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    Loris Karius and stunning Wag Diletta enjoy Milan getaway days before he could make Newcastle debut in Carabao Cup final

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    LORIS KARIUS has been enjoying a break in Milan alongside girlfriend Diletta Leotta ahead of Sunday’s League Cup final.The forgotten German is set to be catapulted back into action on the big stage this weekend as Newcastle take on Manchester United at Wembley.
    Loris Karius and Diletta Leotta have been hanging out in MilanCredit: BackGrid
    Karius and Diletta clamber into a LexusCredit: BackGrid
    Diletta grinned as she headed out with KariusCredit: BackGrid
    Karius, 29, has not featured in a match for an English club since his 2018 Champions League final nightmare for Liverpool.
    But with Nick Pope suspended and Martin Dubravka cup-tied – only local lad Mark Gillespie stands in Toon deputy Karius’ way.
    After Newcastle stars were given Sunday and Monay off, the ponytailed ace was spotted grabbing a bite to eat in Milan, over 1,000 miles away from Newcastle.
    Karius donned a white hoodie, baggy blue jeans and white trainers for his casual lunch date.
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    While Diletta sported a black leather jacket with a pink top, while also wearing blue jeans and white trainers.
    After their food, the pair clambered into a silver Lexus.
    Karius and Diletta have been dating since last year.
    The latter posted a gushing Valentine’s Day message to her man on Instagram last week.
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    Karius donned a baggy white jumperCredit: BackGrid
    Reporter Diletta has been dating Karius since late last yearCredit: @dilettaleotta
    Alongside a heart emoji, she uploaded a series of snaps of the loved-up pair together.
    Karius has not featured for Eddie Howe’s side since signing last summer.
    He has been named on their bench eight times without ever getting on.
    Fellow back-up Karl Darlow was loaned to Hull in January, potentially propelling Karius up the pecking order.
    But that was soon cancelled out by their decision to recall Dubravka, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Man United.
    We have Loris and Mark who have trained really well this seasonEddie Howe
    Follow Pope’s red card against Liverpool, which ruled him out of the final, Howe said: “Nick is really disappointed, as we are for him. He has been magnificent for us.
    “He does not deserve to miss the game but it is what it is. Nick misjudged it and it hit his arm. I think it was harsh and the referee could have given a yellow card.
    “We have Loris and Mark who have trained really well this season, Both are fit. Behind the scenes, they play every day. I have no doubt they are in condition to play the game.”
    Diletta posted loved up snaps of herself with boyfriend KariusCredit: Instagram @dilettaleotta
    Karius trains with the ToonCredit: Getty More

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      Meet Mark Gillespie, the 30-year-old goalkeeper who’s not played for three years vying with Karius to play cup final

