Danny Welbeck proved the scourge of St James’ Park for a second time this season as Brighton knocked Newcastle out of the FA Cup.
The visitors booked their spot in the quarter-finals thanks to Welbeck’s late winner in extra time in a fifth round tie full of drama. The veteran forward scored the only goal when these two sides met here in the league earlier this season, and showed real calm to chip Martin Dubrvaka to settle this entertaining affair with about five minutes left of the additional period.
The two sides had entered extra time each down a man, with Tariq Lamptey’s second yellow card seeing him given his marching orders soon after Anthony Gordon had been dismissed after lashing out. Brighton had hit back to level just before half time after Alexander Isak’s early penalty, but nearly lost it late on in regulation, with Fabian Schar denied by VAR having strayed offside before scoring what seemed the winner. That reprieve allowed Welbeck to strike and ensure Brighton are in the hat for the last eight draw.
Re-live all of the action from St James’ Park with our live blog below:
Newcastle vs Brighton LIVE
- Brighton book spot in last eight after drama-filled win against Newcastle
- KICK OFF!
- GOAL! NEWCASTLE 1-0 Brighton (Alexander Isak, 22 minutes)
- GOAL! Newcastle 1-1 BRIGHTON (Yankuba Minteh, 44 minutes)
- RED CARD! Anthony Gordon is sent off! Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 83 minutes
- OFFSIDE! Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 90 + 5 minutes - Fabian Schar denied late winner
- GOAL! Newcastle 1-2 BRIGHTON (Danny Welbeck, 114 minutes)
- FULL TIME: Newcastle 1-2 Brighton
Newcastle United FC 1 - 2 Brighton & Hove Albion FC
Danny Welbeck strikes to settle FA Cup classic as Newcastle suffer damaging day
16:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleDanny Welbeck came off the bench to fire Brighton into the FA Cup quarter-finals at Newcastle as Anthony Gordon’s Carabao Cup final dream was shattered by a late red card.
Welbeck, who scored the winner in the Premier League game at St James’ Park in October, struck in extra-time to win it 2-1 on an afternoon when both sides finished with 10 men.
Gordon was sent off for violent conduct with six minutes of a chaotic tie remaining – Tariq Lamptey later suffered the same fate after collecting a second yellow card – and faces a three-match ban which will cost him his place in the team for the clash with Liverpool at Wembley on 16 March.
Danny Welbeck strikes to settle FA Cup classic as Newcastle suffer damaging day
A damaging day for Newcastle
16:36 , Harry Latham-CoyleAs for Newcastle, that feels like a real missed opportunity, and there’s more cause for concern for Eddie Howe: Alexander Isak limped off, and Anthony Gordon seems almost certain to miss the Carabao Cup final with a suspension looming for his red card.
Anthony Gordon has been sent off! 🟥#ITVFootball | #NEWBHA pic.twitter.com/uJ4WJTIwDE
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 2, 2025
Brighton beat Newcastle in drama-filled tie
16:33 , Harry Latham-CoyleSo Brighton join Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Preston, Bournemouth and Manchester City in the last eight draw - Fabian Hurzeler’s team could well go deeper, you know.
Danny Welbeck speaks to ITV after his match-winning moment
16:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle“It’s a big moment. Great to get the winning goal and through to the quarters. There was a lot going on in that game today! Everyone is buzzing.
“You come up against Newcastle, they are a really intense side. It’s very dangerous, but we stuck to our guns and put in a great shift. I’m feeling very good, feeling fit and strong. We’ve put in a lot of hard work. I’ve got a lot more to come.
“It’s going to be really tough. We’ve come here in a special atmosphere and put in a great shift. It’s important for us to look at the next game, not get ahead of ourselves.”
