Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Bruce: Newcastle deserved victory over Oxford
STEVE Bruce endured a rollercoaster of an evening he claimed sums up life at Newcastle as they secured extra-time victory over Oxford i n their FA Cup fourth-round replay.
On course to coast into round five for the first time since 2006 courtesy of Sean Longstaff and Joelinton goals, the Magpies then conspired to seemingly throw away a clash at West Brom.
Liam Kelly’s fine free-kick reduced the arrears before Nathan Holland’s injury-time equaliser sent the tie the distance.
Oxford were the better side in the additional 30 minutes but substitute Allan Saint-Maximin struck a stunning winner to send the Premier League team through.
“Well if there was ever an FA Cup that grabbed hold of you, then that was it,” said Bruce.
“I thought we deserved it. I know it was a hairy cup-tie and great for the neutral.
“It was awful for myself and the Newcastle fans but it wouldn’t be Newcastle without a story, so lets go to West Brom and take them on.
“I think it is significant for a club like ours to get into the fifth round, I know what it does for the club, the city and the supporters.
“We are in the next round, we have made hard work of it against Rochdale and Oxford but I think we fully deserved it.”
Joelinton struck the second of the game despite hitting the deck through injury moments before.
He was replaced by SaintMaximin soon after and Bruce fears he may have cracked a rib as his injury crisis shows no sign of abating.