Late Matt Ritchie penalty denies Blackburn shock victory at Newcastle

It is no secret that Rafael Benítez is infinitely more concerned with avoiding relegation from the Premier League than winning the FA Cup but the Newcastle United manager’s decision to field a weakened team arguably ended up backfiring.

The resultant draw leaves Benítez contemplating a draining midweek replay at Ewood Park where Tony Mowbray’s intelligent Championship players will be anxious to finish off a tie they very nearly won here.

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