FA CUP: NEWCASTLE v CITY

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign as manager got off to a dream start in Newcastle as his side secured victory at St James’ Park for the first time since 1963.

In the Norwegian's first match in charge since taking over at Cardiff City Stadium in the week, Cardiff started brightly and had a goal controversially disallowed before Ben Arfa crashed the ball off the crossbar.

In the second period, Ben Arfa hit the upright for a second time before Newcastle took the lead through Cisse. The City manager then made two inspired substitutions with Noone coming on and scoring a wonder goal before Campbell nodded home the decisive second.

Solskjaer made five changes to the line-up, when naming his first starting 11, with Mark Hudson, Andreas Cornelius and Declan John all beginning the game. John Brayford and Craig Conway were named on the bench.

Alan Pardew made seven changes from the side who were defeated at West Brom with Mathieu Debuchy suspended and Yohan Cabaye, Tim Krul and Fabricio Coloccini all out injured.

The game started quietly but after nine minutes, Cardiff were awarded their first corner of the game and had the ball in the back of the net.

The set piece was met by the head of skipper, Mark Hudson who nodded home but referee, Anthony Taylor disallowed the goal following a Peter Odemwingie foul.

After Ole had performed his first Ayatollah, much to the delight of the hardy band of travelling fans, Cardiff went close through cult hero, Kevin McNaughton.

The right back attempted an audacious curling effort from the edge of the area but it swerved over the goal frame.

The visitors continued to pepper the Newcastle goal with shots and Kim Bo-Kyung tried his luck but it sailed over the crossbar.

Having been dominated in the early stages, Newcastle grew into the game after 20 minutes and went close through a stinging Ben Arfa strike which flew by the post.

The French international was always a threat and came perilously close to giving his side the lead when he marauded his way towards the edge of Cardiff’s box before unleashing a thunderous low drive that smacked Marshall’s post.

With the half nearing a close, Aron Gunnarsson tested Rob Elliot, who was able to palm away the stinging drive.

After finishing the half strongly, Newcastle were a threat at the start of the second period with their number 10, Hatem Ben Arfa hitting the woodwork for a second time.

Solskjaer attempted to rejuvenate his side by bringing on Frazier Campbell for Cornelius but before the 26-year-old could put his stamp on the game, Newcastle went ahead.

A long ball from the home side fell to Sissoko who showed great strength to hold off the defence before seeing his shot saved by Marshall.

The Bluebirds’ number one was then helpless when Papiss Cisse prodded home the rebound from less than five yards out.

Despite going behind, Cardiff’s heads didn’t go down and they retaliated through Campbell who saw a fizzing drive from inside the box smack the post before Odemwingie fired over.

Peter Whittingham then had a free-kick in a dangerous position which flew inches over the crossbar.

The new Cardiff boss, Solskjaer then made an inspired substitution which paid dividends. 

He took off Odemwingie and replaced him with fleet-footed forward, Craig Noone. The fresh faced winger made an immediate impact when he picked the ball up from 30 yards before unleashing a wicked strike which thundered beyond the helpless, Rob Elliot after 73 minutes.

Seven minutes later, Solskjaer’s first sub of the day came up trumps when a Peter Whittingham corner swung to the back post where Frazier Campbell was on hand to head home and run towards the jubilant travelling support.

As the home support became aggravated, Pardew threw on Remy and Ameobi in an attempt to notch for a second time.

With a raucous support at their backs, Newcastle put the Bluebirds under the cosh as the game drew to a close and despite there being five minutes of added time, Ole’s men held on to seal their place in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup.

Newcastle United: Elliot; Santon, S Taylor, Yanga-Mbiwa, Haidara, Tiote (c), Anita; Ben Arfa, Sissoko (Shola Ameobi), Gouffran (Obertan), Ciss (Remy). Subs not used: Alnwick, Dummett, Williamson, Sammy Ameobi.

Cardiff City: Marshall; McNaughton, Hudson (C), Turner, John; Whittingham, Kim (Smith), Gunnarsson, Cowie; Odemwingie (Noone), Cornelius (Campbell). Subs not used: Lewis; Caulker, Brayford, Conway