Newcastle boss highlights AFC Wimbledon’s game plan as Johnnie Jackson’s side suffer narrow EFL Cup defeat

Eddie Howe credited the challenge AFC Wimbledon gave his Newcastle United side as the Premier League secured a 1-0 victory in the EFL Cup third-round clash at St James’ Park on Tuesday evening.

The hosts went ahead when Joe Pigott brought down Miguel Almiron inside the penalty area in first-half added time and referee Darren Bond pointed to the spot.

Defender Fabian Schar converted the penalty past Crystal Palace loanee Owen Goodman to ease the nerves around St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe brought on first-teamers Lewis Hall, Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes in the second half to kill off the cup tie, but the South Londoners stayed resolute.

Johnnie Jackson’s side never went close to troubling Newcastle’s goal and failed to register a shot on target.

The Magpies, who donated £15,000 to help the Dons in their efforts to repair Plough Lane following the damage caused by extensive flooding after the River Wandle burst and caused last week’s tie to be rearranged, will play Chelsea in the round of 16.

“It was always a difficult game in waiting for us,” said Howe.

“There were no surprises with how Wimbledon played – we knew they were going to be focused on set plays and long throws.

“They made it very difficult – credit to them. They were very deep and we had a lot of bodies to try and play through.

“We’re disappointed with our first-half efforts to try and score – we were a lot better in the second half.

“We defended very well throughout the game. The whole game was set up to be challenging for us.

“We needed to do better, and we’ll look at that.”

PICTURE: PA