Willington Quay Saints 1-2 Newcastle Chemfica: Late strike downs valiant Saints
Newcastle Chemfica required a last-minute winner to avoid a major upset against Willington Quay Saints in the George Dobbins League Cup.
Kenan Layton gave Chemfica an early lead with a controversial penalty, before Robbie Shaw looked to have sent the tie to spot-kicks with an 82nd-minute effort.
However, as Saints pushed for a winner, they were caught on the break by Rhys Common, who raced clear to win the tie with two minutes to go.
The lads managed to get over the line today with a late winner and advance to the last 16 of the George Dobbins League Cup.
UTF ⚫️ pic.twitter.com/VsM2AVnXKV
— Newcastle Chemfica FC (@NwclChemfica) October 18, 2025
Despite coming into the tie off the back of an 8-0 win over Newbiggin Reds in the Minor Cup, Willington Quay got off to the worst possible start.
Ben McDermott took down Connor Powell inside 10 minutes, and the referee deemed the challenge to be inside of the box, before Layton converted.
Chemfica piled on the pressure, forcing two great saves from Ethan Dodgson to keep the Saints in the contest.
Shaw then missed a gilt-edged chance at the other end to equalise, dragging an effort wide from close range, before Ian Fada saw an effort disallowed for offside.
However, Shaw redeemed himself late on, as he latched onto a long ball by Dodgson, before cutting inside and rifling into the top corner.
Yet, in the 88th minute, as Saints pushed forward, Chemfica were able to play the ball out to Common, who outpaced Aidan Cantle Jones, before slotting past Dodgson to win the game.
