Matt Ritchie’s scored a superb second-half winner after seeing his converted penalty ruled out in bizarre fashion as Newcastle United overcame a stubborn Burton Albion on a controversial night at St. James’ Park.
Scotland international Ritchie coolly converted a spot-kick just before the half hour mark which looked to have given United the lead, but referee Keith Stroud disallowed the goal for reasons that were not immediately clear.
It is believed that what would have been Ritchie’s 15th goal of the season was ruled out because of some kind of infringement as the penalty was being taken, though the decision – and the subsequent delaying of the game for almost four minutes as the officials sought to clarify the matter – caused bewilderment both on the pitch and in the stands at St. James’ Park.
In the end, though, it mattered little, as Ritchie produced a stunning 68th-minute strike to break Burton’s resolve and seal the three points their performance warranted, sending the United faithful home happy after a rollercoaster 90 minutes.
Manager Rafa Benitez sprung a surprise with his team selection ahead of the game, with centre back Chancel Mbemba coming in to partner Jamaal Lascelles at the heart of the United defence. It was the former Anderlecht man’s first start since November, while there were also starts for Christian Atsu and Ayoze Perez further forward.
And it was the hosts who dominated much of the early play. Paul Dummett drove forward down the left and centred for Ritchie, whose first time shot was deflected past the post. A sixth-minute penalty appeal was turned down, too, as Dwight Gayle tumbled under the challenge of John Brayford. A Jackson Irvine volley, fizzed just over Karl Darlow's crossbar, was as close as Albion came in the opening exchanges.
With just under half an hour on the clock, the Magpies thought they had made the breakthrough. Gayle went down under the challenge of a Burton defender as he raced onto a through ball, and referee Stroud pointed to the spot. Ritchie stepped up, sending Jon McLaughlin the wrong way as he slotted away the penalty at the Gallowgate End.
But Stroud intervened, disallowing the goal to the bemusement of United's players, management and supporters. Confusion reigned for almost four minutes as Stroud spoke to his assistant and fourth official, before finally ruling that the goal should be chalked off with McLaughlin restarting play with a free kick in his own area.
That bizarre turn of events seemed to galvanise Newcastle, who responded with renewed intensity and purpose. Gayle collected Christian Atsu’s lofted pass and cut inside in the area, but McLaughlin saved with his legs and the Brewers survived.
After the break, Benitez’s men looked to pick up where they had left off. Perez latched onto an Atsu pass but shot just wide of the target, while Ritchie stung the palms of McLaughlin with a fierce drive from the edge of the box. Gayle then teed up Jonjo Shelvey, industrious throughout in the middle of the park, but his strike flew just past the angle of post and bar.
And eventually, their pressure told. Ritchie cut inside from the right, and unleashed a fine, curling effort with his right foot, which nestled in the top right-hand corner of the goal, leaving McLaughlin with no chance.
It was nothing less than the hosts, and the outstanding Ritchie, deserved, though just minutes after the goal his side were indebted to goalkeeper Darlow, who produced a crucial save to deny Ben Turner when the big centre half nodded a dangerous free kick towards goal.
And despite the spirited Brewers’ endeavours towards the end, the Magpies held their ground to earn the victory in a game that may be remembered as much for a goal that didn’t stand as for one that did.