WHAT A FINISH FROM DANNY WELBECK! 🤯
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 2, 2025
Brighton have one foot in the quarterfinals! #ITVFootball | #NEWBHA pic.twitter.com/y0rIV8aRWg
FULL TIME! Newcastle 1-2 Brighton
16:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Newcastle 1-2 Brighton, 120 + 2 minutes
16:22 , Harry Latham-CoyleBrighton force Newcastle right back into their corner. Dan Burn is playing up front. Lump it to the big bloke...Brighton clear again.
One last chance, maybe, as the hosts come forward. Jacob Murphy searches for a miracle...Bart Verbruggen claims in comfort! That may be that...
Newcastle 1-2 Brighton, 120 minutes
16:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleTwo additional minutes between Brighton and the last eight.
Newcastle 1-2 Brighton, 119 minutes
16:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleTime running short for the hosts. Jacob Murphy carries the ball down the rights but options don’t appear for a cross. Bruno Guimaraes is squeezed out once, before eventually finding a delivery...too high, even for Dan Burn.
Fabian Schur concedes a foul. Precious seconds tick away as Brighton edge closer.
Newcastle 1-2 Brighton, 117 minutes
16:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleRifled past the post! A thunderous hit from Dan Burn but a foot or so wide! Eddie Howe rubs his temples...
Newcastle 1-2 Brighton, 116 minutes
16:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleNow, can Brighton see this out? That really was a delightful finish from Welbeck, showing all of the cool and calm one would expect. St James’ Park has been stunned into silence.
GOAL! Newcastle 1-2 BRIGHTON (Danny Welbeck, 114 minutes)
16:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhat a finish! It’s Danny Welbeck again!
The veteran striker got the winner here in the Premier League earlier this season, and he strikes once more! A lovely disguised pass from Solly March puts him through and then Welbeck shows all of his experience, a quick glance at the advancing goalkeeper to assess the angles before lifting beautifully over Martin Dubravka into the back of the empty net. Superb!
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 113 minutes
16:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleHave a shot! Newcastle pass up four or five sightings of goal after excellent work from Joe Willock to move them into an advanced area. In the process, Callum Wilson, still sporting the scars of Anfield, takes a ball to the face twice. Ouch.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 110 minutes
16:11 , Harry Latham-CoyleA delicate dance from Solly March takes him past Matt Targett, but his stabbed cross evades his teammates in the box.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 109 minutes
16:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleA smart near-post save from Bart Verbruggen, beating away Joe Willock’s effort.
Corner, which Matt Targett will take. Verbruggen’s punching hands clear it as far as Sandro Tonali, who is closed down quickly.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 107 minutes
16:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle15 minutes left, then, between the two teams and penalties. Plenty of tired legs out there now, but they’ll have to stay the course.
HT in extra time: Newcastle 1-1 Brighton
16:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 105 minutes
16:02 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd he’s precisely the individual that Brighton’s chance falls to, Pedro unable to release his shot quickly enough after nice work from Brajan Gruda.
One minute left in the first half of extra time.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 104 minutes
16:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleJoao Pedro, by the way, has become pretty much immobile, the Brighton striker limping hither and thither as if searching for purpose. Not ideal when you are already down to 10 men.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 102 minutes
16:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleA clumsy bit of defending from Jan Paul van Hecke, diving in head first as if throwing himself down a waterslide to block the path of Joe Willock. Just a free-kick - job done, I suppose.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 99 minutes
15:57 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhat a save! That is some stop from Martin Dubravka, denying Diego Gomez after the Paraguayan appeared to have found the corner from Danny Welbeck’s lay off. It’s at a nice height but that was seriously travelling, making Dubravka’s stiff palm all the more impressive.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 98 minutes
15:56 , Harry Latham-CoyleA few whistles from the home fans as Joao Pedro goes down after feeling his hamstring, his teammates arriving to help the striker out with cramp. This could be a long 20 minutes or so for the striker, who hobbles forward in a degree of discomfort.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 96 minutes
15:53 , Harry Latham-CoyleNewcastle, meanwhile, are doing without a left winger, creating plenty of empty grass on that side as the two teams vacate the same space of St James’ Park.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 94 minutes
15:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleSharp again from the Brighton goalkeeper. Bruno Guimaraes cannily chests down into the path of Sandro Tonali, who can’t quite get there to provide a goalscoring touch before a sliding Verbruggen collects.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 93 minutes
15:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleBart Verbruggen helps that remodelled backline out by coming confidently to claim a cross that Callum Wilson was hoping to flick home.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 91 minutes
15:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleBrighton look to be setting up in a back three/five, with Solly March is a wing-back role, though it looks a flexible shape.