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      MEET Mark Gillespie, the 30-year-old Geordie that may be tasked with keeping Marcus Rashford and Co quiet during next weekend’s Carabao Cup final.The little known goalkeeper has been at his boyhood club since the summer of 2020, but you may be forgiven for having let his time at St James’ Park pass you by.
      Mark Gillespie is in line to be involved in the matchday squad at WembleyCredit: Getty
      Gillespie, 30, is ready to ride down Wembley WayCredit: Getty
      That’s because Gillespie hasn’t actually played in a game for the Toon since a penalty shoot-out win over Newport County two-and-half years ago.
      At various points he has found himself stuck behind the likes of Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow.
      But with Pope suspended following his red card against Liverpool, Dubravka cup-tied after featuring in the competition for Manchester United, and Darlow out on loan at Hull; Gillespie may finally have an unlikely shot at glory with his boyhood club.
      All that stands in his way is blunder-ful former Liverpool keeper Loris Karius – best known for his Champions League final mistakes against Real Madrid in 2018.
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      With many assuming that Karius will be the man to play, Eddie Howe made sure to namecheck Gillespie when asked about the situation yesterday.
      He said: “Nick is really disappointed, as we are for him. He has been magnificent for us.
      “He does not deserve to miss the game but it is what it is. Nick misjudged it and it hit his arm. I think it was harsh and the referee could have given a yellow card.
      “We have Loris and Mark who have trained really well this season, Both are fit. Behind the scenes, they play every day. I have no doubt they are in condition to play the game.”
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      But how exactly has Gillespie got to this point?
      The Newcastle-born stopper joined the Magpies at the age of eight, but would move on to Carlisle aged 16 in 2008.
      He broke into their first team in League One, before becoming their undisputed No1 after relegation to League Two.
      Gillespie enjoyed his first special League Cup moments while playing for Carlisle against Tottenham as a 20-year-old in 2012 – earning praise from Andre Villas-Boas and veteran stopper Carlo Cudicini.
      Having made great saves from Iago Falque and Ryan Mason during his side’s 3-0 defeat, Gillespie said: “After the game Carlo Cudicini said ‘good luck’ to me, and I got his shirt, which was nice of him.
      “Their manager also said well done and they are all great role models to look up to. You look at the quality they had on display and you would love to be playing against that regularly. That’s what we have to aspire to.”
      In 2017 he left Brunton Park for fellow League Two outfit Walsall, penning a two-year deal.
      Gillespie started his professional career at League Two CarlisleCredit: PA:Press Association
      The Newcastle-born ace spent one season at WalsallCredit: Reuters
      He lost his place mid-way through his first season, however, with Liam Roberts taking his place.
      Gillespie was on the move again in 2018, signing a two-year contract with Motherwell.
      He went on to make 67 appearances for Well over two seasons despite having initially been No2, earning his place as first choice stopper.
      The 6ft 3in ace earned praise from former Fir Park stalwart Graeme Smith during his time north of the border, who said ahead of a clash with Rangers: “From what I’ve seen of the keeper so far this season he has been really impressive.
      “He makes big saves at big times in games and that’s what Motherwell will need if they are going to get a result. He’s made a difference and has been playing well.”
      Gillespie’s move to Newcastle, initially as No3 goalkeeper, followed in the summer of 2020 – and early on he had some encouraging involvement.
      He played three times in the League Cup during his first campaign, deputising for the injured Dubravka and regularly making Steve Bruce’s matchday squad.
      But those opportunities soon dried up, and Gillespie has only even been named on the bench once this season.
      Gillespie impressed in Scotland for MotherwellCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
      The 6ft 3in stopper has played three times for Newcastle’s first teamCredit: Alamy
      Despite that, Karius is the only man standing between him and a starting berth at Wembley.
      Since his blundering Champions League final heartache nearly five years ago, things haven’t gone swimmingly for the German.
      The 29-year-old played 67 times on loan over two seasons at Besiktas – conceding 95 goals despite his team’s status as one of the biggest in Turkey.
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      He then played just five times for Union Berlin in the 2020-21 season, before returning to Liverpool and not even being named in their squad last term – eventually leaving on a free to sign for Newcastle.
      Karius is yet to debut for the Toon, but will spend the next week battling with Gillespie to start at Wembley next weekend, hoping to shake off those cup final cobwebs of five years ago.
      Loris Karius is vying to start next weekend’s final ahead of GillespieCredit: Getty More

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      Fans all say the same thing as Facundo Pellistri finally makes Man Utd debut in Carabao Cup win against Charlton

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      LAST month Facundo Pellistri had played 182 more minutes at the World Cup for Uruguay than he had for Manchester United. However, last night the 21-year-old finally kicked off his United career by coming off the bench in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
      Facundo Pellistri came off the bench to make his Man Utd debutCredit: AP
      Pellistri signed for the club in October 2020Credit: AFP
      A short but sweet debut for the 21-year-old
      Erik ten Hag only granted Pellistri six minutes plus injury time off the bench against Charlton as he replaced Anthony Elanga late on.
      In his short time on the pitch he showed off his dribbling ability before creating Marcus Rashford’s first goal of the night as he became the first United player to score in eight consecutive home games since Wayne Rooney in 2010.

      And his cameo was enough to convince the Old Trafford faithful he deserves more minutes.
      Taking to Twitter, one user said: “Pellistri deserves to play more man. He looks so sharp.”
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      A second user wrote: “Pellistri also giving Ten Hag something to think about after that cameo, hopefully he gets more game time, very impressive showing from the Uruguayan.”
      A third said: “Need to see more of Pellestri. Did so well off the bench and got an assist on his debut. Definitely an option moving forward.”
      A fourth user pleaded: “I want to see more of Pellestri!”
      With Pellistri convincing fans he warrants more game time, many called for him to be elevated above Elanga – who played through the middle last night – in the squad pecking order.
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      One user’s analysis read: “Facundo Pellistri has to stay & be given a chance at United. He’s a much better option than Elanga. Brings something different from the right-wing.”
      Another user added: “Get Pellestri more game time! Offers more in 5 minutes than Elanga has in 5 months.”
      After finally making his debut following his arrival in October 2020, Pellistri took to Twitter to celebrate.
      He said: “The day has come! 🤯. Happy to make my official debut! ♥️”
      The winger clearly left an impression on Ten Hag as well, with the Dutchman saying: “I see a future in Facundo Pellistri, it’s very clear that he’s progressing.
      “I was also happy with him in the World Cup. Well done, keep going.”
      He added: “He’s come on and had an effect so that’s the next step. I say well done, better, and keep going.”
      According to Jonas Hen Shrag, Pellistri has already “received formal January loan offers” from both Valencia and Flamengo, but considering his impressive debut he may have earned a spot in the team going forward. More

