Downbeat from Sunday’s derby defeat, Newcastle received a much-needed boost when Yoane Wissa broke the deadlock in the 10th minute of proceedings at St James’ Park.
The former Brentford striker tapped in from close range after Benjamin Lecomte parried the ball back into the danger zone in his attempt to deal with a low cross.
However, the joy from Wissa’s first Newcastle goal soon subsided, as Fulham produced a swift response to level the scoreline through Saša Lukić.
The midfielder made an undetected run into the box to power a header home from Antonee Robinson’s clipped delivery, representing the left-back’s first assist of an injury-hit campaign.
Lukić’s second goal of the season proved to be the final goal of an intriguing first period, ensuring the last-eight tie remained finely poised at the halfway point.
Eddie Howe’s HT team talk appeared to have a positive impact on the hosts, who showed greater intent to push Fulham back towards their own box after the restart.
Newcastle thought their pressure had yielded a precious reward when Joachim Andersen inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net from Jacob Murphy’s cross, only for the assistant’s raised flag to end the celebrations before they truly began.
Tino Livramento then threatened to restore the Magpies’ lead, forcing Lecomte to dive low down to his left in what proved to be the full-back’s last meaningful act before injury ended his evening prematurely.
The tie appeared to be drifting towards penalties until Newcastle took full advantage of a 92nd-minute corner.
Just seconds after being denied by Lecomte, Miley rose high in the box to send his glancing header beyond the Fulham goalkeeper to spark scenes of jubilation among the home support and end the visitors’ hopes of winning the EFL Cup for the first time.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Lewis Miley (Newcastle United)