Extra time!
15:47 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight. Newcastle and Brighton go again. Ten against ten, of course - in a game that has been so open, you somehow doubt this half-hour will be free of incident.
FT: Newcastle 1-1 Brighton
15:44 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhew. A frantic final few moments at St James’ Park - two red cards, a disallowed goal, and 30 minutes more at least.
FULL TIME: Newcastle 1-1 Brighton
15:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 90 + 8 minutes
15:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleIs there time for another twist before we reach the additional period?
OFFSIDE! Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 90 + 5 minutes
15:36 , Harry Latham-CoyleFabian Schar finds what will surely be the winner - but was he onside?
It’s mighty, mighty close. It’s a brilliant ball from Bruno Guimaraes and a better finish from the centre-back, connecting perfectly with his instep to direct the delivery home. Now we wait...what does the semi-automated offside system say? Is it working?
OFFSIDE! CHALKED OFF! Schar’s shoulder had strayed beyond the behind of a Brighton defender. Wow. What drama.
RED CARD! Tariq Lamptey is sent off! Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 90 + 2 minutes
15:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother red card! A loose lunge from Tariq Lamptey, booked earlier, and a second yellow sees him given his marching orders.
Both teams down to ten with extra time beckoning.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 90 minutes
15:34 , Harry Latham-CoyleSix minutes, in fact. Solly March replaces Kaoru Mitoma, who appears to be cramping up.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 89 minutes
15:32 , Harry Latham-CoyleGordon’s moment of madness means that we will have a fair chunk of added time to play.
Anthony Gordon has been sent off! 🟥#ITVFootball | #NEWBHA pic.twitter.com/uJ4WJTIwDE
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 2, 2025
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 87 minutes
15:31 , Harry Latham-CoyleNearly a lovely goal from Jack Hinshelwood, fading into space at the far post to collect a corner and niftily beating a defender. His half-volley can’t pierce the blocking Newcastle defenders, and nor can Kaoru Mitoma as he picks up the pieces.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 86 minutes
15:29 , Harry Latham-CoyleTo make matters worse for Eddie Howe, Alexander Isak has pulled up lame. Callum Wilson, sporting a war wound from a bang to the face at Anfield, replaces him.
RED CARD! Anthony Gordon is sent off! Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 83 minutes
15:28 , Harry Latham-CoyleA red card! Anthony Gordon has lost his head and paid the price!
The offside flag is up against Alexander Isak but Gordon goes off in pursuit of a bouncing ball. He swipes out at Jan Paul van Hecke, more of a push than a punch but still making forceful contact to the back of the defender’s head. That leaves referee Anthony Taylor with little choice - off Gordon is sent, and the looming suspension could well mean he misses the Carabao Cup final!
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 81 minutes
15:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleWieffer has gone to right-back with Tariq Lamptey showing his versatility on the left. Anthony Gordon gets beyond the new man but Brajan Gruda recovers well from midfield, making just the right amount of contact to knock him off stride but not concede a penalty.
