Welbeck sinks Newcastle as Brighton reach FA Cup quarters

Danny Welbeck sent Brighton into the FA Cup quarter-finals as his extra-time strike clinched a dramatic 2-1 win against Newcastle in a stormy clash scarred by red cards for both teams.

Alexander Isak’s penalty put Newcastle ahead in the fifth round tie at St James’ Park.

Former Newcastle winger Yankuba Minteh equalised before the break, setting the stage for an explosive second half.

Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon was sent off for violent conduct in the 83rd minute after shoving Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke in the head.

Brighton were also reduced to 10 men late in the second half when Tariq Lamptey was dismissed for a second booking.

Fabian Hurzeler’s side emerged victorious thanks to Welbeck’s strike in the closing stages of extra-time.

Brighton have never lifted the FA Cup and last reached the final in 1983 when they lost in a replay against Manchester United.

The Seagulls have won five successive matches since their 7-0 thrashing at Nottingham Forest.

They are through to the quarter-finals for the second time in three seasons after winning at St James’ Park for the second time this season.

It was a bitter blow for Newcastle, who haven’t won a domestic trophy since landing the 1955 FA Cup, while their last major trophy was the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.

Unless Newcastle appeal against Gordon’s three-match ban, they will be without one of their key players for the League Cup final against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Wembley on March 16.
– Brighton hit back –

Newcastle made a vibrant start as Harvey Barnes lofted a pin-point cross to the far post, where Isak blazed over from close-range after his initial effort was blocked by Adam Webster.

Isak tested Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen with a long-range drive before