Newcastle vs Bournemouth FA Cup Thriller Ends in Ramsdale Heroics

Newcastle United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was the ultimate Magpies Marvel on penalties as Harvey Barnes’ 118th-minute header in the second half of extra time proved insufficient to seal the contest in open play, with Marcus Tavernier shocking St. James’ Park in what felt like the final kick of the game. It was a perfect representation of a beautiful, breath-holding FA Cup tie that truly came to life during the second half of the initial 90 minutes between two impressive Premier League sides.

The opening 45 minutes, particularly the first third of the match, was filled with early opportunities for both teams. Alex Scott’s effort inside the opening minute failed to trouble Ramsdale, while Bournemouth’s Turkish international Enes Ünal struck with power shortly after, only for the Newcastle goalkeeper to gather comfortably. Ünal’s aerial presence was effective early on, heading the ball down to Junior Kroupi in the fifth minute, whose volley forced Ramsdale into another sharp stop. Despite being only five minutes into the contest, Bournemouth looked confident and threatening away from home.

Newcastle soon responded with a swift counter-attack, initiated by Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey before Harvey Barnes flicked the ball on to Nick Woltemade. Woltemade cleverly found Yoane Wissa, whose effort was saved by Cherries goalkeeper Djordje Petrović, denying the hosts a real chance to break the deadlock. Bournemouth continued to apply pressure, with Alex Scott volleying over after allowing the ball to bounce twice, while Wissa’s header moments later was comfortably claimed by Petrović.

Woltemade had another chance in the 18th minute, but his effort was headed away by Bournemouth captain Adam Smith. Appeals for a penalty were waved away when Wissa’s shot struck Alex Scott’s face and arm. Bournemouth were commendable in frustrating Newcastle’s counter-attacks, repeatedly flooding their defensive third with bodies and limiting clear opportunities. Joe Willock’s lofted effort around the half-hour mark summed up a first half filled with promise but lacking a decisive moment, as both sides showed flashes of quality alongside moments of hesitation in the final third.

The second half began with Newcastle striking first. Despite Bournemouth pressing aggressively from the front, Harvey Barnes held off Adam Smith and combined with Woltemade, whose clever trivela pass sent Barnes through on goal. Barnes accelerated past Smith and James Hill before slotting the ball through Petrović’s legs to give the hosts a crucial advantage. The goal proved a turning point, but Bournemouth responded positively, forcing Tino Livramento into a costly error that allowed Evanilson a clear sight of goal, only for Ramsdale to stand firm.

Bournemouth’s pressing almost paid off again when Evanilson delicately dinked the ball over Ramsdale, only for the flag to deny him. Newcastle then came close through Sven Botman, whose header from Lewis Hall’s corner struck the crossbar. Bournemouth’s persistence was eventually rewarded when Alex Scott tapped in from close range following a delivery from Evanilson, restoring parity. The visitors then stunned the hosts when David Brooks collected a long ball from Julio Soler, skipped past Botman and calmly finished into the bottom corner to turn the game on its head.

Newcastle pushed for a leveller, knowing defeat would mark their seventh loss in nine home FA Cup matches. Joelinton came close late on, but his header drifted wide. Bournemouth appeared on the brink of victory before Petrović fouled Sandro Tonali, allowing Anthony Gordon to convert from the penalty spot and force extra time.

Extra time maintained the same relentless tempo. Newcastle dominated possession but remained vulnerable defensively, with Sven Botman’s mistake nearly punished when Alex Scott’s effort was fired straight at Ramsdale. Bournemouth missed further chances through Alex Jiménez and Scott, and those missed opportunities proved costly. Anthony Gordon’s delivery found Barnes once more, and his header in the 118th minute appeared to have sealed the tie.

However, inspired by the famous words of commentator Fares Awad “Do not turn the next page until you read the last sentence” Bournemouth had one final twist.

Marcus Tavernier poked the ball past the Newcastle defence to stun St. James’ Park and force penalties in a match worthy of the FA Cup’s dramatic reputation.

The shootout saw Anthony Gordon and Tavernier convert confidently before chaos followed, with missed penalties from Woltemade, Evanilson and Bruno Guimarães.

Ramsdale emerged as the hero, saving the decisive spot-kick to send Newcastle through and secure their third FA Cup shootout win over Bournemouth. The Magpies now await the fourth-round draw as they continue their pursuit of a first FA Cup triumph since 1955.