THAT’S RITCH Matt keeps Toon in the Cup but Prem’s struggle
on Newcastle’s home form. Benitez ( below) said: “Disappointed because we have to play another game, more minutes, more risk. I would prefer to win this game and that is it. I would like to win and get to the next round. We did not play at the level I expected. We were trying but they were pushing hard. The reaction of the team to going behind was good and I take that as a positive.”
Asked if he has a squad big enough to have a Cup run and sort out the league form, Benitez said: “More or less we can manage. Some players have to recover quickly.”
And how to revive the ebbing confidence, Benitez
said: “Scoring goals a nd winning games.” Ritchie’s leveller papered over the crack of a performance that lacked authority as a host of shadow players were given a chance by Benitez only to flop.
Newcastle are attempting to go beyond the fourth round for the first time in 13 years, but were as unconvincing as their league form at home.
Tony Mowbray’s side were magnificent. Dack, 25, burst across the defence as Elliott Bennett crossed from the right, after finding space for Charlie Mulgrew’s free-kick.
He hammered his chance through keeper Freddy Woodman. Mowbray said: “The dressing room is quiet and disappointed. But we were in League One last year. Newcastle are a historic club with a manager who has won the European Cup and a huge support base.
“We have a tough test in the replay.”