Lejeune makes return in U23s derby draw
NEWCASTLE United defender Florian Lejeune got through his comeback game unscathed in front of a watching Steve Bruce at Whitley Park.
The Frenchman banked 45 minutes in the Premier League 2 clash with Middlesbrough and showed some good touches in his first game since sustaining a serious knee injury in April during the Premier League defeat by Crystal Palace.
Lejeune could return to the first-team picture for Saturday’s trip to West Ham or next week’s home game against Bournemouth.
And he watched on from the tunnel as the Toon youngsters fought back from 2-0 down at the break to secure a point.
The Magpies tried to get on the front foot in the early stages but failed to create any clear-cut chances. Boro also started slowly but were ruthless in front of goal.
They grabbed the lead on 33 minutes when Marc Bola’s cross picked out Stephen Walker, who turned Ludwig Francillette and finished well.
With Newcastle still shell-shocked from the opener, Boro then poured forward to double their lead.
Bola again was the supplier and this time Ben Liddle slammed home in the penalty area to put Boro in control.
Newcastle tried to respond before the break with a half-chance for Victor Fernandez but he could not finish.
On 39 minutes, Mo Sangare played in Thomas Allan but the forward rolled his effort wide of the target.
Newcastle replaced Lejeune with Oisin McEntee after 45 minutes.
Newcastle started the second half with more zeal as Jack Young sent an early shot wide.
Two more changes before the hour mark followed, with Josh Scott replacing Fernandez and Jamie Sterry hooked for Kyle Scott.
Sangare won the ball in midfield before making a driving run but his low effort struck the foot of Zach Hemming in the Boro goal on 58 minutes.
Charman turned and shot with 15 minutes to go but again the ball rolled the wrong side of the upright.
But 19-year-old Young hit the jackpot two minutes later with a dipping effort that beat Hemming from outside the box.
Within a minute, Young twisted and turned in the penalty area but sent his shot just wide of the post. Charman also tried his luck with three minutes to go but his shot flew just over the bar.
However, the young Magpies found an equaliser in stoppage time as Young’s free-kick caused havoc in the box.
And it was the young Irishman McEntee that converted from close range to secure a point for Redfearn’s boys.