Eddie Howe has vowed to attack cup competitions with genuine intent this season and the introduction of £140m worth of substitutes against Tranmere showed Newcastle have the resources to match their manager’s ambition. They were needed to secure a third round tie with Crystal Palace on an awkward, bruising night at Prenton Park.
Elliott Nevitt, a striker who was playing non-league football just over a year ago, swept the League Two strugglers into a stylish lead before Newcastle recovered the tie through Jamal Lascelles and Chris Wood. Both scored from Kieran Trippier corners, with the England international one of several expensive substitutes who injected composure and strength into the visiting display. Lascelles scored while nursing a broken nose sustained early in the contest. Wood, his limited chances at Newcastle threatened even more by the imminent arrival of Alexander Isak for a club record fee, sealed victory with a thumping second-half header.
