Barnes nets brace as Newcastle survive West Brom scare to reach Carabao Cup third round

Substitute Harvey Barnes scored twice as Newcastle United survived a scare against Championship side West Brom to reach the third round of the Carabao Cup according to BBC. 

A sold-out St James’ Park was rocking before kick-off after new signing Nico Gonzalez was presented to the crowd following his £52m move from Manchester City.

However, the home support were left stunned when West Brom forward Isaac Price opened the scoring against the 2025 cup winners with a clever free-kick.

Newcastle had expected Price to swing a delivery into the box from 25 yards out, but the in-form forward caught goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen out at his near post by instead curling the ball around the wall and into the bottom corner.

The hosts responded just a few minutes before half-time, though, when Amar Dedic’s teasing cross was knocked in by Bazoumana Toure.

The summer signing ghosted in between West Brom defenders Chris Mepham and Alex Williams to score on his competitive debut following his £43m move from Hoffenheim.

Although Toure was substituted at the break, his replacement, Barnes, quickly made an impact.

The former Leicester winger raced into the box and lashed the ball into the net after West Brom failed to clear their lines following his initial effort from outside the area.

West Brom rallied this time, however, and the visitors were awarded a penalty after Harry Whitwell’s cross struck the hand of Lewis Hall inside the box.

Price stepped up from the spot to score his second of the night after coolly sending Jaouen the wrong way.

There was still time for Barnes to step up again and finish from Dedic’s cross to send Newcastle into the last 32 and spare his side a nervy penalty shootout.