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      ‘How is this real?’ – Watch Southampton incredibly miss three-on-one with goalkeeper as Che Adams somehow fails to score

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      SOUTHAMPTON somehow failed to score when three-on-one with the goalkeeper last night.The Saints were back in domestic action as they took on Lincoln City in the League Cup.

      Che Adams led a three-on-one counter attackCredit: Twitter / @SouthamptonPage
      The 26-year-old somehow botched the chanceCredit: Twitter / @SouthamptonPage
      The League One side took a surprise lead after just two minutes via Gavin Bazunu’s own goal.
      Nathan Jones’ side fought back, however, with Scotland international Che Adams equalising on 25 minutes.
      The forward bagged again on 74 minutes to give his side the lead, but he should have contributed to another goal late on.
      Lincoln desperately threw bodies forward as they tried to find an equaliser at St Mary’s.
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      In doing so the Imps left huge gaps in their defence, which were somehow not exploited by their top flight hosts.
      Adams went through in the fourth and final minute of stoppage time, with just goalkeeper Carl Rushworth to beat.
      The 26-year-old had Stuart Armstrong and Mohamed Elyounoussi up with him, and could easily have squared to either.
      He tried to go it alone, however, clearly hunting a hat-trick.
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      In a farcical scene, Adams sat Rushworth down THREE times, but didn’t pull the trigger.
      On his fourth feint he finally shot at goal, only to be denied by a heroic Rushworth save.
      Adams’ profligacy drew fury from Armstrong and particularly Elyounoussi, who felt he should have been more unselfish.
      Saints had missed arguably an even better chance just two minutes earlier.
      Again Southampton caught Lincoln out, with Elyounoussi racing through.
      The Norwegian was unselfish, squaring for 19-year-old team-mate Samuel Edozie.
      With the goal gaping Edozie somehow fired wide, holding his head in his hands after doing so.
      Despite their wastefulness, Saints managed to win 2-1 to book their place in the next round.
      But regardless, fans online couldn’t believe what they were seeing.
      One asked: “How is this real?”
      While a second cursed: “Oh my f***ing god. I didn’t need to see this.”
      A third beleaguered supporter tweeted: “You do just have to laugh though at this point.”
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      And another added: “Desperate for the hat-trick. Doesn’t look great.”
      But a further fan opted to give credit to Rushworth, tweeting: “When all hope looks lost… fair play to the Lincoln City keeper!”
      Adams, 26, somehow couldn’t complete his hat-tricksCredit: Getty
      The Scotland forward wasn’t too popular with his team-mates after refusing to square itCredit: Getty More

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      How Man Utd could line up against Burnley in Carabao Cup with Rashford and Maguire in line to feature after World Cup

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      ERIK TEN HAG faces a massive gamble with his World Cup stars as he continues his quest for Manchester United’s first trophy in five years.The Dutchman must put together a patched-up side for Wednesday night’s visit of Championship leaders Burnley in an EFL Cup fourth round return to action.
      Erik ten Hag could have some tricky selections to makeCredit: PA
      Lisandro Martinez will not be available for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      With nine of his squad only returning from international duty for a first training session on Tuesday morning Ten Hag will be scratching his head on whether to risk any of them.
      But Harry Maguire who played almost every minute of England’s heartbreak campaign could be one of them.
      And the Three Lions centre half – who Ten Hag has told can leave if he is not happy to fight for his place – may well be up for the gamble.
      The £85M star is certain to start United’s first Premier League game back against Nottingham Forest on December 27.
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      That is because Argentina’s Lisandro Martinez and Frenchman Raphael Varane are not due back for a further week, resting following Sunday’s heart-stopping World Cup final triumph led by triumphant Lionel Messi.
      Maguire, Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Fred and Antony are all back, however.
      And Ten Hag insists he will consider them all.
      He stressed as the World Cup action unfolded : “We have a plan, we have prepared the players with what the plan is so there can’t be any confusion about what the programme is.
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      “We make the players aware of the fact that, after you are out of the World Cup, you have to return to the club and the league immediately goes on.
      “You have to be ready for that but I think our players are used to it.
      “Our players are winners and they were battling for the World Cup and in the moment they are out and hopefully one is the winner, but then they have to deal with that.
      “With the success they have, or the defeats, they have to deal with it and of course they have to be ready for another challenge.”
      How ready they will be will be a huge matter of concern for Ten Hag.
      For instance Brazilian contingent Fred, Antony and Casemiro were knocked out of the World Cup 11 days ago, so won’t have trained for 12 days until Tuesday’s return. The quintet of England and Portugal players were beaten 10 days ago, so have gone 11 days without a training session.
      Ten Hag knows throwing any of the nine into a clash with Vincent Kompany’s ambitious Clarets could threaten injury.
      But with his numbers so badly depleted he may have no choice and instead name a scratch team with bigger, returning stars on the bench awaiting any SOS call in the game.
      There might even be a return for forgotten man Phil Jones to play alongside Victor Lindelof at the back.
      He hasn’t played a minute under new boss Ten Hag and managed only five appearances last season.
      Another alternative to starting Maguire would be to play midfielder Scott McTominay as a centre-half – a role he has occupied for Scotland.
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      That would mean bringing in fresh-faced and mainly untried wannabees like Zidane Iqbal who has yet to play competitively for the United first team.
      At least Ten Hag can rely on left wing prodigy Alejandro Garnacho up front while Anthony Martial, now his side’s No1 striker, will face Burnley.

