 4-1 Newcastle United win). Newcastle Centre was on shut down with streets closed and everyone watching.
The footage is not live and IN FULL on our Youtube Channel you can see the footage below – let us know on the comments on the video what your thoughts are on it….
We rather foolishly spoke to both NUFC and PSG fans after the game – we had to stop filming the interviewing of the PSG fans due to safety concerns see both videos below…
Follow our YouTube for some big local videos and to support us!
You can now download our FREE new app to stay fully up to date with all North East related news – https://linktr.ee/northeastupdates
We are supporting the Warm Christmas meal appeal – you can donate a warm Christmas meal to someone in need in Newcastle and the North East below..
Warm Christmas Meal Appeal North East – Help a Local Person in Need – NEoffers.co.uk
News
The Players Newcastle United could/should sign from Saudi

Newcastle United has received a green light to pursue players from the Saudi Pro League after a proposed Premier League vote to restrict loan moves between clubs with shared owners fell short of the required support. This decision opens up possibilities for Newcastle to strengthen their squad in January, targeting talents from clubs linked with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Despite initial discussions to potentially bar such transfers, the recent vote outcome has cleared the way for Newcastle to explore signings.
See our video and reaction below and follow our YouTube for more local videos..
A recent meeting among the Premier League’s 20 clubs concluded without the necessary majority support to impose a ban on loan transfers between co-owned clubs. While 13 teams voted in favor of the prohibition, the requirement of 14 votes for approval was not met, granting Newcastle the liberty to pursue players from the Saudi Pro League.
This development particularly benefits Newcastle’s pursuit of Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, whom they’ve eyed as a potential replacement for Sandro Tonali. Neves, despite significant interest from the Premier League, is expected to remain with Al Hilal during the upcoming January transfer window. The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that despite ongoing speculation, Neves is content and settled at Al Hilal, playing a pivotal role within the team. His projected stay until the season’s end indicates his commitment to Al Hilal’s cause, especially crucial following Neymar’s injury.
Although ties between Newcastle and Al Hilal, sharing the same majority shareholder in Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), sparked concerns about potential rule changes, as of now, no alterations have been enforced. Speculation regarding a Premier League vote to block such moves in the winter market hasn’t materialized into action. Consequently, Neves looks set to continue his journey with Al Hilal, with no reported negotiations or approaches from interested parties.
Al Hilal’s impressive position atop the Saudi Pro League standings, coupled with their progress in tournaments like the AFC Champions League and the King’s Cup, further solidifies Neves’ integral role within the team. Their dominance, evident in their substantial lead over second-place Al Nassr, underscores their strength even with the latter boasting talents like Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ultimately, Newcastle’s access to the Saudi Pro League remains unimpeded, potentially paving the way for significant acquisitions in the upcoming transfer window.
Al-Hilal
- Ruben Neves
- Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
- Aleksandr Mitrovic
Al-Nassr
- Seko Fofana
- Marcelo Brozovic
- Aymeric Laporte
Al-Ittihad
- N’Golo Kante
- Fabinho
- Jota
Al-Ahly
- Franck Kessie
- Gabri Veiga
- Riyad Mahrez
Newcastle fans who would you like to see be brought in or who is most realistic – follow for all Newcastle United news – Newcastle Supporters Worldwide
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