Steve Bruce admitted that Newcastle United’s FA Cup exploits well and truly put him through the wringer at the Kassam Stadium.
After watching his side throw away a 2-0 lead in normal time, his side had to do it all again in extra time as the game threatened to go to a penalty shoot-out.
But ensured that 1,800 Geordies headed north with smiles on their faces.
Bruce said: “If there was ever an FA Cup game to grab a hold of you, then this was probably it.
“I genuinely thought we were in complete control until the last ten minutes when the boy bends one in the top corner.
“I couldn’t remember my goalkeeper making a save before that.
“Then they win a free-kick – I’m not so sure it was one – and they win two headers and the boy smashes a volley in.
“No disrespect, I don’t think he’ll hit one any sweeter.
“We had a difficult five or ten minutes in the first half of extra-time, but I thought overall the better team won the cup tie.”
Bruce feels that a place in round five is vital for the Magpies and thanked the fans for backing the team to the hilt on a Tuesday night.
The head coach added: “It’s significant for the club.
“A club like ours needs to be getting into the fifth round.
“I know what it does for the city and the supporters, who have come a million miles to get here today.
“A couple of thousand were here, which is remarkable.
“We’re in the next round.
“ We made hard work of it, against Rochdale and against Oxford, but I think we thoroughly deserved to win.”
