Allan Saint-Maximin, Newcastle's latest French maverick winger, scored a wonderful individual goal in the 116th minute of a pulsating FA Cup game against Oxford to seal The Magpies' place in the 5th Round of the competition for the first time since 2006.

The last-gasp 3-2 victory was again testimony to the never-say-die spirit in Steve Bruce's Magpies side in total contrast to the dismal 0-3 reverse Newcastle suffered at the hands of The Yellows at The Kassam Stadium under former manager Rafa Benitez in 2017.

It seemed for once that Newcastle, who started brightly, sharply and energetically with Sean Longstaff pulling the strings in the 10 role of a five-man midfield, were going to do things the easy way as the coveted Geordie midfielder scored a cracking opener from the edge of the box before setting up Brazilian striker Joelinton for number two.

Yet Newcastle couldn't turn their superiority into a third goal in the second half and paid the price when Liam Kelly scored a disputed 84th minute free-kick to pull one back and Nathan Holland levelled the game in the 94th minute to send it into extra time.

Newcastle, who had played without Joelinton since midway through the first half after his suspected cracked rib and strikers Andy Carroll, Dwight Gayle and Yoshi Muto who were already out injured, didn't have a recognised forward on the pitch for long periods.

After surviving a couple of Oxford scares, Saint-Maximin took control of the game after a pass from Christian Atsu, beating two men and smashing the ball past bewildered 'keeper Eastwood, who like the home fans in the 11,520 crowd knew the game was up.

Oxford Manager Robinson paid tribute to the quality of Newcastle's finishing:

"Their first goal is a worldie and the third is an outstanding finish. It is all ifs and buts unfortunately but I am really proud of my players."

while Steve Bruce was still dreaming of Wembley as Newcastle now head to West Bromwich Albion in the 5th Round on Wednesday, March 4th:

"It was a hairy cup tie, great for the neutral but awful for myself and the fans.
"It wouldn't be Newcastle without a story and if that's the story let's go to West Bromwich Albion and carry it on.
"When you look back and put your slippers on the FA Cup final is still a huge moment in this country. It was rekindled for me when I got there as manager of Hull City against Arsenal in 2014 and I vowed that I would never play weakened teams.
"A club like Newcastle can win five games and get to Wembley."

Roll on The Hawthorns and The Baggies. Don't Stop Believin'