Or does he? VAR are having a look...no penalty. “Mutual holding,” apparently.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 79 minutes
15:23 , Harry Latham-CoyleBrajan Grula curls over the crossbar from 20 yards, granting his manager an opportunity to make more changes. Fabian Hurzeler removes Georginio Rutter and Pervis Estupinan; on come Mats Wieffer and Danny Welbeck, who got the winner here in the Premier League earlier this season.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 77 minutes
15:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleOff the woodwork? Yes, though Bart Verbruggen was happy to let it go, the angle too tight for Alexander Isak to find a finish and Verbruggen risking little by letting the ball hit the bottom of his post. Away for a goal kick it ricochets as Isak takes a tumble painfully into the hoardings beyond; no major harm done, thankfully.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 75 minutes
15:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleHalf-chances at both ends but neither side is able to batter down the door.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 73 minutes
15:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleJoao Pedro hasn’t had it all his own way today but the striker has shown off his talent at times, twisting and turning here to pose a threat before Sandro Tonali steps in.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 71 minutes
15:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleJack Hinshelwood has gone well this afternoon, but that’s a little soft, shoving a Newcastle player to the floor to concede a free kick in a dangerous area. Jan Paul van Hecke rises highest to ensure it comes to nothing.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 69 minutes
15:12 , Harry Latham-CoyleBrajan Gruda and Diego Gomez are the first two Brighton replacements used, Carlos Baleba and Yankuba MInteh replaced.
Newcastle also make a switch: Kieran Trippier off, Matt Targett on. Tino Livramento will swap sides in the back four from left to right.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 68 minutes
15:11 , Harry Latham-CoyleJoe Willock can’t believe it! A glorious chance for the substitute but he doesn’t make contact as he directs his head at Tino Livramento’s cross.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 66 minutes
15:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleA superb block from Jack Hinshelwoo, taking a shot to the stomach from Alexander Isak as the Swede sets his sights on goal. Corner to Newcastle.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 64 minutes
15:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleKieran Trippier cuts back to the edge of the box, but his pass evades three waiting teammates. Brighton launch at speed but can’t exploit an undermanned Newcastle defensive unit. A good game again, this.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 63 minutes
15:06 , Harry Latham-CoyleCarlos Baleba was booked right at the end of the first half, and sections of the home support think there should be another booking as the midfielder tugs at Tino Livramento to prevent Newcastle launching an offensive. Lucky? Perhaps. Anthony Taylor lets him off with just a warning, but that was right on the line.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 61 minutes
15:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleTop defending from Tariq Lamptey! A silky stepover from Alexander Isak creates space for a lovely through ball into Bruno Guimaraes’s path, but the Brighton right-back sharply scurries back to cut out the cross with Anthony Gordon waiting beyond him.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 59 minutes
15:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleNewcastle need to find their precision again. Brighton’s pressing once more causes them an issue but Jack Hinshelwood can’t capitalise.
Anthony Gordon gives the hosts a bit of direction, though picks out Bart Verbruggen’s grasping gloves rather than a teammate.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 58 minutes
15:02 , Harry Latham-CoyleYou do fancy that we will get more goals before the 90 minutes are out, but as a reminder, we do have extra time and penalties available if required this afternoon. The sunshine of earlier has gone, now, with Fabian Hurzeler zipping up his jacket to keep out the chill.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 56 minutes
15:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleEddie Howe has plenty in reserve, and the Newcastle boss turns to his bench. Enter Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock and Jacob Murphy; exit Joelinton, Lewis Miley and Harvey Barnes. A solid hour or so from the Brazilian on his return from injury.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 54 minutes
14:58 , Harry Latham-CoyleA sharp stop by Martin Dubravka, Joao Pedro testing the goalkeeper after a loose pass from Tino Livramento.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 52 minutes
14:56 , Harry Latham-CoyleBrighton are beginning to build a bit of pressure. They work the ball from Kaoru Mitoma over to Yankuba Minteh around the edge of the Newcastle box, though can’t find space for a shot.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 51 minutes
14:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleDan Burn’s height helps him out as he steers a defensive header away after a nicely weighted free kick from Brighton.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 48 minutes
14:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleCuriously, the VAR has a longer look at a totally innocuous incident a couple of minutes later. As you were. On we go.
