Newcastle United player ratings as 4/10 flop stutters but returning star shows class vs Millwall

In a strange first half, Newcastle produced 11 goal attempts but could not find a way past ex-Gateshead keeper Filip Marschall who made a series of routine stops. At the end of the first half, Fabian Schar should have had a penalty when Caleb Taylor fouled in the box.

Millwall battled hard and made it past the hour mark with the game still goalless as Alex Neil's side scrapped for their Carabao Cup lives. Jaissle turned to his bench and took off Jacob Murphy and Yoane Wissa after ineffective displays with Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Anthony Elanga thrown into the encounter.

Newcastle grabbed the lead with nine minutes left as Harvey Barnes and Matias Fernandez-Pardo linked up well before Lewis Hall's excellent cross found Joe Willock.

Here's how United fared at the New Den:

Lukas Hornicek 7

Got a bit of fortune when Arconte's effort hit the woodwork.

Didn't get it all his own way down the right-hand side as he failed to produce an accurate cross. Taken off at the break for Tino Livramento with 24 touches to his name.

Had a good shout for a couple of penalties in the first half and watched one effort go agonisingly wide. Worryingly, he was sometimes Newcastle's biggest attacking threat. Steered Newcastle home in a much-needed start after nine months with injury woe. Man of the match.

Overcame some second half difficulties to keep Millwall at bay but this wasn't his slickest display in a Toon shirt.

Another bright display as he caused Millwall issues down the left-hand side in both halves and delivered an assist late in the game.

Nico Gonzalez 7

His passing standards never dropped although felt the full force of a gritty Championship side with a mid-game lull.

Not his best night and picked up a yellow card but Newcastle needed his guile at times.

Showed some promise early in the game with an effort that went just over, but his crossing deteriorated with just one accurate ball from nine. Didn't get a shot on target from four goal attempts.

Had some dangerous moments in the first half but kept his cool to net late winner.

Harvey Barnes 7

A hand in the goal and offered presence down the left throughout.

Sadly offered no impact after being asked to lead the line. Failed to get a shot on target and struggled against 6ft 5in Caleb Taylor and 6ft 6in Jake Cooper.

Tino Livramento 6 (for Dedic 46)

Matias Fernandez-Pardo 7 (for Wissa 65)

Played a major part in the opener.

Anthony Elanga (for Murphy 65)

Lewis Miley (for Ramsey 83)

Sean Steur (for Willock 90)

*Subs must play 15 minutes to get a mark