      Alejandro Garnacho will hope to pick up from where he left off last monthCredit: Getty More

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      How Arsenal could line up against Brighton in Carabao Cup with Arteta to bring in squad players to give first team rest

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      MIKEL ARTETA is set to shuffle his pack as Arsenal take on Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.The Seagulls clash will be Arsenal’s 11th game since the start of November, with the Europa League having made for a gruelling schedule.

      Fabio Vieira is among the Arsenal fringe players that could be handed a startCredit: Getty
      With Arteta, 40, having selected strong teams in order to top the Gunners’ Europa League group, Wednesday night could finally provide an opportunity to fully rotate.
      Aaron Ramsdale may remain between the sticks, however, as he did for the last pair of European games – although American Matt Turner will hope to receive an opportunity.
      Takehiro Tomiyasu is out with a muscular injury, with Cedric Soares potentially in line to make his first start of the season at right-back.
      Kieran Tierney is set to come back in for Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back – with Rob Holding being awarded a rare start in the middle.
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      Holding could be partnered by Gabriel Magalhaes, after the Brazilian missed out on a place in his country’s World Cup squad.
      This would give William Saliba and Ben White the night off.
      Mohamed Elneny is back from a thigh injury and may partner Albert Sambi Lokonga in midfield – with Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey awarded rare rests.
      Teenage winger Marquinhos will hope to grab a start on the right wing, despite reports of a potential January loan move.
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      Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard could be rotated – as well as Gabriel Martinelli, who HAS made Brazil’s World Cup squad for Qatar.
      Reiss Nelson will likely be given a chance on the left after his recent two-goal cameo against Nottingham Forest, although Emile Smith Rowe remains out with a groin injury.
      Gabriel Jesus, another to be named in the Brazil squad, could be rested – with Eddie Nketiah stepping in to start.
      Reiss Nelson will hope to make the most of his latest opportunityCredit: Getty More

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      EFL Cup second-round results: Fulham KO’d by lowly Crawley but Prem sides get through – and Jimenez celebrates as pirate