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 46 minutes
14:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleAlexander Isak keeps his feet despite an apparent trip from a Brighton defender, standing up a cross which doesn’t quite find Anthony Gordon. What would Anthony Taylor’s decision have been had Isak gone down under the challenge of Pervis Estupinan? Fair play to Isak for staying upright but you do wonder...
Second half...
14:48 , Harry Latham-CoyleBack underway. No changes.
HT: Newcastle 1-1 Brighton
14:36 , Harry Latham-CoyleBright and breezy up at St James’ Park, a goal apiece and plenty to tuck our teeth into in that first half. Yankuba Minteh gave Alexander Isak the chance to open the scoring from the spot with a careless career into Tino Livramento, but the Brighton man atoned with an equaliser just before the interval. More fun, one thinks, to come on Tyneside - back for more in a bit.
HALF TIME: Newcastle 1-1 Brighton
14:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton, 45 minutes
14:32 , Harry Latham-CoyleNewcastle would have liked to have kept Minteh, who is beginning to really show his potential. He’s just 20, the Gambia international - there was a bit of fortune about the finish but that was incisive burst beyond the home defence.
Into two additional minutes at the end of the half.
GOAL! Newcastle 1-1 BRIGHTON (Yankuba Minteh, 44 minutes)
14:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleBrighton are level! Yankuba Minteh strikes against his former club!
Neat passing play down the right and Georginio Rutter slots Minteh through between centre and left-back. Kieran Trippier covers across but his touch only takes the shot beyond the goalkeeper and into the net. Minteh never made a competitive appearance for Newcastle but he has come back to bite Eddie Howe’s side.
Newcastle 1-0 Brighton, 43 minutes
14:28 , Harry Latham-CoyleA crossfield carve from Joelinton looks like the right ball to release Alexander Isak, but the striker can’t quite reel it in, beaten by the bounce.
Newcastle 1-0 Brighton, 41 minutes
14:26 , Harry Latham-CoyleExcellent defensive covering from Yankuba Minteh, back at a previous parish. He tracks Tino Livramento all the way into his own box and gets the referee’s decision after a tangle of legs. Goal kick.
Newcastle 1-0 Brighton, 38 minutes
14:23 , Harry Latham-CoyleHarvey Barnes runs right into Jack Hinshelwood, the youngster not fooled by his snaking hips. Newcastle, though, are starting to settle into a better defensive shape, driving Brighton back and drawing an error from Pervis Estupinan.
Newcastle 1-0 Brighton, 36 minutes
14:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd now a booking for Joelinton, blocking Brighton’s attempts to launch an attack.
Newcastle 1-0 Brighton, 34 minutes
14:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis is getting livelier and livelier. Martin Dubravaka does rather well to climb and claim Tariq Lamptey’s dangerous delivery; the goalkeeper’s accurate throw forces Adam Webster to foul Alexander Isak. A yellow card for the Brighton defender.
Offside! Newcastle 1-0 Brighton, 31 minutes
14:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleNearly a second for Alexander Isak! The Swedish striker launches a missile having latched on to a through pass, a Howitzer howling past Bart Verbruggen before the goalkeeper has a chance to react, but the striker had gone too soon in the build-up, as the assistant’s raised flag reveals.
Newcastle 1-0 Brighton, 31 minutes
14:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe delivery hits the head of Adam Webster, but the centre-half is bending back as he connects and thus can’t generate the purchase on it required to test Martin Dubravka.
Newcastle 1-0 Brighton, 30 minutes
14:16 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat’s more where Tariq Lamptey wants to be, getting to the byline after underlapping beneath Yankuba Minteh. Sandro Tonali concedes a corner.
Newcastle 1-0 Brighton, 28 minutes
14:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleJoao Pedro is looking, though, an increasing threat, hassling and harrying first Kieran Trippier and then Dan Burn, though the pair combine to escape.
