Knockout show as Magpies edge closer
NEWCASTLE United are on the brink of qualifying for the knockout stages in the Checkatrade Trophy.
The Wembley final may be some distance away for Ben Dawson’s young Magpies, but it was a night of positives again for his side as they put in a convincing display in a 2-0 win over the League Two outfit.
United will book their place in the next stage if they avoid defeat away to League Two strugglers Grimsby Town in their final game in Group G.
Newcastle, donning their light blue third kit, went into the game looking to build on their Group G win against Doncaster Rovers last month and took that big step to qualification to the last 32 with a well deserved victory.
The game started in cautious fashion but after Tom Allan burst into the box, Notts County defender Andy Kellet clumsily shoved over the Toon youngster, referee Alan Young pointed straight to the spot.
Cal Roberts stepped up confidently and fired straight down the middle, with Branislav Pindroch’s slight bit of contact unable to keep the ball out with nine minutes gone.
With 16 minutes on the clock Nathan Harker was tested for the first time as he kept out a header from point-blank range from Nathan Thomas.
Harker then faced a free-kick from 22 yards eight minutes later, but Will Patching curled the ball high and wide.
But Newcastle were causing the home side problems each time they went forward.
Matty Longstaff was pushed up to play number 10 on the night as he operated just behind Elias Sorensen.
The younger brother of Sean had played at right-back against Notts County just five days earlier in an Under-23 game but looked lively in a more advanced position.
Harker was called into action on the half-hour mark when he did brilliantly to palm away a 25-yard free-kick from Thomas.
Harker made another key save with five first-half minutes remaining as he pushed over Kristian Dennis’ powerful swerving effort.
Roberts responded by scooping over a left-footed shot as Newcastle looked to double their advantage.
Newcastle went in at the break with their slender lead still intact on a mild night on the Trent.
Two minutes into the second period, United won a corner with Matty Longstaff’s setpiece almost dipping in to beat Pindroch who had to claw the danger away.
United made it 2-0 on 56 minutes after Sean Longstaff threaded a pass to Sorensen who stabbed home and guided the ball past Pindroch from 18-yards.
The Danish teenager was then left floored after colliding with the post on the hour mark and had to be replaced.
Winger Adam Wilson came on with 28 minutes to go with Newcastle in control.
As the second half reached the midway stage Matty Longstaff drilled an effort straight at Pindroch who held on well.
Mo Sangare came on for the hard-working Matty Longstaff for the last six minutes.
Wilson crossed for Roberts on 87 minutes but he screwed his shot wide after opting to take a touch at the back post.
County did have a couple of half-chances in the last throes of the game but Newcastle looked compact and organised.
The Magpies’ final change came when Spanish teenager Juanito replaced Allan.
Notts County ended the game on the front foot, but Newcastle had the game intelligence to see the encounter out with a clean sheet against Harry Kewell’s side.
They go to Grimsby next month looking to secure that knockout place for certain.