Newcastle fans on Twitter were livid at full-time yesterday when they scraped a 1-1draw against Blackburn at home in the FA Cup 3rd round. The only reason they could muster a draw was thanks to a Matt Ritchie penalty six minutes from time, and they’ll have to be much better at Ewood Park if they want to advance to the next stage.
Matt Ritchie spoke to NUFC TV after his late penalty earned Newcastle an @EmiratesFACup replay against @Rovers this evening.
Watch the full interview: https://t.co/hax4uBO6ZJ #NUFC pic.twitter.com/OuW1GlyNzq
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) 5 January 2019
The last time the Magpies managed to get past the 4th round of the FA Cup was way back in the 2005/6 season. In the 12 seasons since then, it has been nothing but disappointment in the famous old competition for the St James Park faithful. However, if the Geordies’ can turn up to Ewood Park and match the work rate and desire of Matt Ritchie, a win should be routine for the club.
It’s normally hard to find positives after watching your side outmatched for the most part of a clash against a team who ply their trade in a lower division, yet that’s what happened yesterday. Rafa Benitez’s side never really got going and were only given a way back into the game when Ayoze Perez was brought down for a penalty. It was always going to be hard to find praise for anyone playing in black and white, yet Ritchie is the man who deserved that praise for his tireless performance.
You can read the Magpies’ thoughts on Ritchie here:
https://twitter.com/BarryBlakely/status/1081650884482863106
https://twitter.com/ABNUFC/status/1081655956516282368
My captain. Constantly the most vocal man on the pitch.
— Ben Goldie (@Ben_Goldie) January 5, 2019
https://twitter.com/NUFCJeff7/status/1081664088751726592
He definitely did/does give percent!
— Ms. L H (@exspygirl) 5 January 2019
https://twitter.com/Jeanmaniah/status/1081659995228434434
https://twitter.com/callum592/status/1081670182567849984
We need to get back to a run of form and player like Ritchie are gonna help that
— Jack Schwab (@rightaboutjack) January 5, 2019
Well played Matt! You put an awesome shift in. Other players need to take a leaf out your book and we would be now where near the bottom.
— jon hall (@dj_jonnybulldog) January 5, 2019
The Geordies will be wanting more of the same from Ritchie after his Blackburn display and will just hope he can continue impressing in the next few weeks as the club aim to improve their Premier League form.