At the other end, the first caution of the day will be shown to Tariq Lamptey, lunging as he retreats with Anthony Gordon blasting beyond him after a bouncing ball.
Newcastle 1-0 Brighton, 25 minutes
14:11 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt didn’t feel like we would have to wait long for an opener, both sides looking a little open. Joao Pedro tries to lift a ball for a teammate inside the Newcastle box but lofts it too close to Martin Dubravka, who takes it in comfortably.
Newcastle 1-0 Brighton, 23 minutes
14:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleYou don’t see many penalties better than that - there really was nothing that the Brighton goalkeeper could have done. Precise and powerful.
Isak BURIES the spot kick to put Newcastle in front! 💥
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 2, 2025
No chance for Verbruggen.#ITVFootball | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/rVAvx5KtG8
GOAL! NEWCASTLE 1-0 Brighton (Alexander Isak, 22 minutes)
14:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleCrunched into the top corner! Crisp and clean from the Newcastle striker, back in the side and back on the scoresheet.
Alexander Isak leaves Bart Verbruggen without a hope.
PENALTY! Newcastle 0-0 Brighton, 21 minutes
14:06 , Harry Latham-CoyleBut Newcastle have a spot-kick at the other end! Yankuba Minteh crashes through the back of Tino Livramento in the box and Anthony Taylor points a disapproving finger at the penalty spot.
A needless, mistimed challenge and Alexander Isak will step up from 12 yards...
Newcastle 0-0 Brighton, 19 minutes
14:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleNewcastle are doing a good job at getting behind the ball as Brighton shoot. Lewis Miley is the latest to throw a lower limb in the way before Joelinton picks the pocket of a dawdling Carlos Baleba on the follow-up.
Newcastle 0-0 Brighton, 17 minutes
14:02 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat was a rare moment for Joelinton to be sitting deeper, the midfielder generally up leading the Newcastle press almost alongside Alexander Isak. That means that Sandro Tonali is having to cover a fair bit of ground in midfield, which the Italian does very effectively here as Brighton make initial inroads down the right.
Newcastle 0-0 Brighton, 15 minutes
14:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleSloppy! Fabien Schar bails out Joelinton after a poor pass gifts the ball to Brighton, the defender standing up excellently to Kaoru Mitoma to prevent him capitalising immediately. Mitoma picks out Carlos Baleba but the midfielder can’t beat the blocking bodies.
Newcastle 0-0 Brighton, 13 minutes
13:59 , Harry Latham-CoyleJoelinton looks to be moving reasonably well, the midfielder returning slightly ahead of schedule from a knee issue. Eddie Howe’s comments ahead of kick off suggest he’s not yet at full fitness, but it’s a big boost to have the Brazilian back.
Newcastle 0-0 Brighton, 10 minutes
13:56 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt feels nice and open so far, though, both teams eager to progress in possession. It’s a lovely day on Tyneside, incidentally, the sun bright and beating down on a corner of St James’ Park as it begins its descent.
Newcastle 0-0 Brighton, 9 minutes
13:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleFantastic football from Brighton, finding their flow for the first time. A delightful pass from Pervis Estupinan and touch from Georginio Rutter centrally sets them on their way, with Yankuba Minteh scampering onwards. Tariq Lamptey is set free down the right and fizzes in a cross, but it is at an awkward height for Rutter, who can only craft an unorthodox attempt which fails to find the target.
Newcastle 0-0 Brighton, 6 minutes
13:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleAppealing arms from Brighton this time as Joao Pedro takes a tumble on the fringes of the Newcastle box. Hmm - Dan Burn didn’t seem to actually take the ball there, but the referee is content with his challenge.
