FA CUP: Ramsdale the hero as Newcastle survive Bournemouth scare to reach fourth round

Aaron Ramsdale proved the decisive figure as Newcastle United edged past Bournemouth on penalties to book their place in the FA Cup fourth round after a pulsating contest at St James’ Park, Sport360NG reports.

The former Bournemouth goalkeeper returned to haunt his old club, saving three spot-kicks in a dramatic shootout after the tie finished level following extra time. Ramsdale denied Evanilson and Alex Jimenez before producing the match-winning save from Bafodé Diakité, sending the home crowd into raptures.

Newcastle had edged ahead in sudden death when Malick Thiaw calmly converted to make it 7–6, leaving Diakité needing to score to keep Bournemouth alive. Ramsdale, however, stood firm to seal progression for Eddie Howe’s side.

On an afternoon when supporters again paid tribute to club great Kevin Keegan following news of his cancer diagnosis, the hosts were involved in another rollercoaster encounter, coming days after their thrilling midweek win over Leeds United.

Harvey Barnes had earlier put Newcastle in front during the second half, rifling home his 10th goal of the season after racing on to Nick Woltemade’s perfectly weighted through ball.

Bournemouth responded with spirit and intensity. Alex Scott equalised from close range after Evanilson flashed a dangerous cross across the face of goal, before David Brooks stunned the home crowd with a superb long-range strike that put the visitors ahead.

There was late drama still to come. Deep into stoppage time, Newcastle were awarded a penalty when goalkeeper Djordje Petrović brought down Sandro Tonali. Anthony Gordon kept his nerve from the spot, sending the tie into extra time despite Petrović getting a hand to the effort.

Barnes appeared to have won it again for Newcastle with a goal in the 118th minute, but Bournemouth refused to fold. Substitute Marcus Tavernier squeezed between Sven Botman and Thiaw to force penalties with a last-gasp finish.

The shootout ultimately belonged to Ramsdale, whose heroics ensured Newcastle’s passage and marked just a second career victory for Howe against his former club.