Chris Wood’s header eases Newcastle nerves after Tranmere make fast start

Eddie Howe has vowed to attack cup competitions with genuine intent this season and the introduction of £140m worth of substitutes against Tranmere showed Newcastle have the resources to match their manager’s ambition. They were needed to secure a third round tie with Crystal Palace on an awkward, bruising night at Prenton Park.

Elliott Nevitt, a striker who was playing non-league football just over a year ago, swept the League Two strugglers into a stylish lead before Newcastle recovered the tie through Jamal Lascelles and Chris Wood. Both scored from Kieran Trippier corners, with the England international one of several expensive substitutes who injected composure and strength into the visiting display. Lascelles scored while nursing a broken nose sustained early in the contest. Wood, his limited chances at Newcastle threatened even more by the imminent arrival of Alexander Isak for a club record fee, sealed victory with a thumping second-half header.

“Tranmere were very good defensively and powerful. We needed to match them and we did,” said the Newcastle manager, who was unable to provide an update on a proposed £59m deal for Real Sociedad striker Isak. “I’ve said repeatedly that we want to do well in the cup competitions this season. This was a test of our attitude and character and we passed it well.”

Joe Willock was the only starter from Sunday’s pulsating draw against Manchester City to retain his place as Howe rang the changes. Rotating 10 players is always a risk, especially away at a club with a proud reputation for cup upsets, but Newcastle’s team contained plenty of experience. The strategy seemed justified as the visitors made a positive start only to be prised apart by Tranmere’s first incisive attack of