Job done – Might need to turn it on a bit more than tonight though… | OneFootball

This had all the appearances of a welcome interlude, I thought for a while anyway.

The original scheduled fixture at Plough Lane could have been nervy, as sides can spring upsets on their own patch, but the relocation to St James’ Park in front of a full house under the lights, meant that surely United would have too much for the Dons?

A mixed team of those who started versus Man City and others who has been more on the periphery still looked more than promising and the hope was that the drudgery caused by the sudden and severe appearance of winter could be alleviated by a nice, entertaining cruise control win. Well.

It was great to see Wimbledon embrace this trip with such gusto after a tough couple of weeks.

Almost 1,500 of their fans made the midweek trip and pre-match they unfurled a banner thanking NUFC for the part we played in helping them through the recent floods, not just via the hefty donation from the club, but further input and messages of support from fans.

Overall though, I think the biggest win to emerge from this switcheroo may be the benefits of half the gate on a full house at SJP, which I get the impression the Dons weren’t expecting.

To be honest, we probably weren’t expecting a near 52k  sell out either, which shows the appetite around here to see United, with even the 1,200 unsold returns from the away section being hoovered up the day before the match (only segregation meant it wasn’t a total sell out, as some unsold seats amongst the away fans couldn’t be sole to NUFC supporters).

Feels a bit like everyone was winning tonight, except of course the team that would be dumped out of the cup.

It emerged that Wimbledon were here to try and avoid that fate, as opposed to just heading up for a jolly and thanking us very much for having them. It was to be expected that they would put everyone behind the ball and try to stifle any attacks, but the competent and organised approach to this throughout the evening, belied their fourth tier status.

United for their part had no answer to the low lying block, with a series of tippy tappy attacks seeming to run from one side of the pitch to the other, and often back, before fizzling out. Almiron was at least looking to create something from the right and had a decent first half, although he faded to anonymity in the second. On the left, Barnes had probably the best chance of the half as he cut inside and fired narrowly over.

The failure to make a breakthrough was prompting fear of a Cambridge United style smash and grab and Wimbledon suddenly got the breakaway chance they were hoping for. Piggott played a through ball to set up Omar Bugiel for a possible one on one with the keeper, Dubravka though was out quickly before the striker could reach the pass, but he took a proper wallop as Bugiel lunged belatedly for the ball. He needed a good few minutes of treatment and looked in considerable discomfort for the rest of the half.

The closing moments of the half would finally provide the breakthrough. Longstaff played a corner towards Schar inside the box, who was barged over by Piggott in a relatively innocuous challenge that wasn’t a likely penalty. The ball broke to Almiron who was then poleaxed by Piggott in a full blooded foul that was a very definite penalty. The ref seemingly wasn’t going to give it but the linesman intervened and told him to give his heid a wobble.

The identity of the taker was an interesting one. Would raw young striker Will Osula be given the chance to open his account, or would seniority kick in? It seemed like every positive moment in the half had come from Fabian Schar’s superb pings from the back, so it was fitting that the captain on the night pulled rank and stepped up for the pen. Of course, he rolled it past the goalie with consummate cool to much relief.

Half time offered cause for optimism. Surely Wimbledon would now have to be more adventurous and the game may open up a bit, maybe even creating an atmosphere.

One of the great things about these cup ties is the fact it gives people a chance to see the team who wouldn’t normally get in, hence the capacity crowd. However, it’s an undeniable fact that some folk aren’t really that bothered, having been dragged along by kids or mates. The dilution of the usual crowd inevitably leads to a more tepid atmosphere and the Wimbledon fans took the mick royally throughout, as they were often the loudest in the stadium despite the best efforts of the Strawberry corner.

The uninspiring game wasn’t helping with this at all and and hopes of a second half step up soon dissolved. Dubravka was unable to continue, with Vlachodimos making his debut amidst confusion, as the stadium announcer claimed it was John Ruddy stepping up off the bench. Ruddodimos made a couple of solid claims but other than that it could have been the kit man they brought on for all the goalkeeping required.

Eddie also saved some legs for Saturday by bringing Bruno on for Barnes, followed by the introductions of Gordon and Hall on the hour. Gordon ran his man ragged, with Almiron almost getting on the end of his run and cross, but beyond this the only opportunity of note was a half chance where Osula did well to turn and shoot, but could only find the outside netting.

Things progressed to the point that the final few moments were nervy, as Wimbledon deployed their long throw in to little effect, but seemingly finally came out to attack in the closing minutes. The five minutes of injury time dragged out as United dug in to protect their single goal lead.

The reception as the players left the pitch was surely half directed at Wimbledon for their staunch effort. If this display is anything to go by they’re surely headed out of league two in the right direction this year and I’m sure the underwhelming match didn’t spoil their fans’ excursion to Tyneside.

United though were highly disappointing in the circumstances. Yes there were changes, but other than the debuting Osula, everyone involved was an established first teamer and you’d have expected the collective effort to have been way more convincing against a side from so much further down the pyramid.

Ultimately though, the job is done. Hopefully the knocks on display for Livramento, Schar and the rested Pope are minimal and we head to Everton in good shape.

As for the league cup, things could really open up for the last 16, with the rarity of a home draw compounded by some tricky ties elsewhere, with Man City off to Tottenham and Liverpool at Brighton. I think Chelsea at home is an excellent draw as it allows us to take out a major rival at the place we’re most likely to do it, which could open up this cup as the opportunity we narrowly missed out on two years ago.

Might need to turn it on a bit more than tonight though.

Newcastle 1 AFC Wimbledon 0 – Tuesday 1 October 7.45pm

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Schar 45+1 pen

AFC Wimbledon:

Possession was Newcastle 78% Wimbledon 22%

Total shots were Newcastle 18 Wimbledon 2

Shots on target were Newcastle 4 Wimbledon 0

Corners were Newcastle 10 Wimbledon 1

Touches in the box Newcastle 41 Wimbledon 8

Newcastle United team v AFC Wimbledon:

Dubravka (Vlachodimos 46), Livramento, Krafth (Hall 62), Schar (Burn 90), Kelly, Joelinton (Gordon 62), Willock, Longstaff, Barnes (Bruno 46), Osula, Almiron

Unused subs:

Ruddy, Tonali, Jacob Murphy, Alex Murphy

Attendance: 51,739 (1,400 Wimbledon)

You can follow the author on Twitter @Mr_Dolf

(BBC Sport comments from ‘neutrals’ – Interesting on Newcastle United after AFC Wimbledon match – Read HERE)

(Newcastle v Chelsea date, time and TV details made public for Carabao Cup last 16 game – Read HERE)

(Newcastle 1 AFC Wimbledon 0 – Newcastle United fan / writer reaction – Read HERE)

Newcastle United upcoming match schedule, confirmed so far to end of November:

Saturday 5 October – Everton v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 19 October – Newcastle v Brighton (3pm)

Sunday 27 October – Chelsea v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 30 October – Newcastle v Chelsea (7.45pm) Sky Sports+

Saturday 2 November – Newcastle v Arsenal (12.30pm) TNT Sports