Millwall 0-1 Newcastle: Joe Willock’s late finish helps Matthias Jaisl’s side to League Cup victory at The Den

A late goal from Joe Willock sent Newcastle into relief into the fourth round of the League Cup as the Premier League side secured a 1-0 win over Sky Bet Championship side Millwall.

The Magpies were given a scare just before going out when Tairyk Arconte’s shot hit the post as the hosts threatened to upset the winners of the tournament two seasons ago.

The Lions brought in 15-year-old midfielder Regan Anderson, who became Millwall’s second-youngest player remaining, but Newcastle held out a tough encounter.

Jacob Murphy made a harmless save in the opening exchanges, the first meeting between the two teams since 1993.

Debutant Millwall goalkeeper Philip Marshall was first used in the 15th minute when he parried Willock’s shot into the air, with the ball falling to left-back Elkan Baggott rather than to the lurking Ioan Wissa.

The visitors dominated the start of the match and came close again when Sven Botman’s header narrowly missed Murphy’s corner at the far post.

A rare foray outside their own half led to their first half chance, Lyndon Dykes’ shot from Baggott’s cross being easily saved by Lukas Hornicek.

The Lions posed a threat from set-pieces, with Kamiel Negley’s good free-kick met by Caleb Taylor’s header, which went wide of the goal.

Newcastle then had a near-luck at the other end of the pitch as Fabian Schar’s long-range shot deflected heavily and rattled the side netting, leaving Marshall stranded.

The situation was deadlocked after the break and Millwall started the second half brightly when Jenson Metcalfe struck from range just over two minutes after the restart.

Metcalfe’s free kick then led to another booking for the visitors when Lions captain Jake Cooper headed wide.

The Magpies struggled to make a statement after the break, although Harvey Barnes had just his second shot on target in the 65th minute when his tame shot was easily saved by Marshall.

Newcastle manager Matthias Jaisl sent on Anthony Elanga and Matias Fernandez-Pardo on contract deadline to finally get a breakthrough, but Millwall’s centre-back pairing Cooper and Caleb Taylor fended off everything that came their way.

Millwall substitute Arconte came closest to opening the scoring in the 79th minute when he headed past Tino Livramento before his shot deflected off the near post.

Having survived that scare, the visitors prevailed nine minutes from time when Lewis Hall’s cross from the six-yard box was tipped in by Willock.

Hall praised Jaisle for turning down Newcastle negativity after cup win

Newcastle defender Lewis Hall speaking to Sky Sports:

“Before everything happened, there was a lot of negativity, and as soon as the coach arrived, he became the best, as did the entire coaching staff.

“The way he makes us play is amazing and I can speak for everyone: we really enjoy playing under him.”

“We knew it would be hard. Any time you come out of a cup, anything can happen, so we’re very proud of the win and the fact that we managed to keep a clean sheet.”

Willock: League Cup is important to us

Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock speaking to Sky Sports:

“We had a lot of chances in the first half, but at half-time we said we need to take our chances. Luckily we did it in the second half, scored a goal and won the game.”

“We have won this tournament before, so this is very important for us. We have a new coach and a lot of new players and we wanted to start the season well.”

“I feel like we started very well. We need to keep going and it was a big game to keep that momentum going.”

Jaisl: It’s all about patience

Newcastle boss Mathias Jaisl speaking to Sky Sports:

“We are very happy. The job is done. It’s never going to be easy here at Millwall in a cup game, so we were aware of the challenge and accepted it.”

“It was about patience, but also about passion, toughness, collecting second balls and being effective in front of goal. We took this chance and that’s why I’m very proud of it.”

“We handled the physical challenges quite well and took a step in the right direction compared to the first half against Bournemouth. We brought the fundamentals to the field, so I’m happy.”

“Joe [Willock] does a great job. Since we joined, back in pre-season, you saw that the potential was there.

“I’m very happy with the start so far. I think we are showing unity on and off the field after such a short period of time. But again, we’re being realistic. We are happy, we are grateful for this start and now the focus is on Leeds.

“I love it [English football]. Honestly, I like it. Going out to an evening match and experiencing that kind of atmosphere is something you dream about. It’s a privilege.”