Joe Willock’s late finish sent Newcastle United into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after they edged past a stubborn Millwall side 1-0 at The Den.
The Premier League visitors were made to work for their progress, with Millwall threatening to produce a notable upset before Newcastle finally found a way through with nine minutes remaining.
Lewis Hall’s low delivery across the six-yard box was flicked into the net by Willock, rewarding Newcastle’s persistence after a largely frustrating second half.
Millwall had looked the more dangerous side immediately before the goal. Substitute Tairyk Arconte beat Tino Livramento and struck the near post with a shot that left Newcastle relieved to remain level.
The hosts also introduced 15-year-old Regan Anderson late on, making him the club’s second-youngest player, but Newcastle held firm to protect their advantage.
Willock settles hard-fought Carabao Cup tie
Newcastle controlled much of the opening period, with Jacob Murphy shooting over before Millwall goalkeeper Filip Marschall produced a fine save to keep out Willock’s effort in the 15th minute.
Sven Botman headed narrowly wide from a Murphy corner, while Fabian Schar saw a long-range effort deflect just past the post with Marschall stranded.
Millwall’s threat came mainly from set-pieces. Lyndon Dykes tested Lukas Hornicek with a hooked effort before Caleb Taylor sent a header wide from Camiel Neghli’s free-kick.
The Championship side began the second half with greater purpose, Jenson Metcalfe firing over from distance before Jake Cooper headed wide from another dangerous delivery.
Newcastle struggled to impose themselves after the interval. Harvey Barnes forced a straightforward save from Marschall, while Matthias Jaissle responded by introducing Anthony Elanga and Matias Fernandez-Pardo in search of a breakthrough.
Millwall’s central defensive pairing of Cooper and Taylor continued to repel Newcastle’s attacks until Hall’s decisive intervention created the opening for Willock.
“We knew it was going to be tough,” Willock said. “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.”
The midfielder added: “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.”
Jaissle praised his players for remaining patient in a difficult atmosphere and said the victory represented another step forward for his Newcastle team.
“It was about patience, but also being passionate, being tough, collecting the second balls and being efficient in front of their goal,” the Newcastle head coach said. “We used the chance and therefore I’m really proud.”