Newcastle 0-0 Brighton, 5 minutes
13:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleBrighton are disappointed when a peep of Anthony Taylor’s whistle halts their counter-attack, though there had been a high boot from Georginio Rutter on Sandro Tonali. Just a free kick - nothing like as nasty a collision as the incident involving Jean-Philippe Mateta yesterday.
Newcastle 0-0 Brighton, 3 minutes
13:48 , Harry Latham-CoyleHow did Alexander Isak not score? Two chances in a matter of seconds for the striker inside the six-yard box, first meeting a Harvey Barnes stand-up at the far stick, before throwing a left boot at the rebound. Adam Webster blocks the first effort; the second spoons over the crossbar! A let-off for Brighton!
Newcastle 0-0 Brighton, 2 minutes
13:47 , Harry Latham-CoyleSandro Tonali is again in that deeper Newcastle role at the base of midfield, with Lewis Miley and the returning Joelinton alongside him. Tino Livramento switches across to left-back with Kieran Trippier in the side, with Anthony Gordon up ahead of him on the left flank.
Newcastle 0-0 Brighton, 1 minute
13:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleAn early flash of Kaoru Mitoma’s fancy footwork, a delicious take on the run enabling the left winger to dance past Kieran Trippier. Jack Hinshelwood fires a shot at goal but the hosts have bodies back to block.
KICK OFF!
13:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd we’re off!
Newcastle vs Brighton
13:42 , Harry Latham-CoyleOut the players come, the black and white flags waving around St James’ Park. Brighton have already won once here this season - can they book their spot in the quarter-finals with another success on Tyneside?
Eddie Howe on his selection
13:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle“Alexander Isak is fully fit and recovered,” the Newcastle manager tells ITV. “We’re delighted he is back. He’s led the line really well this year, he’s pivotal to the way we play.
“Joelinton is looking good. He’s the ultimate professional in terms of his recovery from injury. he adds a physical strength, a dimension we’ve missed in recent weeks. I don’t think he’ll play the whole game.
“It’s an opportunity for the players coming in. We’ve got a strong squad and I’ve tried to use it.”
FA Cup records
13:30 , Chris WilsonNewcaslte’s last major trophy was the FA Cup, which they won in 1955 – the Magpies have not won a major trophy since then, though they did win the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969. Nevertheless, they remain one of the most successful sides in the competition, having won it six times.
Brighton have never won this trophy, with their best performance coming when they lost a final replay to Manchester United in 1983.
The Seagulls’ best performance since then was when they reached the semi-finals in 2023 – when they also lost to United, this time on penalties.
Match facts
13:25 , Chris WilsonNewcastle have won just two of their last 15 meetings with Brighton in all competitions (D7 L6).
Brighton have won each of their last four FA Cup games against Newcastle without conceding a single goal.
Newcastle have progressed from each of their last nine FA Cup fifth round ties – since a 1-0 loss at Blackburn in 1992/93 – while Brighton have reached the FA Cup fifth round in three consecutive campaigns for the very first time.
Inside the Premier League’s frantic race to secure Champions League football
13:20 , Chris WilsonSomething that concerns both of these sides...
In the build-up to Nottingham Forest-Arsenal, Nuno Espirito Santo has been trying to get his players to put the weekend behind them - other than to remember one lesson. That is to seize the moment, especially when momentum is going a certain way. His Forest team's inability to do that was still hurting Nuno after that 4-3 defeat to Newcastle United. He felt a huge comeback was there to be secured. That sense of regret is all the more important ahead of Wednesday’s game, since Arsenal's troubles offer an opportunity for a big win.
Except, this points to one of the stories of the season so far, right across the top half of the table. Nobody other than Liverpool is seizing the moment. Nobody else is really maximising good positions.
Newcastle’s victory was almost a case in point. Forest evidently couldn’t hold a lead but Eddie Howe’s team struggled almost as much with an even bigger lead. It is like this almost everywhere, to the point that crisis-wracked Tottenham Hotspur are currently on the longest winning streak in the division with three in a row.
