As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Wilbraham - at 40 - earns Rochdale stunning FA Cup draw with Newcastle

Aaron Wilbraham - at 40 - earned League OneRochdale an FA Cup replay at Premier LeagueNewcastle United after a dramatic late equaliser.

Miguel Almiron's fierce first-half finish looked to have booked the Magpies' place in the fourth round.

But Wilbraham left Rochdale fans celebrating when he finished from close range after a run and pass by 17-year-old Luke Matheson, who scored at Manchester United in the Carabao Cup in September.

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce had been hit by a lengthy injury list before the tie, but the visitors dominated for long spells and it was no surprise the team 49 places up the ladder took the lead - Almiron pouncing after Christian Atsu's cutback.

Rochdale keeper Robert Sanchez produced fine stops to prevent Joelinton and Yoshinori Muto increasing the lead, while Magpies keeper Martin Dubravka kept out former Manchester United youth player Oliver Rathbone.

Dale skipper Ian Henderson hit the post after Rathbone's shot was parried by Dubravka, before the impressive Rathbone was again denied by a smart save from the Newcastle keeper.

However, Rochdale earned a money-spinning replay at St James' Park thanks to Wilbraham's tidy finish - and Rathbone even went close to a winner in the closing stages.

Video of the day:

About the author

Paul Vegas

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free