EDDIE HOWE is hoping his side’s dramatic penalty shoot-out success over Blackburn Rovers proves to be a crucial moment in their season.

Newcastle scrambled into the FA Cup quarter-finals as they beat Blackburn 4-3 on penalties at Ewood Park.

Martin Dubravka made two crucial spot-kick saves, with his final effort proving decisive as he touched Dom Hyam’s effort onto the post.

The win, which was Newcastle’s first-ever penalty shoot-out success in the FA Cup, took the Magpies into the last eight, and means they are now just one win away from a return to Wembley.

Howe said: “I’ve had a few penalty shoot-outs in my career as a manager, and I definitely prefer them as a player. It’s a strange feeling because you’re so out of control.

“Obviously, a lot was riding on today’s outcome, so I thought the players handled the situation brilliantly – the goalkeeper and outfield players who took the penalties. It’s a big moment in our season.

“Hopefully, it will inject some more momentum into our season. This was always going to be a tough game. We knew nothing was going to be given to us. Blackburn packed their backline and midfield, and we were probably frustrated that our quality wasn’t quite at its best level.

“It was a real old-fashioned cup tie. The FA Cup has given us momentum, and we’re desperate for that momentum to still be there.”

Newcastle underperformed badly as they were beaten 4-1 at Arsenal at the weekend, and while Howe admitted there was something of a hangover from the Emirates in the early stages of tonight’s game, he also felt his side improved markedly as the game went on.

He said: “I thought our attitude was much better today. We were fighting and giving everything. We weren’t perfect in our performance, but our spirit was there.

“Since I’ve been here, I think our spirit has been there in all bar two games. It has to be there in every game. We spoke honestly after the Arsenal game. I did feel there was a bit of a hangover with the performance, and maybe a little dent in our confidence, but hopefully that will be back after this game.”