Head-to-head
13:15 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have faced each other just 20 times in the past, with Brighton winning eight, Newcastle winning five and seven ending as draws.
Earlier this season, the Seagulls ran out 1-0 winners in the league at St James’ Park.
When is the FA Cup quarter-final draw?
13:10 , Chris WilsonThe draw will take place after the conclusion of the match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday, 2 March.
How can I watch the draw?
The draw will take place live as part of the BBC’s broadcast of the match between United and Fulham. That kicks off at 4.30pm, so the draw could take place around 7.30pm depending on whether the tie goes to extra-time.
Fabian Hurzeler speaks to ITV ahead of kick off
12:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle“For me, the cup tournament is always a chance to win a title. It’s a big opportunity for us. It is a do or die game, we have to go all in. We are in good form; we will see if it is our best form today.
“We have done the basic things right. We have to push our limits and standards today. Every game is different. Of course we can take some things we did well in the last game we won [at St James Park], but there are things we need to improve.
“We had to prepare for both options, with Isak and without Isak. It’s a big opportunity for them - also Joelinton [is back], but we prepared for that.”
Team news - Brighton
12:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleBrighton bring in Jack Hinshelwood in the lone change to the starting side that beat Bournemouth. Diego Gomez drops to the bench.
Brighton XI: Verbruggen; Lamptey, Webster, Van Hecke, Estupinan; Baleba, Hinshelwood; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Joao Pedro.
TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Here's our starting XI to face Newcastle in the FA Cup. 👀📝 pic.twitter.com/SswW4NCp2Z
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) March 2, 2025
Team news - Newcastle
12:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleAlexander Isak is fit to START for Newcastle after that midweek injury scare against Liverpool. Joelinton also returns to Eddie Howe’s starting side.
Newcastle XI: Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Trippier; Tonali, Joelinton, Miley; Barnes, Isak, Gordon.
Up for the cup! ✊ pic.twitter.com/YWanrAhEAn
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) March 2, 2025
Team news
12:40 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released in around five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news...
Newcastle will hope to welcome back Alexander Isak after he missed the loss to Liverpool, while Sven Botman and Joelinton could both be in line for a return at the weekend (though Joelinton is more likely to be sidelined for another week or so).
Callum Wilson will be assessed after coming off against Liverpool, though it is believed he will be fine.
Fabian Hurzeler has no new injury concerns after the win over Bournemouth, though Lewis Dunk and Joel Veltman are still some way from making a return.
Igor Julio remains the only long-term absentee, though James Milner and Ferdi Kadioglu will likely remain sidelined until around April.
What is semi-automated offside technology and how does it work?
12:30 , Chris WilsonSemi-automated offside technology (SAOT) will be used in English football for the first time this weekend as it makes its domestic debut in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Seven of the eight ties will utilise the technology, which is designed to improve the speed and efficiency of VAR checks around offside decisions.
SAOT has been used in the Champions League since the 2022-23 season, having also featured at the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024.
The Premier League voted unanimously to introduce the technology last year, but its unveiling in English football has been delayed at various stages this season.
What is semi-automated offside technology and how does it work?
FA Cup finally set to debut semi-automated offside technology in English football
12:15 , Chris WilsonThe FA Cup will welcome semi-automated offside technology for its English football debut.
Seven of the eight fifth-round ties will utilise the groundbreaking technology, which is designed to improve the efficiency of VAR checks.
Premier League stadiums will roll out the technology, however, the Preston vs Burnley tie is the only exception for the fifth round.
FA Cup finally set to debut semi-automated offside technology in English football
Still to come in the FA Cup
12:05 , Chris WilsonThis match is the first of two today in the cup, with Manchester United taking on Fulham at Old Trafford later – kick-off in that one is at 4.30pm.
Tomorrow, Nottingham Forest face Ipswich Town at the City Ground, with kick-off at 7.30pm.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
