Match Report as Newcastle United defeat Blackburn on pens

After the two sides were inseparable after 120 minutes of football at 1-1, Dubravka saved two of Blackburn's efforts in the resulting penalty shootout to send the Premier League side through to the final eight. 

Eddie Howe opted for a near full-strength side in Lancashire as injury issues continue to take their toll, with Dubravka back in between the sticks after Loris Karius featured against Arsenal last time out. 

But it was the second tier side who forced the first real opening, as the dangerous Sammie Szmodics was played in on goal after a neat touch and pass from John Buckley, but he fired into the side netting.

A poor pass allowed the hosts in again not long after but Dubravka got down well to deny Tyrhys Dolan's fierce low effort.

Another sumptuous ball from Andrew Moran freed Szmodics but once again Newcastle's shot stopper stood tall.

But after Blackburn's first half dominance, it was the away side who really should have taken the lead when Jamal Lascelles headed straight at the goalkeeper from Kieran Trippier's wicked corner delivery, before a scramble couldn't be forced home.

Newcastle began to turn the screw and Gordon should have scored when he was played through one-on-one but again shot straight at Aynsley Pears.

On 71 minutes, the deadlock was finally broken as Miguel Almiron danced into the area and cut back for Gordon, with the winger making no mistake from close range. 

But just eight minutes later the home side were level, as Szmodics was on hand to tap the ball home after Dilan Markanday's rocket came back off the bar.

That finished the scoring, although Dubravka and Pears were both on form in extra time, denying efforts from Yasin Ayari and Gordon respectively. 

Only penalties could separate the two teams after a thrilling tie, but Dubravka came out on top after saving from Szmodics and Dominic Hyam to send Newcastle to the next round.