Youngsters fall to West Brom
NEWCASTLE United’s first Under-23 game since the departure of Neil Redfearn ended in a 1-0 defeat at Whitley Park.
The Magpies were beaten 1-0 by West Bromwich Albion with Ben Dawson overseeing the game alongside Liam Bramley.
A goal from Nick ClaytonPhilips won it for the Baggies as United suffered a defeat in the Premier League Cup group stages on a soggy pitch in Benton yesterday lunchtime.
The Magpies did not send a coaching representative out from the Academy set-up to speak after a highly-charged week for the club’s second string but Steve Bruce – who watched the game – stated that the club had to “move on” from Redfearn’s departure .
Newcastle were indebted to former Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Jake Turner in the first half as he kept out Jamie Soule on 19 minutes.
In a scrappy contest, United started to get a few glimpses of goal before the break with Luke Charman, skipper for the day, striking the outside of the post on 35 minutes.
Moments later, he fired wide after Josh Scott’s cross had been knocked down by Thomas Allan.
But United went in 1-0 down at the break after Clayton-Philips got ahead of Jamie Sterry and fired home a low shot.
Newcastle pushed for an equaliser in the second half and Dawson introduced teenagers Joe White and Elliot Anderson with half an hour to go. With five minutes left Charman had a header cleared off the line as Newcastle pressed hard.
Anderson had a couple of efforts at goal but could not find a way past the goalkeeper.
The game ended in bright sunshine despite the clash needing a pitch inspection at noon.
But thoughts now move on to the EFL Trophy next Tuesday when United face Port Vale in their final group game before bowing out of this season’s competition.
Dawson (pictured) could well find himself back in charge for the game at Vale Park but Newcastle are looking for a replacement for Redfearn.
The day ended on a high for Newcastle’s Academy with both Joe White and Matty Longstaff called up by England Under-18s and Under 20s.
And shortly after the game Elliot Anderson put pen to paper on his first professional contract.
UNITED: Turner, Sterry, Cass, McEntee, Walters, Allan, Young, Sangare (White 62), J. Scott (Anderson 62), K. Scott, Charman.
WEST BROM : House, Meredith, Harmon, Fitzwater, O’Shea, Harper, Willock, Solanke (Wilding 58), Soule, Azaz (Brown 70), Clayton-Philips.