FA Cup 3rd Round: Newcastle Finally Ends 13-Year Wait To Beat Sunderland

Newcastle smiled home with all three points on Saturday after defeating long-time rival, Sunderland in an FA Cup clash.

Isak’s brace after the break at the Stadium of Light, coupled with Dan Ballard’s own goal in the first half, helped Eddie Howe’s team defeat their fierce local rivals in the first Tyne and Wear derby since 2016.

With a 3-0 victory over Sunderland in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, Alexander Isak’s double gave Newcastle their first win over their bitter rivals in thirteen years.

Newcastle had suffered six of their previous seven derbies against Sunderland, but their cool-headed approach finally put an end to the fervent Black Cats and brought about their first derby victory since a 1-0 triumph in 2011.

Howe was hoping that the derby would be a “season-changing” event to heal the scars from their Champions League departure and dismal Premier League form following four straight losses in all competitions.

For the 6,000 Newcastle supporters who waved their black and white scarves with glee after the final whistle, it didn’t matter if they defeated opponents from lower divisions; for now, that was what mattered most. It’s undeniable that the rivalry between clubs separated by barely 14 miles exists, even though it may not have the same glitter as the derbies between Manchester and North London.

This week’s strange event, in which Sunderland had to issue an apology to incensed supporters after a stadium bar was repainted in Newcastle colours in the corporate hospitality area of the visiting team, perfectly captured the animosity.

In an attempt to prevent the violent events that have marred previous meetings, Newcastle’s supporters were driven to the stadium in a massive police convoy on buses before being issued their tickets. Howe had enlisted the help of Newcastle’s few Geordies to explain to the rest of his foreign team the importance of the rivalry. It was a clear message as Newcastle dominated a furious game. In reaction to the excitement in the stands, both teams threw caution to the wind and launched tackles.

To the cheers of the Black Cats faithful, Jack Clarke pole-axed Sven Botman after Jobe Bellingham of Sunderland—the brother of Real Madrid star Jude—caught Joelinton with a harsh lunge. Ballard was able to stretch out and stop Joelinton’s cross in the middle of the commotion, but he misdirected the ball into his own net, giving Newcastle the lead in the 35th minute.

After half an hour, Sunderland’s Almiron stole the ball from Pierre Ekwah, who was moving slowly within his own half, and set up Isak for a 10-yard goal, giving Newcastle their second goal. Newcastle’s victory was cemented by Isak’s penalty kick in the ninetieth minute following Ballard’s foul on Anthony Gordon.

Maidstone United, the bottom-seeded team remaining in the competition, shocked everyone by defeating Stevenage 1-0 and making their first-ever trip to the fourth round. George Elkobi’s Kent-based team, Stevenage, is in the third division; they are separated by 69 places. However, the National League South minnows created history in their first third-round trip since 1988 when Sam Corne scored a penalty in first-half stoppage time, and when the final whistle blew, fans flocked to the field in jubilation.

In the other early third-round matchups on Saturday, Millwall was defeated 3-2 at The Den by Leicester, who took a break from their Championship promotion chase. With goals from Tom Cannon, Cesare Casadei, and Ricardo Pereira, the 2021 FA Cup winners defeated Millwall, ten points ahead of them at the top of the championship, even though they were able to rest a number of players.

Ipswich, who trailed Leicester in the championship, defeated League Two team AFC Wimbledon 3-1 to advance to the fourth round. Later on Saturday, surprise champions Aston Villa will visit second-tier Middlesbrough, while Chelsea, with their inconsistent play, will try to avoid a shock against Championship team Preston at home.