Joelinton’s drought is over at last
NEWCASTLE winning in the FA Cup, a smiling Mike Ashley and even Joelinton scored — this really was a strange night at St James’ Park.
Ashley was here for the first time this season ahead of his belated January transfer summit with Steve Bruce. The owner — a reluctant spender — could well be asking the head coach if there is a need for investment after all.
The Magpies scored more than two goals at home for the first time under Bruce as they eased into the fourth round, where another League One opponent awaits in Oxford United.
Win that home tie and they will be in the last 16 of the competition for the first time since 2006. Ashley, incidentally, took control in 2007 and duly instructed his managers to prioritise survival over silverware.
With Newcastle in the midst of a Premier League run of one point from four matches, however, Ashley could yet get twitchy and again put the brakes on ambition.
For now, though, they are dreaming of the fifth round, that is how low the bar has been set recently.
Speaking of low bars, had £40million striker Joelinton gone a 21st game without a goal then very few would have been surprised.
If anything, the shock was the sight of him attacking the six-yard area, a previously alien domain, and turning in his first goal since August eight minutes from time.
He ran straight for Bruce on the touchline in a show of thanks for keeping him in the side. To every other observer his continued inclusion had been cruel, not kind.
But perhaps this will be the change of fortune the Brazilian needs, at least that is what Bruce is hoping amid the likelihood of Ashley telling him that signings will be limited to loans.
‘You could see what a difference it made to him,’ said Bruce. ‘We must stay with him and keep reminding him that he’s a good player. We were determined to leave him on to see if he could score a goal.’ After coming very close to going out at Rochdale 10 days ago, Bruce was taking no chances with his team selection.
The only notable absentee was Martin Dubravka, the goalkeeper who saved them at Spotland during a nervy second half.
But there was no chance of an upset with the visitors in such a generous mood here.
Centre back Eoghan O’Connell headed the opening goal through his own net on 17 minutes after throwing himself at Matt Ritchie’s teasing centre.
Ritchie was again the provider for the second, Matty Longstaff killing his delivery before volleying beyond Robert Sanchez.
But there was no need for Ritchie’s wing wizardry for Newcastle’s third, not with goalkeeper Sanchez gifting possession to Miguel Almiron 12 yards from goal.
The Paraguayan duly accepted the invitation to smash his fourth goal in seven games.
Joelinton brought relief to his drought as he hooked in from debutant Tom Allan before Jordan Williams drove a late consolation.
Ashley was beaming on full-time after witnessing a win and avoiding any terrace vitriol. It was a strange night indeed.
NEWCASTLE (3-5-2): Darlow 6; Hayden 6, Lascelles 6 (Allan 57min, 6), Lejeune 6; Krafth 6, M Longstaff 7, S Longstaff 7, Atsu 7, RITCHIE 7.5 (Shelvey 69, 6); Almiron 7 (Carroll 62, 6), Joelinton 5. Subs not used: Elliot, Clark, Willems, Fernandez.
Scorers: O’Connell 17 (og), M Longstaff 20, Almiron 26, Joelinton 82. Booked: Allan. Manager: Steve Bruce 7. ROCHDALE (4-4-2): Sanchez 4 (Lynch 46, 6); Matheson 6, Williams 5, O’Connell 5, Norrington-Davies 5 (Tavares 69, 5); Dooley 5, Ryan 5, Camps 5 (Andrew 79), Keohane 6; Henderson 5, Wilbraham 5.
Subs not used: Baah, Bradley, Gillam,
Brierley. Scorer: Williams 86. Booked: Ryan. Manager: Brian Barry-Murphy 5. Referee: Graham Scott 7. Attendance: 29,786.