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      CRAWLEY shocked Fulham in the biggest upset of a busy night of Carabao Cup second round action.Boss Kevin Betsy got one over his former side as he masterminded a brilliant result for the League Two side.
      Crawley Town brilliantly beat Fulham 2-0Credit: Rex
      Raul Jimenez was the pirate of the Carabao for WolvesCredit: Getty
      Striker Tom Nichols struck his team into a 16th minute lead, before emulating Kansas City ace Lo’Eau Labonta in feigning injury before TWERKING in celebration.
      James Balagizi made it 2-0 in the 49th minute – with Marco Silva’s much-changed side unable to get back into the game.
      Leicester City, meanwhile, got away with one at League Two Stockport.
      Brendan Rodgers made ten changes to his side for the trip to Edgeley Park, and subsequently watched them fail to score against newly-promoted County.
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      The Foxes scraped past their lowly opponents on penalties, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall netting the winning spot kick in the 3-1 shoot-out triumph.
      Elsewhere, Premier League Bournemouth just about squeezed past Norwich at Carrow Road.
      Jordan Hugill gave Dean Smith’s side a 22nd minute lead, only for Emiliano Marcondes to equalise on the stroke of half-time.
      The Cherries hammered on the door as they tried to find a winner, before Adam Idah tapped home Teemu Pukki’s centre seven minutes from time.
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      Carabao Cup results
      Barrow 2 Lincoln 2 (Lincoln win 3-1 on pens)
      Bolton 1 Aston Villa 4
      Bradford 1 Blackburn 2
      Cambridge 0 Southampton 3
      Colchester 0 Brentford 2
      Crawley 2 Fulham 0
      Derby 1 West Brom 0
      Fleetwood 0 Everton 1
      Gillingham 0 Exeter 0 (Gills win 6-5 on pens)
      Grimsby 0 Nottingham Forest 3
      Newport 3 Portsmouth 2
      Norwich 2 Bournemouth 2 (B’mouth win 5-3 on pens)
      Oxford 0 Crystal Palace 2
      Rotherham 0 Morecambe 1
      Sheffield Wednesday 3 Rochdale 0
      Shrewsbury 0 Burnley 1
      Stevenage 1 Peterborough 0
      Stockport 0 Leicester 0 (Leicester win 3-1 on pens)
      Watford 0 MK Dons 2
      Wolves 2 Preston 1
      Walsall 0 Charlton 1

      That wasn’t the final action, however, with Brooklyn Genesini equalising for Scott Parker’s side in the 92nd minute, and Bournemouth going on to win it 5-3 on penalties.
      Other Prem sides were forced to survive scares against lower league opposition.
      MADE TO WORK
      Aston Villa went 1-0 down at League One Bolton, but managed to equalise when Douglas Luiz’s corner curled all the way in.
      Danny Ings then gave them the lead from the penalty spot, before Lucas Digne and Leon Bailey sealed an eventually comfortable 4-1 win.
      Everton grabbed a much-needed 1-0 victory at League One Fleetwood via Demarai Gray’s first-half strike.
      While Wolves beat Championship Preston 2-1 at Molineux, with Raul Jimenez brilliantly donning an eye-patch and hook in a pirate-themed celebration.
      Adama Traore doubled Bruno Lage’s side’s lead with a brilliant effort, before Ben Woodburn got Preston back into the contest.
      COMFORTABLY THROUGH
      Nottingham Forest, having signed 16 players this summer, relied on two stars that were there last season as they won 3-0 at Grimsby.
      Ryan Yates got the scoring underway, before a Sam Surridge brace made it comfortable.
      Southampton were similarly comfy at Cambridge, with Che Adams at the double and Dominic Ballard scoring in a 3-0 win.
      Brentford won 2-0 at League Two Colchester via goals by Keane Lewis-Potter and Mads Bech Sorensen – while Crystal Palace waited until the final 20 minutes for Odsonne Edouard and Luka Milivojevic to net in a 2-0 triumph at Oxford.
      MK Dons surprisingly find themselves 22nd in League One… but managed to win 2-0 at Championship high-flyers Watford thanks to goals by Matthew Dennis and Darragh Burns.
      While Louie Sibley’s 15th minute strike was enough for third-tier Derby to beat Steve Bruce’s West Brom 1-0 at Pride Park.
      Arthur Gnahoua’s 72nd minute goal saw Derek Adams’ Morecambe of League One win 1-0 at Championship Rotherham United.
      And Jamie Reid’s dramatic 93rd minute winner saw League Two surprise package Stevenage beat League One promotion hopefuls Peterborough at the Lamex.
      GETTING IT DONE
      Vincent Kompany’s new-look Burnley had 81 per cent possession as they beat Shrewsbury 1-0 courtesy of Samuel Bastien’s 50th minute goal.
      Dilan Markanday bagged the winner as Blackburn came back from 1-0 down to win 2-1 at Bradford, while Sheffield Wednesday comfortably defeated managerless Rochdale 3-0.
      Diallang Jaiyesimi’s calm second-half effort saw Charlton prevail 1-0 at Walsall, while Lincoln needed a 3-1 penalty shoot-out win to overcome Barrow after Jordan Garrick’s 92nd minute goal levelled the match at 2-2 for the Imps.
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      Newport came back from 2-1 down to beat Portsmouth 3-2, with James Waite scoring a 74th minute winner for League Two’s perennial giant killers.
      Meanwhile, Gillingham beat Exeter 6-5 on penalties after a forgettable 0-0 draw at Priestfields.
      Kieran Dewsbury-Hall netted the winning penalty as Leicester squeezed throughCredit: Reuters
      Douglas Luiz scored direct from a cornerCredit: Reuters More