Eddie Howe was evidently not exaggerating when, on the eve of kick-off, he described AFC Wimbledon as “well organised”.

If anything it proved quite an understatement as Johnnie Jackson’s League Two players not merely prevented Newcastle from scoring in open play but succeeded in frequently silencing St James’ Park.

It took a coolly dispatched first-half penalty from the excellent Fabian Schär to book Howe’s team an intriguing last 16 tie at home to Chelsea at the end of a night when Wimbledon failed to produce a shot of note on target but their excellent captain Joe Lewis proved obduracy personified at the heart of his team’s central defensive trinity.

Maybe it was more by accident than design but Riley Harbottle proved emblematic of Wimbledon’s collective defiance when Joe Willock’s volley smacked straight into his face.

Not that any of that pair’s similarly committed teammates were exactly shabby as many of a crowd of almost 52,000 probably had to pinch themselves when they recalled that this time last year, Newcastle were beating Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 here in the Champions League.

As recently as last Saturday Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola suggested that Newcastle are “impossible” to contain for a full 90 minutes but, much as Howe’s players dominated around 80% possession and were never in real danger of defeat, Wimbledon made a pretty good fist of thwarting them.

“A brilliant effort from our guys,” said Jackson, who maintained the penalty should never have been awarded.

Howe had reason to thank his lucky stars it was given following a debate between referee and linesman. “Job done,” said Newcastle’s relieved manager. “We’re through to the next round. It was a very difficult game and I’m frustrated with our attacking play but credit to Wimbledon for the way they defended. They frustrated us.”

The tie was supposed to have been played in London a week ago but when torrential rain led to a sinkhole opening up on the sodden Plough Lane pitch postponement beckoned.