It’s half time at St James’ Park and we are in total control in tonight’s FA Cup replay against Rochdale, taking a 3-0 lead into the break.
We took the lead 17 minutes in, with Rochdale’s Eoghan O’Connell putting Matt Ritchie’s dangerous cross into his own net, and it was 2-0 moments later as Matty Longstaff converted from another Ritchie delivery.
Miguel Almiron then made it 4 goals in his last 7 games on the 25-minute mark, firing home after he was gifted a golden chance from Rochdale stopper Sanchez:
Elsewhere, Almiron hit the post in the early stages, while Joelinton and Krafth have also come close in front of the 29,786 crowd at St James’ Park – where a certain Mike Ashley is in attendance for the first time this season.
3-0 up and cruising. Hopefully several key players can get a rest in the second 45 and Joelinton can bag his first goal at St James’ Park!